Smallmouth bass are found in Lake Erie around the islands and Western Basin reefs and in nearshore areas from Huron to Conneaut in the Central Basin. Smallmouths associate closely with bottom structure, preferring rock, rubble, gravel and sand substrates. Smallmouth bass have relatively small home ranges and do not move great distances in Lake Erie. As water temperatures exceed 50 degrees Fahrenheit in the spring, adult smallmouth move from deep wintering sites to shallow spawning areas. Spawning depths range from 4 to 20 feet. Spawning occurs at water temperatures between 55 and G5 degrees Fahrenheit, most o&en in May. Males build the nest, mate, and then protect eggs and larval fish until they leave the nest 15 to 17 days after spawning occurs. After spawning, adult smallmouth move from spawning areas to summer foraging zones within their home range at water temperatures of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The depth of their summer zone will be determined by water clarity, available forage, and weather conditions. As water temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, smallmouths move to the deepest zone in their home range. Smallmouths remain at these wintering sites in a semi dormant condition until water temperatures rise in the spring.