Largemouth Bass

Micropterus salmoides

Natural-history illustration of a green largemouth bass with a dark side stripe and large jaw
Reviewed species illustration. Confirm your catch with current state identification resources before keeping fish.

Largemouth bass is the most popular sport fish in America, with millions of dedicated anglers pursuing them in lakes, ponds, rivers, and reservoirs nationwide. An aggressive ambush predator, largemouth hold in structure — docks, weed edges, submerged timber, rocky points — and attack prey with explosive strikes. They'll eat almost anything, from worms and minnows to large frogs and even small birds. The largemouth is stocked in warm-water impoundments throughout the country.

Catching Tips

Plastic worms rigged Texas-style are the all-time largemouth producers. In spring, topwater lures like buzzbaits and poppers fished near spawning flats are exciting and effective. Work crankbaits along submerged points and rock piles. Fish heavy cover with a flipping jig in summer when bass go deep.

World Record

22.25 lbs
Weight
Montgomery Lake, Georgia / Lake Biwa, Japan
Location
1932
Year

No stocking events recorded yet for Largemouth Bass.