%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F15107%2Fimages%2F1742406588326image-2025-03-20t014944.133.png&w=1200&q=100)
Caught a Smallmouth Bass Fishing in Buchanan Dam
Smallmouth Bass Fishing in Buchanan Dam
%2F%2Fusers%2F18c20dcf-6507-43d3-ab15-68797f362989%2Fimages%2Fsmallmouth-bass-buchanan-dam-tx-10515.png&w=1200&q=75)
The Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu) is one of North America's most prized freshwater gamefish, known for its aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. These fish thrive in the clear, rocky waters of Buchanan Dam, where they typically range from 12-27 inches in length and 1-4 pounds in weight. - Smallmouth Bass prefer cooler, clearer water than their largemouth cousins. - They're especially active in early morning and evening hours during summer months. - Their diet consists primarily of crawfish, minnows, and various aquatic insects.
Guided Fishing Trip by Guide Randy Fesler in December
Meet your Guide Randy Fesler
- Lake LBJ and Lake Buchanan Bass Fishing Guide
Summary
Sunday July was the perfect time for Smallmouth Bass fishing at Buchanan Dam. The partly cloudy skies created ideal conditions as we set out on a productive half-day fishing trip. This Buchanan Dam guided fishing trip delivered consistent action, with multiple species including Florida Bass, Largemouth Bass, and Smallmouth Bass all making appearances. We used a variety of successful techniques including trolling near the dam structure, live bait fishing in the deeper pockets, and crankbait casting along promising structures. For anglers looking for a reliable bass fishing experience in central Texas, Buchanan Dam offers some of the best summer action you'll find anywhere in the state. The morning bite was particularly strong, making our early launch time well worth it.
Fishing Guide with Randy Fesler – Rates & Booking
Guide Randy Fesler of Reel Texas Fishing Tours on Sunday July offers half-day fishing trips that put you right on the Smallmouth Bass action. Our guided fishing trips include all the necessary tackle, bait, and equipment you'll need for a successful day on the water. We specialize in early morning launches when the fish are most active, particularly during the summer months when the bass fishing at Buchanan Dam is at its peak. As your experienced local guide, I'll show you the most productive spots around the dam and teach you the techniques that consistently produce results.
Highlights of This Guided Fishing Trip
This half-day fishing adventure at Buchanan Dam focuses on multiple bass species, with Smallmouth Bass being a particular highlight. We'll target these hard-fighting fish using proven methods including trolling near the dam structure, which produced an 11-inch Florida Bass within our first hour on a recent trip. We'll also employ live bait fishing techniques that recently landed a hefty 17-inch Largemouth Bass – definitely a trip highlight.
Throughout your trip, we'll keep moving and adjusting our tactics to maximize your chances of success. The partly cloudy summer conditions at Buchanan Dam create perfect opportunities for consistent action, and as your guide, I'll ensure you're in the right spots at the right times. Whether you're new to bass fishing or an experienced angler looking to improve your technique, this trip offers something for everyone.
Local Species Insights: Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass at Buchanan Dam thrive in the rocky structures and deeper waters around the dam itself. These powerful fighters are known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights, making them a favorite target for many anglers. During summer months, we typically find them holding near rocky points, submerged humps, and along the deeper edges of underwater structures.
The most productive technique for Smallmouth Bass here involves crankbaits worked along rocky drop-offs, especially during morning hours when they're actively feeding. Live bait presentations with minnows or crawfish imitations are also highly effective when the bite gets tough. What makes Buchanan Dam special is the quality of Smallmouth you can catch here – healthy, strong fish that will test your skills and provide memorable battles.
Plan Your Guided Fishing Trip Day
For your Buchanan Dam fishing adventure, we recommend wearing comfortable clothes appropriate for the weather, including sun protection and a hat. Our boat is well-equipped with all the necessary safety gear, comfortable seating, and storage for your personal items. We provide quality rods, reels, and tackle suited to the techniques we'll be using, plus all bait and lures.
Half-day trips typically begin early morning (around 6-7 AM during summer months) to take advantage of the prime fishing period. We can accommodate anglers of all skill levels, from complete beginners to experienced fishermen looking to improve their technique or learn the local waters. For the best experience, bring a camera to capture your catches, sunscreen, and a small cooler for drinks and snacks.
