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Rock Bass

Rock Bass

Rock Bass are native freshwater fish found in Maine's lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams. These members of the sunfish family are distinguished by their distinctive red eyes, six anal fin spines, and rows of dark dots along their sides.

Scientific Name: Ambloplites rupestris

Also known as redeyes

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinctive red eyes, six anal fin spines (compared to three in other sunfish), and rows of dark dots along their sides.
  • They typically range from 6-10 inches in length and rarely exceed one pound.
  • Rock Bass have golden brown to olive coloring with white to silver bellies and can rapidly change color to match their surroundings.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found throughout many waters across Maine.
  • Prefer clear, rocky, and vegetated areas with hard substrates like gravel and rubble.

Key Locations

  • Androscoggin River system from Livermore through Topsham, Dead River Reservoir, various lakes across the state.
  • Prime Maine locations include the Androscoggin River system from Auburn to Topsham, various reservoirs in Androscoggin County, and rocky shoreline areas throughout the state's bass waters.

Specific Spots

  • Often congregating in groups of 3-25 fish around boulders, ledges, stumps, and logs.
  • Target rocky areas, boulder fields, fallen trees, docks, and vegetated lake margins in 2-6 feet of water.

Rock Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Rock Bass in Maine?

Small spinners, crankbaits, and spoons, though in snag-prone rocky areas, a simple worm on a weedless hook is most practical. Live bait including earthworms, small minnows, and crayfish. Crayfish imitations, small minnow patterns. Bass-sized lures.

What flies work for Rock Bass in Maine?

Bead-head nymphs (sizes #6-#10), Red Fox Squirrel Hair nymphs with rubber legs, small streamers, and surface bugs during warmer months. Mouse patterns have proven particularly effective for both Rock Bass and smallmouth bass in creek environments. Appropriately sized nymphs and dry flies during insect hatches.

When is the best time to fish for Rock Bass in Maine?

Most productive from late spring through early fall, with peak action occurring during June through August when water temperatures are optimal.

How do you catch Rock Bass in Maine?

Target rocky areas, boulder fields, fallen trees, docks, and vegetated lake margins in 2-6 feet of water. During aquatic insect hatches, particularly mayfly emergences, Rock Bass become more selective and will respond to appropriately sized nymphs and dry flies.

What do Rock Bass eat?

Opportunistic carnivores that feed on crayfish, aquatic insects, small minnows, and other fish - including their own young.

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