Bass fishing pressure and size distribution

[Kevin J Legg]

Anyone else noticing the lack of small bass in the river. Haven’t caught or seen many posted that are 13” or shorter. Where are the smaller fish? Many fish seem to be 15-18” and larger. This is concerning to me as I question if new fish are being produced. If you’re spent anytime on the water you you’re aware of the huge number of bass boats hitting the lake and  river this week.
  On the other hand, I’ve been catching more undersized walleyes this year and a mix of walleyes ranging from 12-30” which to me is a sign of a healthy fishery.

[Mrpike59]

We caught quite a few under size lg mouth on Thursday in the river

[Jason F]

I haven’t targeted bass at all yet this year, but did pick up 3 in the 8-10” when I was perch fishing in the spring.

[HB2]

If it makes you feel better , I have been getting a fair amount down where I fish in the 6 to 10" range . 

 

I find they are generally in different spots than the bigger ones . 

[Grady95]

Have to agree about the number of smaller bass.  I generally do not target them either but what I have noticed is those bass I pick up in the areas where I am trolling sticks for walleyes have been so big it's almost comical.  I can't get my hands around some of these fish.  They seem healthy enough, just gigantic.

[Kevin J Legg]

I may have based my observation on my own opening day experience. IHave heard from others that they are catching smaller fish as well as big ones.