Summer · Updated April 2026

Best Lures for Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass take over the same Great Lakes rivers that hold steelhead in spring and fall. Tubes, drop-shots, topwater, and crankbaits are the proven summer arsenal. The best smallmouth lures match local forage — crayfish, gobies, and minnows. These are the picks that put bronzebacks on the bank from May through October.

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Our Top Pick

BASSDASH Versatile Men's Women's Fishing Photography Vest with Mesh Back 6 Sizes

BASSDASH Versatile Men's Women's Fishing Photography Vest with Mesh Back 6 Sizes

BASSDASH fishing vest with mesh back and multiple pockets - perfect for Great Lakes steelhead and trout fishing adventures.

$38.98 ★ 4.5

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Top Picks at a Glance

BASSDASH Versatile Men's Women's Fishing Photography Vest with Mesh Back 6 Sizes

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Top Brass Original Bead Peg-It - Clear, Natural Silicone Fishing Accessory/Bead Pegging System - Perfect for Bass Finesse Rigs/Salmon Egg, Steelhead, Trout Bead Rigs - Six Packages

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100 Pcs Fishing Lures Ploppers Equipment Tackle Gear Box for Bass, Floating Rotating Tail, Hard Fish Kit with Soft Lure,Hooks, Accessories Tools,Plastic Bait, Swimbait

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Buyer's Guide

Tubes are king

A 3.5–4 inch tube on a 1/8 to 1/4 oz tube head is the most consistent smallmouth bait in Great Lakes rivers. Match the bottom — green pumpkin, brown, or smoke for clear water; chartreuse or watermelon for stained.

Topwater for the morning

Walk-the-dog baits (Spook Jr.), poppers, and buzzbaits are explosive in the first two hours of light. Smallmouth crush topwater all summer.

Crankbaits for covering water

Square-bill crankbaits in 1.5–2 inch sizes get bites in current and rocky structure. Crayfish patterns dominate.

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BASSDASH Versatile Men's Women's Fishing Photography Vest with Mesh Back 6 Sizes

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Frequently Asked Questions

Best smallmouth lure for rivers?

A 3.5-inch tube on a 1/8 oz head, in green pumpkin or brown. Catches bronzebacks in every Great Lakes river they swim in.

Can I use steelhead spinning gear for smallmouth?

Yes — a 9-foot medium-light spinning rod handles both species. Many anglers don't even change setups when transitioning seasons.

Topwater all summer long?

Mostly first and last light. Midday topwater works on overcast days, shaded banks, and after thunderstorms. In bright sun, drop down to subsurface.

Best line for smallmouth in rivers?

8 to 10 pound mono or 15-pound braid with an 8-pound fluorocarbon leader. Smallmouth aren't leader-shy in stained water; in clear water fluoro helps.

Keep Reading

Rods

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Reels

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