Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass fishing near McCleary, Washington, might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but the Chehalis River system offers some decent action for these hard-fighting fish. While not a trophy fishery, the Chehalis and its tributaries hold a healthy population of smallmouths. Look for rocky areas, submerged logs, and current breaks. The best time to target them is during the warmer months, from late spring through early fall. Focus your efforts in the main Chehalis River channel and the lower reaches of its larger tributaries near their confluence. A good access point is the boat launch in Elma, which provides easy access to the river. Local smallmouths tend to be in the 1-3 pound range, and they readily take crankbaits, jigs, and topwater lures. Keep an eye out for submerged timber, as it can be a hotspot for bass but also snaggy.