Fish Profile - Spotted Bass

IDENTIFICATION: The spotted bass looks very much like the largemouth bass. However, the spotted bass has a dark spot on the gill cover and spots or streaks on the lower side of the body. The mouth, when closed, does not extend beyond the eye. Also, the spotted bass has a rough tongue patch located in the middle of the tongue while largemouth bass lack the tongue patch.

LIFE HISTORY: Spotted bass spawn between mid-April and mid-June. The males construct nests over rocky or gravely substrate near cover. Females lay between 1,100 and 47,000 eggs. Males guard the eggs and fry from short time. Spotted bass feed primarily on microscopic animals, insects, crayfish, and fishes depending on their size and availability of forage.

ADULT SIZE: Spotted bass are usually less than one pound. H

FISHING METHODS: Spotted bass can be caught on a wide variety of natural and artificial baits using casting, spinning and fly fishing gear. The best time of year to catch spotted bass is May, June, and July, but they can be caught throughout the year.

Species Facts

Science Name: Micropterus punctulatus Other Names: Kentucky bass, Kentucky spotted bass, northern spotted bass, Alabama spotted bass Ideal Temp: 70 to 78 World Record: 9 lbs. 9 ounces, Ca. Environment: stream, river Techniques: light tackle, casting, fly

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