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Redeye Bass

Redeye Bass

Redeye Bass in Alabama represent four distinct native species found nowhere else in the world: the Coosa Bass (Micropterus coosae) in the Coosa River system, the Tallapoosa Bass (M. tallapoosae) in the Tallapoosa River system, the Cahaba Bass (M.

cahabae) in the Cahaba River system, and the Warrior Bass (M. warriorensis) in the Black Warrior River system. These fish are endemic to Alabama's Mobile Basin.

Scientific Name: Micropterus coosae, M. tallapoosae, M. cahabae, M. warriorensis

Physical Characteristics:

They're slender, elongated bass with distinctive red eyes, olive to brown backs with darker mottling, and white-edged caudal fins.

Adults typically reach 14-17 inches and weigh 1-3 pounds, with exceptional specimens reaching up to 8 inches being considered adults and 12-inch fish being true trophies.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

Endemic to Alabama's Mobile Basin, occurring above the Fall Line in small to medium-sized upland streams and rarely in large rivers or impoundments.

Key Locations

Coosa River system, Tallapoosa River system, Cahaba River system, Black Warrior River system, Tallapoosa River system tributaries with shoals and grass, the stretch from Horseshoe Bend National Military Park to Jaybird Creek, areas around Talladega National Forest, The Coosa River from Rainbow City to Riverside, upper tributaries in the Warrior and Cahaba systems

Specific Spots

Look for ambush points behind boulders, near overhanging trees, undercut banks, and in water willow beds. They inhabit rocky runs, pools of creeks, and areas with water willow or aquatic vegetation near submerged stumps, boulders, or undercut banks. Juveniles prefer shallow runs and riffles over sand and gravel substrates.

Redeye Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Redeye Bass in Alabama?

Small jointed crankbaits, square bill crankbaits, spinners, buzz baits, 4-inch finesse worms, small spoons, topwater poppers, hair jigs

What flies work for Redeye Bass in Alabama?

Topwater flies being most effective - poppers in sizes 6-10, Sam's One Bug, hoppers, and dragonfly imitations. Yellow and chartreuse flies excel in early summer, while oranges, blues, greens, and blacks are productive in July and August. Baitfish imitations like woolly buggers, crayfish flies, or small clouser minnows.

When is the best time to fish for Redeye Bass in Alabama?

Prime fishing season runs from April through September, with peak activity during summer months

How do you catch Redeye Bass in Alabama?

Hair jigs worked slowly across the bottom are particularly effective in swift current. When fish are picky, switch to baitfish imitations. Approach from downstream to avoid spooking fish, and target the closest fish first before working deeper into structure.

What do Redeye Bass eat?

These bass are opportunistic predators feeding primarily on terrestrial insects (over 50% of their diet), aquatic insects, crayfish, and small fish including minnows and baitfish.

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