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Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass are not native to Colorado but were among the first fish species introduced to the state in 1878.

These aggressive predators inhabit shallow water habitats around reeds, water lilies, and vegetation, preferring no-current environments in clear water lakes and ponds.

Scientific Name: Micropterus salmoides

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinguished by their large, forward-facing mouth with the lower jaw extending past the rear margin of the eye, dark green back, and characteristic horizontal stripe along their body.
  • Fish over 18 inches are considered trophy-sized by Colorado standards.
  • Largemouth Bass exceeding 10 pounds have been caught in Colorado.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Inhabit shallow water habitats around reeds, water lilies, and vegetation, preferring no-current environments in clear water lakes and ponds.

Key Locations

  • Pueblo Reservoir, Cherry Creek Reservoir, Aurora Reservoir, Quincy Reservoir, John Martin Reservoir, Navajo Reservoir, and the Yampa River system.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on areas with submerged structure, vegetation, and current breaks where bass ambush prey.
  • Prime habitat includes cattails, sunken logs, and vegetated areas.

Largemouth Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Largemouth Bass in Colorado?

Crankbaits in crayfish, bluegill, rainbow, and shad patterns. Square bill crankbaits like the Lucky Craft LC 2.5 Shallow work excellently around cover. Senkos in watermelon/red flake. Natural colors work best in clear water while brighter colors excel in murky conditions.

What flies work for Largemouth Bass in Colorado?

Clouser Minnows in chartreuse/white, pink/white, and gray/white patterns. Crawfish patterns like Cohen's Jiggy Craw for bottom fishing. Large popping bugs in bumblebee, frog, and chartreuse patterns work well during peak seasons.

When is the best time to fish for Largemouth Bass in Colorado?

Spring (April-June) and fall are best seasons. Summer requires fishing deep water during hot periods. They spawn when water reaches about 60-65°F, typically in late spring.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass in Colorado?

Finesse tactics with Texas or Carolina rigged soft plastics are highly effective. Senkos fished weightless (traditional or wacky rigged) are particularly productive. For topwater action around weeds, use frogs or other topwater lures that create noise, especially during first and last light.

What do Largemouth Bass eat?

Feed on minnows, carp, trout, crawfish, and essentially any species available, including their own kind. Their diet includes soft-rayed minnows, sunfish, channel catfish, bullheads, and smaller bass.

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