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Spotted Bass

Spotted Bass

Spotted Bass in Georgia are a member of the black bass family. Georgia is considered part of the Black Bass Capital of the World, with spotted bass being a significant invasive concern as they're listed as Aquatic Nuisance Species.

Scientific Name: Micropterus punctulatus (Kentucky spotted bass) and Micropterus henshalli (Alabama spotted bass)

Physical Characteristics:
  • They're characterized by evenly arranged black spots in alternate rows below the dark lateral line, connected first and second dorsal fins, and a small rough patch of teeth on the tongue.
  • Unlike largemouth bass, their upper jaw doesn't extend beyond the rear edge of the eyes, and they have scales on the base portion of the second dorsal fin.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • While native to the Tennessee River basin (M. punctulatus) and Coosa/Tallapoosa River basins (M. henshalli), they've been illegally introduced throughout most rivers and reservoirs above the fall line due to anglers relocating them.
  • They prefer rocky areas in clear streams and lakes with flowing water, gravel or rock bottoms, and moderate to fast current.

Key Locations

  • Lake Lanier, Lake Allatoona, Lake Hartwell, Lake Burton, and various North Georgia mountain lakes and rivers.

Specific Spots

  • Target rocky areas, bluff ends, main lake points, secondary points in major creek arms, chunk rock banks, timber on main lake points, and areas with current flow.

Spotted Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Ned rigs with larger plastics like Zoom Beatdown Worms on 3/16-ounce Outkast Perfect Ned Heads, drop shots with Zoom Trick Worms in chartreuse pumpkin on 1/2-ounce tungsten weights, Megabass X80 jerkbaits in Table Rock Shad color during winter/early spring when water is 40-50°F.

What flies work for Spotted Bass in Georgia?

Clouser Minnows in white or white/chartreuse, dredge flies in olive (crawfish patterns), stealth bombers in white for topwater, and game changers in 5-6 inch feather patterns.

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

The best seasons for spotted bass in Georgia are spring (late March to early May) and fall (late September through November). Avoid fishing during spawning periods (April-May when water reaches 62-68°F).

How do you catch Spotted Bass in Georgia?

Use drop shots, Ned rigs, jerkbaits during winter/early spring, crankbaits for rocky areas and suspended fish, spinnerbaits, and finesse swimbaits in clear water.

What do Spotted Bass eat?

Spotted bass are opportunistic predators feeding on small fish (minnows, shad, sunfish, blueback herring), crayfish, insects, aquatic invertebrates, mayflies, caddisflies, dragonflies, damselflies, worms, and occasionally amphibians like frogs and tadpoles.

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