Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass fishing near Royal City, Washington, often means heading to the Potholes Reservoir, a diverse fishery that offers excellent opportunities for bronzebacks. Focus your efforts on rocky points, submerged humps, and riprap areas along the dam. Smallmouth are structure-oriented fish, so look for areas with changes in depth or bottom composition. Crankbaits, tube baits, and drop-shot rigs are all effective techniques. Spring and fall are the peak seasons for smallmouth fishing, as they are more active in cooler water temperatures. A key tip for fishing the Potholes is to pay attention to wind direction. Smallmouth often congregate on the windward side of structures, where the wind is blowing baitfish. The smallmouth in the Potholes Reservoir can range from smaller fish to impressive specimens exceeding 5 pounds, so be prepared for a good fight. Also, be aware of potential algae blooms during the summer months, which can impact fishing conditions.