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Redeye Bass

Redeye Bass

Redeye Bass in Georgia represent multiple distinct species within the Micropterus coosae complex, each adapted to specific river systems. These are small bass, typically 5-16 inches with adults around 8 inches and trophy fish reaching 12-13 inches.

They grow roughly one inch per year and can live over a decade. These stream-dwelling bass prefer cool, flowing waters with rocky substrate above the fall line, thriving in temperatures around 60-70°F.

Scientific Name: Micropterus coosae, M. chattahoochae, M. tallapoosae

Also known as Chattahoochee Bass, Tallapoosa Bass, Altamaha Bass, Bartram's Bass

Physical Characteristics:
  • Georgia's redeye species are distinguished by their red eyes, olive to bronze coloration with vertical bars, white-to-orange fin margins, and jaw extending only to the rear of the eye.
  • Males display vibrant blue coloration on their cheeks and throat during breeding season.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • The true Redeye Bass (Micropterus coosae) inhabits the Tennessee and Coosa River basins in northern Georgia, while the state also hosts Chattahoochee Bass (M. chattahoochae) in the Chattahoochee River basin, Tallapoosa Bass (M. tallapoosae) in the Tallapoosa system, Altamaha Bass in the Ocmulgee, Oconee and Ogeechee basins, and Bartram's Bass in the Savannah River basin.

Key Locations

  • Coosawattee, Conasauga, and Etowah Rivers, plus tributaries like Ruff Creek, East Fork Little River, Little Armuchee Creek, and the Chattooga River.
  • Public access exists through numerous Wildlife Management Areas including Paulding Forest, Johns Mountain, Pine Log, Rich Mountain, Cohutta, and Dawson WMAs, plus waters within the Chattahoochee National Forest.

Specific Spots

  • Rocky runs, pools, shoals, and current breaks around boulders, fallen trees, and undercut banks in flowing water.
  • Calm pockets around rocks and plunge pools below small waterfalls.

Redeye Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

4-inch finesse worms on 1/8-ounce shaky heads, small jigs, grubs, crankbaits, minnow plugs, Rooster Tails, Satilla spins, floating Rapalas, and small topwater lures.

What flies work for Redeye Bass in Georgia?

yellow poppers, Sam's One Bug, hoppers, dragonfly imitations, and small streamers like woolly buggers and clouser minnows. Yellow and chartreuse patterns excel in early summer, while oranges, blues, greens, and blacks work well in July-August.

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

Prime fishing season runs from April through September, with peak activity during summer months when water temperatures stabilize. Avoid fishing during spawning periods (April-June when water hits 63-68°F) to protect breeding fish.

How do you catch Redeye Bass in Georgia?

Cast to calm pockets around rocks, drift lures down seams into calmer water, and work plunge pools below small waterfalls.

What do Redeye Bass eat?

They're opportunistic predators with terrestrial insects comprising over 50% of their diet, supplemented by aquatic insects, crayfish, small fish, and occasionally frogs and mice.

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