Fishing in Austin: Smallmouth Bass
The Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu) is a highly prized member of the Centrarchidae family, belonging to the order Perciformes. Distinguished by its bronze-green coloration, vertical dark bars, and red eyes, this species is renowned among anglers for its pound-for-pound fighting ability that exceeds many other freshwater fish. In Buchanan Dam waters this July, Smallmouth Bass are particularly active near rocky structures and drop-offs.
Smallmouth Bass Overview
Often called "bronzebacks" due to their distinctive coloration, Smallmouth Bass are muscular, compact predators that thrive in clear, cool waters with rocky or gravelly bottoms. Anglers prize them for their aggressive strikes and spectacular aerial acrobatics when hooked, making them one of North America's premier sportfish.
Smallmouth Bass Habitat and Distribution
Smallmouth Bass prefer cooler, clearer water than their largemouth cousins, typically inhabiting rocky areas, gravel beds, and areas with moderate current. At Buchanan Dam, they're commonly found around submerged rocky points, riprap areas near the dam structure, and along deeper drop-offs that provide access to both feeding areas and deeper water refuge when temperatures rise.
Smallmouth Bass Size and Weight
Typical Smallmouth Bass range from 12 to 27 inches in length and weigh between 1 and 4 pounds. Trophy specimens exceeding 5 pounds are considered exceptional catches, though they're certainly possible in productive waters like Buchanan Dam where forage is abundant and habitat conditions are optimal.
Smallmouth Bass Diet and Behavior
These opportunistic predators feed primarily on crawfish, smaller fish, and aquatic insects. They're known for their aggressive feeding behavior, often striking baits with explosive force. Smallmouth are most active during dawn and dusk, though in deeper waters they may feed throughout the day. They tend to be more active in slightly cooler water temperatures than largemouth bass.
Smallmouth Bass Spawning Season
In Texas waters like Buchanan Dam, Smallmouth Bass typically spawn when water temperatures reach 55-65°F, usually in April through early May. Males construct nests in gravel or rocky areas in 2-20 feet of water, then guard the eggs and fry aggressively for several weeks after hatching. During this period, they're particularly territorial and may strike lures out of aggression rather than hunger.
Smallmouth Bass Fishing Techniques
For Smallmouth Bass at Buchanan Dam, three techniques consistently produce results: First, casting tube jigs or creature baits along rocky points and drop-offs, using a slow drag-and-hop retrieve. Second, working small crankbaits parallel to riprap or rocky banks, particularly early in the morning. Third, using live crawfish or minnows on a drop-shot rig around submerged structure. In July, anglers around Buchanan Dam find them holding in slightly deeper water (15-25 feet) near main lake points with access to deeper water.
Smallmouth Bass Is It Good to Eat?
Smallmouth Bass offers excellent table fare, with firm, white, flaky meat that has a clean, mild flavor compared to many freshwater species. They contain less fat than largemouth bass, resulting in a slightly sweeter taste. Popular preparation methods include grilling, baking, or pan-frying fillets. Nutritionally, they're a good source of lean protein and contain beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, though as with all freshwater predators, consumption advisories should be checked.
Smallmouth Bass Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Smallmouth Bass?
A: At Buchanan Dam, the most consistent producers are tube jigs in green pumpkin or brown/orange colors that imitate crawfish, 3-4 inch swimbaits in natural baitfish colors, and live crawfish when conditions are tough. During summer, early morning topwater presentations with walking baits or poppers can produce exciting strikes.
Q: Where can I find Smallmouth Bass near Buchanan Dam?
A: Look for rocky points, riprap areas along the dam structure, submerged humps with mixed rock and gravel, and the edges of deeper channels. During summer months, focus on areas where deeper water meets structure, particularly in the 15-30 foot range where fish can quickly move between feeding zones and cooler refuge areas.
Q: Is Smallmouth Bass good to eat?
A: Yes, Smallmouth Bass has excellent eating qualities with firm, white meat and a mild, clean flavor. They're generally considered tastier than largemouth bass by many anglers, with less of the muddy flavor sometimes found in fish from warmer, muddier waters.
Q: When is the best time to catch Smallmouth Bass?
A: At Buchanan Dam, early morning and late evening are prime times during summer months. In spring (April-May), they can be targeted throughout the day around spawning areas. Fall offers excellent fishing as bass feed heavily to prepare for winter, while winter requires slower, deeper presentations. The summer dawn bite at Buchanan Dam is particularly productive for larger smallmouth.
