Smallmouth Bass

While Elmira, Missouri, isn't typically known as a smallmouth bass hotspot, you can find them in certain stretches of the smaller rivers and creeks in the surrounding area. The key is to target the rocky, clear-water sections of these waterways. Spring and early summer, when the water is warming up, and fall, when the fish are actively feeding before winter, tend to be the best times to target them. Focus your efforts around riffles, pools, and submerged boulders. A practical tip for this area is to use lightweight spinning gear with natural-looking lures like small crankbaits, tubes, or crayfish imitations. Access can be a bit challenging as many of these creeks run through private land, so be sure to check for public access points or obtain permission before fishing. The smallmouth in this area aren't huge, but they are scrappy and provide a fun challenge for anglers.