Bass do prefer warmer, and possibly muddier water. For example, all the bass around the Pitt Lake Marsh and sloughs, usually seem to stay there. They have access to the Pitt River and Pitt Lake, but as those are colder and clearer waters with less cover - they seem to not be interested in leaving their home. Sort of like people from the suburbs or the country. They all have access to downtown, but do they want to live there? No.
Andy: I completely agree with you about Largemouth Bass being the only bass in the Lower Mainland. That's all I've ever seen as well. I was just quoting what I've read on the internet about Smallmouth bass in the Brunette River. And it seems that there are no more bass in the Brunette River anyway.