Smallmouth Bass

If you're heading to Coal Center, Pennsylvania, for smallmouth bass, you're likely targeting the Monongahela River. This stretch of the 'Mon' offers surprisingly good smallie fishing, especially around rocky areas, submerged structure, and current breaks. The best time to target them here is late spring through fall, with the pre-spawn period in May and early June being particularly productive. Look for areas where tributaries enter the river, as these often hold concentrations of fish. A local tip: Access can be tricky in some spots, so research public access points and boat launches beforehand. The water clarity can vary greatly depending on recent rainfall, so be prepared to adjust your lure selection accordingly. In clearer water, natural-colored baits work well, while brighter colors can be more effective in stained conditions. The Monongahela River smallmouth are known for their fight, so hold on tight!