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Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass in Maryland are a non-native but well-established species, introduced from the Ohio River basin around 1874. As keystone predators, they are found throughout the state in various water bodies.

Physical Characteristics:
  • They're distinguished by their lower jaw extending past the back edge of the eye, dark green coloration above with silvery sides and belly, and a dark lateral stripe.
  • Bass can live up to 13 years in Maryland tidal waters, with females growing larger than males.
  • The Maryland state record is 11 pounds, 6 ounces.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Maryland's bass populations are found in all major rivers of the Chesapeake Bay watershed as well as numerous impoundments, farm ponds, and tidal freshwater areas throughout the state.
  • They inhabit waters ranging from freshwater to brackish.

Key Locations

  • All major rivers of the Chesapeake Bay watershed including the Potomac, Choptank, Wicomico, Marshyhope Creek, and Pocomoke Rivers, as well as numerous impoundments, farm ponds, and tidal freshwater areas throughout the state.
  • Target productive waters like the Northeast River, Susquehanna River, and Potomac River for legal-sized bass over 12 inches.
  • The upper Chesapeake Bay rivers (Northeast and Susquehanna) hold the largest populations of legal adults.

Specific Spots

  • Fish structure around docks, grass lines, drop-offs, and submerged cover.
  • Males build circular nests 20-30 inches in diameter in 3-5 feet of water, typically in protected coves and bays during spawning.

Largemouth Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Largemouth Bass in Maryland?

Soft plastic swimbaits, topwater poppers and frogs, jigging spoons, crab and shrimp imitations, and scented soft baits.

What flies work for Largemouth Bass in Maryland?

Topwater flies like Double Barrel Poppers, Deerhair Frogs, Flypala, and Stealth Bomber poppers for surface action. Subsurface patterns include CF Baitfish, Lunch Money, Finesse Gamechanger, Meat Whistle for mid-water zones, and Cohen's Jiggy Craw for deep presentations.

When is the best time to fish for Largemouth Bass in Maryland?

Spring (March-June) and fall (September-November) offer the best fishing, with peak pre-spawn activity in late February through mid-March when water temperatures reach 60°F. Spawning occurs from March to June depending on water temperature, with peak activity when water reaches 65°F.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass in Maryland?

Work topwater lures with a 'bloop' sound - pop, pause 2-3 seconds, repeat. For deeper presentations, let flies sink to 4 feet or use sinking lines in summer and winter. Target smaller ponds and dark-bottom waters that warm faster in spring.

What do Largemouth Bass eat?

They consume a diverse diet including insects, crayfish, sunfish, shiners, trout, minnows, worms, and frogs - essentially anything they can fit in their mouth. Juveniles feed on zooplankton, insects, and small fish, while adults are highly piscivorous.

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