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Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass are abundant in Minnesota, with over 2,000 lakes supporting self-sustaining populations throughout the state's major drainage systems. These bass are native to the Mississippi River system but have been widely introduced elsewhere in the state.

Scientific Name: Micropterus salmoides

Physical Characteristics:
  • Typically reaching 2-4 pounds with the state record being 8 pounds, 15 ounces caught in Auburn Lake in 2005.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • The northern largemouth bass subspecies (M. s. salmoides) is what's found in Minnesota waters.
  • They thrive in lakes and river backwaters with adequate vegetation, preferring warm, clear waters with sandy shorelines and numerous weed beds.
  • In northeastern Minnesota lakes, they occupy more littoral zones with lower trophic positions compared to walleye and northern pike.

Key Locations

  • Key Minnesota waters include Lake Minnetonka (metro area), Mille Lacs Lake, Leech Lake, Mississippi River pools, and Pokegama Lake near Grand Rapids.

Specific Spots

  • Target structure including submerged logs, rocks, weed bed edges, docks, and drop-offs.
  • Focus on shallow, protected bays and areas with aquatic vegetation.

Largemouth Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Spinnerbaits, plastic worms, jigs with craw trailers, crankbaits, and live bait like minnows.

What flies work for Largemouth Bass in Minnesota?

Popping bugs (bumblebee, frog, chartreuse patterns), Clouser Minnows (chartreuse/white, pink/white), crawfish patterns like Cohen's Jiggy Craw, woolly buggers, and deer-hair divers.

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

Minnesota's largemouth bass season runs from May through February. Prime fishing occurs from May through September, with spring and fall being peak times. Fish slowly in summer heat, moving to deeper structure, and target transitions between deep and shallow water during spring and fall movements.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass in Minnesota?

Work poppers with short twitches and 2-3 second pauses. Fish slowly in summer heat, moving to deeper structure, and target transitions between deep and shallow water during spring and fall movements.

What do Largemouth Bass eat?

Largemouth bass are opportunistic predators that feed primarily by sight on a diverse diet including small fish (bluegill, minnows, shad), crayfish, frogs, insects, and even small mammals like mice.

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