Rock Bass
Rock Bass are native to the Mississippi River drainage system and found throughout Mississippi's freshwater systems.
These stocky sunfish are schooling fish often found in groups, particularly near other sunfish species, and can be surprisingly tolerant of human activity, living under docks and near swimming areas.
Scientific Name: Ambloplites rupestris
Also known as redeye, goggle-eye, red eye
- Distinguished by their distinctive red to orange eyes, large terminal mouth, and six anal fin spines (versus three in other sunfish).
- They typically measure 6-10 inches and rarely exceed one pound, with golden brown to olive coloring and rows of dark spots along their sides.
Fishing in Mississippi
Pearl River
Yazoo River
Mississippi River
Leaf River
Bouie River
Ross R Barnett Reservoir
Lake Castle
Big Black River
Pelahatchie Creek
Lake Dockery
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Found throughout Mississippi's freshwater systems, native to the Mississippi River drainage system.
Key Locations
- Mississippi River pools (including Pools 16 and 17), tributary rivers, and various lakes and reservoirs throughout the state.
Specific Spots
- Clear, rocky, and vegetated stream pools and lake margins, preferring areas with gravel or rocky bottoms and some vegetation.
- Target rocky shorelines, current breaks, wing dams on the Mississippi River, brush piles, and areas around bridge pilings.
- In lakes, focus on rocky banks near deep water, riprap shorelines, and vegetated areas with rocky bottoms.
Rock Bass FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Rock Bass in Mississippi?
1/8-ounce jigs with 2-inch pearl curly-tailed grubs, mini-crankbaits, jig-spinners, small rattling crankbaits, 2-3 inch tube baits in green pumpkin, 1/8-ounce fox-hair jigs tipped with grubs, night crawlers, prepared catfish bait.
What flies work for Rock Bass in Mississippi?
Clouser Minnows in chartreuse and white, pink and white, or gray and white. Woolly Buggers with Crystal Flash instead of traditional hackle, especially with added rubber legs.
When is the best time to fish for Rock Bass in Mississippi?
Target from late summer through fall and winter for best action, avoiding the April through June spawning period.
How do you catch Rock Bass in Mississippi?
Cast into slack areas behind fallen trees or boulders. Fish the deep holes and eddies behind wing dikes.
What do Rock Bass eat?
These opportunistic feeders consume insects, crustaceans (especially crayfish), smaller fish including their own young, yellow perch, and minnows. They feed heavily during evening and early morning hours, though they'll feed during the day in areas with less human activity.
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