Spotted Bass
Spotted Bass in Illinois are native to the creeks and rivers of east central, southeastern, and extreme southern Illinois, including the Wabash and Ohio rivers and their tributaries.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources considers them common in their native range.
Scientific Name: Micropterus punctulatus
- These bass are distinguished by small black spots in rows on the lower half of their body, a black stripe or joined black blotches along each side, and a black spot at the base of the tail fin.
- They grow to 10-17 inches in length with green backs and dark green blotches, yellow to white bellies, and have a tooth patch on the tongue.
Fishing in Illinois
Sangamon River
Lake Clinton
Illinois River
Salt Creek
Vermilion River
Evergreen Lake
Dawson Lake
Lake Bloomington
Upper Peoria Lake
Lake Decatur
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Spotted Bass prefer areas with more current than largemouth bass and typically inhabit waters that are too warm, turbid, and sluggish for smallmouth bass.
- Recent new records show they're expanding beyond their native range - spotted bass have been documented in the Illinois Waterway (collected near Chillicothe in 2021 and in the La Grange Pool in 2011) and in Pool 26 of the Upper Mississippi River.
Key Locations
- Target the native waters of the Wabash and Ohio rivers and their tributaries in east central, southeastern, and extreme southern Illinois, as well as the newer populations in the Illinois Waterway near Chillicothe and La Grange Pool, and Pool 26 of the Upper Mississippi River.
Specific Spots
- Look for them around structure like submerged logs, rock or riprap walls, and areas with moderate current - they prefer more flow than largemouth bass but less clear, cooler water than smallmouth bass prefer.
- They're found around aquatic vegetation, submerged logs, and rock or riprap walls.
- Fish depths ranging from shallow structure to mid-water areas, as they often suspend and roam in open water.
Spotted Bass FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Spotted Bass in Illinois?
Effective lures include jigs tipped with red worms or trailers, small spinners, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits.
When is the best time to fish for Spotted Bass in Illinois?
Spring and fall when they're most active in warming and cooling waters. October is particularly productive as bass feed heavily preparing for winter. Avoid fishing during the spring spawning period when males are guarding nests, typically when water temperatures reach the spawning range.
How do you catch Spotted Bass in Illinois?
Popular techniques include jig and plastic combinations, drop-shotting, and finesse fishing approaches. Match your presentation to their primary forage of crayfish, small fish, and aquatic insects.
What do Spotted Bass eat?
Their diet consists of immature insects, crayfish, and fish, with juveniles feeding on zooplankton before shifting to insects and fish as they grow.
Where do Spotted Bass live in Illinois?
Spotted Bass prefer areas with more current than largemouth bass and typically inhabit waters that are too warm, turbid, and sluggish for smallmouth bass.
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