Smallmouth Bass

The Monongahela River near Fayette City holds a decent population of smallmouth bass, offering anglers a chance to tangle with these hard-fighting fish. Focus your efforts on areas with rocky bottoms, current breaks, and submerged structure. The best times to target smallmouth are in the spring, during their pre-spawn and spawning periods, and again in the fall as they aggressively feed before winter. Tube baits, crankbaits, and topwater lures can all be effective, depending on the water conditions and time of year. A local tip: Pay close attention to water clarity. Smallmouth prefer clearer water, so target areas upstream or where tributaries enter the river. Access to the river is available at several points, but a boat or kayak will allow you to cover more water and reach less-pressured areas. The smallmouth in this section of the Mon are known for their aggressive strikes and powerful runs, providing a thrilling experience for anglers of all skill levels.