Anyone got any info on exactly what type of habitat/location(s) do bass prefer?  Any difference in smallies and largies?  I don't have the so-called "luxury" of finding my fish by site, so it would be nice to be able to narrow it down a little.  I'm also curious as to the pre and post spawn locations, especially for shallow rivers and creeks.  Only one river out of the 2 and 2 creeks that I fish have deeper water, as in 10 ft or more.  Look forward to reading any type of help.  Fish on.  John.

Hard bottom. Specifically, gravel bars and humps.

Beds can be in deeper water (~15') if the water

is clear. Otherwise, 4-5' is common.

8-)

In addition to what RW said, I have also found that during high water periods that coincide with the spawn, smallmouths will move into creeks to spawn.

In these creeks they seem to prefer hard bottom, chunk rock close by, slight current. I believe the current helps keep the bed free of silt.

On shallow rivers at normal water levels, I find beds in areas having gravel or chunk rock accompanied by a hard bottom, and again a slight current. The depth of the beds is relative to the overall depth of the river.

I've seen beds as shallow as 1.5 feet in an area where the river is generally is 4 feet or less.

That's good info guys.  I kinda thought it would be hard bottoms--I'll concentrate on it more and now I gotta get 'em to bite.  Thanks again.  Fish on.  John.