Smallmouth Bass

Prior Lake, despite its reputation for largemouth bass, also holds a respectable population of smallmouth bass, offering a diverse angling experience. Anglers targeting smallmouth should focus on the rocky points, submerged humps, and deeper weed edges. Early spring and late fall are excellent times to target these fish, as they tend to be more active in cooler water temperatures. Crankbaits, jerkbaits, and tubes are all effective lures for Prior Lake smallmouth. A key local tip is to pay attention to wind direction; smallmouth often congregate on the windward side of the lake, where the waves stir up food. While Prior Lake smallmouth may not reach the trophy sizes found in some other Minnesota lakes, they are still a challenging and rewarding species to target. The lake's clear water allows for sight fishing opportunities on calm days, adding another dimension to the experience. The public access points provide ample opportunity to launch your boat and explore the lake's varied structure in pursuit of these bronzebacks.