Smallmouth Bass

If you're after smallmouth bass near Saddlebrooke, Missouri, Table Rock Lake is your primary destination. While largemouth get most of the attention, Table Rock boasts a healthy population of hard-fighting smallies. Focus your efforts on rocky shorelines, bluff walls, and gravel flats, especially during the spring and fall. Look for areas with current or wind, as this oxygenates the water and attracts baitfish. A float trip down the James River arm of Table Rock can also be productive, allowing you to cover a lot of water and target those rocky banks. Local knowledge suggests using crankbaits or tubes in crawfish patterns, as these mimic the smallmouth's natural prey. Also, be prepared for some deep-water fishing; smallmouth in Table Rock often suspend near submerged timber or structure.