Smallmouth Bass

Knoxville, Tennessee, offers fantastic smallmouth bass fishing opportunities throughout the year, but success hinges on understanding the forage and water conditions. The Holston, French Broad, and Little Tennessee Rivers converge here, creating diverse habitats that hold good populations of smallies. Spring is prime time as the fish move shallow to spawn, followed by excellent summer fishing in deeper, cooler waters. Fall can also be productive as they feed heavily before winter. Focus on rocky structures, ledges, and current breaks. Local tip: Access to the rivers is readily available via numerous public boat ramps and wade-fishing spots, but be aware of fluctuating water levels, especially after heavy rains. Natural presentations are key – think crawfish imitations, tubes, and jerkbaits. Adjust your depth and retrieve based on the water temperature and current. The smallmouth here tend to be opportunistic feeders, so matching the prevalent forage is crucial. Don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques and presentations until you find what works.