Spotted Bass
Spotted Bass are one of three black bass species native to Arkansas, alongside largemouth and smallmouth bass.
They have adapted well to impoundments throughout the state, preferring areas with more current than largemouth bass and typically inhabiting waters that are too warm, turbid, and sluggish for smallmouth bass.
Scientific Name: Micropterus punctulatus
- Distinguished from largemouth bass by scales on the base of their second dorsal fin, clearly connected dorsal fins, and an upper jaw that doesn't extend past the eye.
- Arkansas populations exhibit good condition and growth, with theoretical maximum sizes averaging 395mm total length.
Fishing in Arkansas
Lake Conway
Arkansas River
Fourche LaFave River
Bayou Meto
Greers Ferry Lake
Lake Dardanelle
Petit Jean River
Little Red River
Saline River
Lake Ouachita
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- They primarily inhabit large streams and rivers but have adapted well to impoundments throughout the state, preferring areas with more current than largemouth bass and typically inhabiting waters that are too warm, turbid, and sluggish for smallmouth bass.
Key Locations
- Arkansas River system (particularly the lower nine navigation pools), Lake Ouachita, Lake Norfork, Lake Dardanelle, Bull Shoals Lake, St.
- Francis River Sunken Lands.
Specific Spots
- Main channel and dike pool habitats in Arkansas River system, flooded timber around points and drains, submerged grass in 5-15 feet of water, rocky structure near Brady Mountain, rocky banks, bluff ends, cedar trees, main lake points, deeper water during winter (15-50 feet around flooded timber).
Spotted Bass FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Spotted Bass in Arkansas?
Shaky head worms, jigs with craw trailers, suspending jerkbaits like the Berkley Stunna 112, half-ounce power-style baits like the Berkley Powerbait Power Switch, crayfish imitations, small plastic worms, crankbaits, spinners, jigs, lipless crankbaits.
When is the best time to fish for Spotted Bass in Arkansas?
September through May for best fishing, with summer patterns remaining productive into early fall. Spring and fall offer the most consistent action.
How do you catch Spotted Bass in Arkansas?
Shaky head worms fished along bluff walls, jigs with craw trailers dragged 15-30 feet deep around rocky cover, drift fishing during generation periods in flowing waters, use forward-facing sonar to lead moving schools with power-style baits.
What do Spotted Bass eat?
Diet shifts as they mature - juveniles feed on small crustaceans and midge larvae while adults consume insects, larger crustaceans, frogs, worms, and small fish.
Where do Spotted Bass live in Arkansas?
They primarily inhabit large streams and rivers but have adapted well to impoundments throughout the state, preferring areas with more current than largemouth bass and typically inhabiting waters that are too warm, turbid, and sluggish for smallmouth bass.
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