smallmouth spawn

[Dan:]

I was just fishing for smallmouth and I realized I had been applying assumptions and understandings of the largemouth spawn to the smallmouth.

So here's the question for you smallmouth experts. What are some major differences in the spawn for smallmouth and largemouth? I'm looking for info on water temperature, bed depths and ground composition, and general spawn behaviors.

[jaystraw]

I'm pretty much new here and I'm sure there are folks that know more than I do, but I think that smallmouth generally spawn in deeper and clearer water than Larry', and also start at a lower temp.  I think somewhere in the 50's for spawn in 3 to 15 feet of water.

[roadwarrior]

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1208701301

Perhaps the main difference is bottom composition. Smallmouth will seek gravel flats if they are available. Otherwise, hard bottoms (rock) in general. Also, if current is an option, smallmouth will spawn in current. On a river, gravel flats are highly prized breeding areas.

The temperature question is debatable, but as I noted in the previous thread, Tennessee River smallmouth spawn with temperatures either side of 50 degrees. Light seems to play a more important role in determining the season.

8-)

[smallieking]

i have already caught smallies and bucketmouths fishing the exact same spot during the spawn    it was around a steeper bank with a hard bottom but a lot of timber too   the largemouths were closer to shore the smallies were out alittle bit farther

[TeamBerettaGold]

Perhaps the main difference is bottom composition. Smallmouth will seek gravel flats if they are available. Otherwise, hard bottoms (rock) in general. Also, if current is an option, smallmouth will spawn in current. On a river, gravel flats are highly prized breeding areas.

8-)

x2.  I think the bottom comp is a pretty big factor in smallmouth spawn.  Ive got a spot on a local river that there is a gravel flat with current, you would never know it was there unless you walked in the water and felt the bottom with your feet, only about 3 feet at the top, maybe 4-5 on two sides, but it is surrounded by bigger rocks and mud/sand bottom.  When the water is at spawn temp, I can go and fish this flat and catch 20 or 30 smallies in 20 or 30 casts, if I move down about 100 yards to the rock bottom Im lucky if I catch 5 or 6 fish.  I believe that this is true because the smallies have the option of spawning on the gravel, and choose to over the rocks.  This is about the only spot on the river with a good concentration of gravel bottom, and the smallies sure do flock to it come spawn time.