This is an age old subject amongst bronze aficionados. I’ve heard countless respected anglers tout the “two riffles” narrative with confidence. 
 

I have also heard from equally respected anglers that they have caught smallmouth miles from their summer habitat during spawn. This makes me rethink everything I’ve learned.

 

My gut tells me based on what I’ve seen and heard that they most certainly are capable of traveling great distances to feed up for spawn, typically to a large riffle or more often low head dam. The spawn takes a great deal of stress and energy and I think they will go where they know there is an abundance of food.

Both - and there are studies to back up both positions. It all depends on the specific waterway and time of year. They seem to be mostly homebodies relegated to a single pool or two through much of summer, but often travel many miles in some waters during fall migration. 

A river which water fluctuates a lot they will move a lot. Some areas they are in during high water there isn’t even access during low water. Miles are very possible in a river/creek system. 

A smallie moves to eat or to bang.....how far did you go to eat or bang someone?  Therein lies your answer.  

They will move as far as they have to is the answer for the most part and that can be 20+ miles or 20 feet.

^hahah!!!

 

im with @Team9nine, some travel some don’t. Much like LM. Fish are individuals 

 

also not everything they do is because of spawning 

 

I would imagine there are even some individuals that may be a homebody one year without traveling, then the next year they swim a few miles.

 

nature and wildlife are never as predictable as humans want them to be

 

we can read the above sentence one hundred times, wake up tomorrow and start a thread about why bass only eat purple senkos on cloudy days with a 13 mph breeze

I've always heard that SMB are very nomadic.

In the Ozarks, they seldom winter in smaller water, they will migrate to the first suitable wintering pool. This can be yards or miles, depending on the situation. Smallies aren't like a shoal bass, but they're capable of traveling great distances.

They travel miles.

I've read of several studies using high tech gear to track it.

In the almost 50 years of fishing for them the spawn time has been my toughest thing to figure out. I blame myself. And even when you think you have it figured out the next season(s) it seems like you have to start it all over again. 
In a river situation I believe they can move for miles because I believe they winter in the deepest holes. 
Spring/Early spring to me they are a tough bite. I find it very frustrating. Small hair jigs, countdowns, and Shad Raps are some that work for me. 
Then at the turn of a dime they show up. Where have they been? Most likely under my nose. 
Good Luck. You are a hard working Smallie Master. 

9 hours ago, Spankey said:

In the almost 50 years of fishing for them the spawn time has been my toughest thing to figure out. I blame myself. And even when you think you have it figured out the next season(s) it seems like you have to start it all over again. 
In a river situation I believe they can move for miles because I believe they winter in the deepest holes. 
Spring/Early spring to me they are a tough bite. I find it very frustrating. Small hair jigs, countdowns, and Shad Raps are some that work for me. 
Then at the turn of a dime they show up. Where have they been? Most likely under my nose. 
Good Luck. You are a hard working Smallie Master. 

Thanks friend, yeah I find spawn very frustrating too. It makes it even worse when everyone keeps reminding you about how it is supposed to be the “best time of the year.”

24 minutes ago, Ohioguy25 said:

Thanks friend, yeah I find spawn very frustrating too. It makes it even worse when everyone keeps reminding you about how it is supposed to be the “best time of the year.”

The local river I fish, and if history repeats itself my nicer fish are gonna come in September and October. I’ve gotten nice ones during the spring and summer months but that transition comes easier to deal with.