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Rock Bass

Rock Bass

Rock Bass (Ambloplites rupestris) are native to Minnesota waters and distributed throughout the state's major drainage basins including the Red River, Rainy River, Upper Mississippi River, Superior, St.

Croix, Minnesota River, Missouri River, and Lower Mississippi River systems.

Scientific Name: Ambloplites rupestris

Also known as red eyes, goggle eyes

Physical Characteristics:
  • They're characterized by their distinctive red eyes, six anal fin spines (distinguishing them from other sunfish), large mouths capable of engulfing smallmouth bass-sized baits, and the ability to rapidly change color to match their surroundings.
  • Rock Bass average 6-10 inches and rarely exceed one pound.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Distributed throughout the state's major drainage basins including the Red River, Rainy River, Upper Mississippi River, Superior, St.
  • Croix, Minnesota River, Missouri River, and Lower Mississippi River systems.

Key Locations

  • Bass Lake (Cohasset), Bowstring Lake, Caribou Lake, Cutfoot Sioux Lake, Deer Lake, Moose Lake, Pokegama Lake, Sugar Lake, and Turtle Lake.
  • Some of the largest rock bass come from isolated clumps where the Mississippi River enters Minnesota lakes.

Specific Spots

  • In Minnesota lakes, they prefer clear, rocky, and vegetated areas including stream pools, lake margins, rocky banks of northeastern lakes and reservoirs, woodcover, and bulrush beds.
  • Target isolated bulrush beds adjacent to larger stands and expansive shallow to middle-depth flats (6-10 feet) containing patches of vegetation like milfoil and developing pondweed.

Rock Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Use downsized bass baits during aggressive periods including Rapala Husky Jerk HJ06 (2½ inches), 1½- and 2-inch Rebel Crawfish, or 2-3 inch curlytail grubs on 1/8-ounce jigs.

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

Rock Bass fishing in Minnesota is productive year-round with peak action during spawning season from late May through June. In winter, concentrate on tight schools through the ice.

How do you catch Rock Bass in Minnesota?

During and after spawn, focus on isolated bulrush beds adjacent to larger stands. Target expansive shallow to middle-depth flats (6-10 feet) containing patches of vegetation. In bulrush cover, fish Texas-rigged tubes. For searching large areas, troll Rapala Original Floaters.

What do Rock Bass eat?

They feed opportunistically on crayfish, insects, small fish including yellow perch and minnows, and invertebrates.

Where do Rock Bass live in Minnesota?

Distributed throughout the state's major drainage basins including the Red River, Rainy River, Upper Mississippi River, Superior, St. Croix, Minnesota River, Missouri River, and Lower Mississippi River systems.

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