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Spotted Bass

Spotted Bass

Spotted Bass, also known as Kentucky Bass, is the official state game fish of Kentucky.

They're common statewide except for the Mississippi Coastal Plain of far western Kentucky, primarily inhabiting streams and rivers but also occurring in lakes and reservoirs.

Scientific Name: Micropterus punctulatus

Also known as Kentucky Bass

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinguished from Largemouth Bass by horizontal rows of small black spots on their lower sides, a shallow notch between the spiny and soft dorsal fins, and a circular patch of teeth on the tongue.
  • Most adults range 10-15 inches (1-3 lbs), though they can reach 24 inches (8 lbs).

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Common statewide except for the Mississippi Coastal Plain of far western Kentucky, primarily inhabiting streams and rivers but also occurring in lakes and reservoirs.
  • They prefer areas with more current than Largemouth Bass.

Key Locations

  • Lake Cumberland (excellent rating), Barren River Lake, Green River Lake, Laurel River Lake, Kentucky Lake, and Barkley Lake.
  • At Lake Cumberland, fish main lake points from Harmon Creek to Wolf Creek Dam.
  • On Laurel River Lake, try the upper Craigs Creek arm and main lake points near the dam.
  • For Barren River Lake, focus on channel drops near Barren River State Park and bridge pylons.

Specific Spots

  • Target rocky banks, bluff ends, main lake points, channel drops, and areas with timber and brush piles 15-30 feet deep.
  • They prefer areas around rocky bottoms, bluffs, points, and submerged structures like logs and stumps.

Spotted Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Heavy jigs with craw trailers, suspending jerkbaits in shad patterns, deep-diving crankbaits (Tennessee Shad, blue and yellow), Carolina-rigged worms or plastic lizards, 4-inch black finesse worms on 3/16-ounce Shakey or bullet heads, black or shad-colored Ned-style worms on 1/6-ounce mushroom heads, chrome topwater...

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

Best fishing times are fall through early spring, with November being particularly productive. Avoid fishing during spawning period from March-May. Early summer post-spawn period good for topwater action.

How do you catch Spotted Bass in Kentucky?

Dr.ag heavy jigs with craw trailers along the bottom, use suspending jerkbaits, Carolina-rigged presentations, finesse presentations, night fishing with spinnerbaits, topwater action during early summer post-spawn period.

What do Spotted Bass eat?

Their diet consists primarily of crayfish, small fish, and aquatic insects, with juveniles feeding on zooplankton and insects before transitioning to fish and crayfish as adults. They're less piscivorous than other black bass and more selective in feeding habits.

Where do Spotted Bass live in Kentucky?

Common statewide except for the Mississippi Coastal Plain of far western Kentucky, primarily inhabiting streams and rivers but also occurring in lakes and reservoirs. They prefer areas with more current than Largemouth Bass.

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