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Spotted Bass

Spotted Bass

Spotted Bass are native to Missouri's southern regions but have been successfully introduced to central and northern waters through stocking programs.

They are habitat generalists with an affinity for open water and current, preferring deeper, clearer water than largemouth bass areas.

They thrive in areas with more current than largemouth bass prefer, typically inhabiting waters that are too warm, turbid, and sluggish for smallmouth bass.

Scientific Name: Micropterus punctulatus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinguished by rows of dark spots below the lateral line and scales on the base of the second dorsal fin.
  • Unlike largemouth bass, their upper jaw doesn't extend past the eye, and their dorsal fins are clearly connected.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Native to Missouri's southern regions but introduced to central and northern waters.
  • Commonly found around submerged timber, brush piles, rocky structures, and near-bank habitats in all seasons except spring.

Key Locations

  • Lake of the Ozarks (Niangua Arm and Grand Glaize Arm), Table Rock Lake (James River and Long Creek arms), Truman Reservoir (main lake points), Bull Shoals Lake, Stockton Lake, and the Osage River system.

Specific Spots

  • Deeper water structures like submerged brush piles, rocky points, timber, and drop-offs.
  • They select water depths less than 4 meters near submerged cover during all seasons.
  • During winter: bluff ends, cedar trees, and timber on main lake points.

Spotted Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Spotted Bass in Missouri?

Flipping jigs in green and brown colors (particularly Mini-Strike King Jigs during spring), spinnerbaits, crankbaits, plastic worms (especially 7-inch black Berkeley Power Worms for night fishing), bass poppers for surface action, Texas-rigged worms, Carolina rigs, heavy jigs with craw trailers, suspending jerkbaits,...

What flies work for Spotted Bass in Missouri?

Clouser Minnows, Woolly Buggers, Pelagic Forger Minnows in sizes 4/0 to 2, crawfish patterns, frog patterns near vegetation, various streamer patterns that imitate baitfish.

When is the best time to fish for Spotted Bass in Missouri?

Late fall through early spring (avoid spawning period March-June). During winter, target bluff ends, cedar trees, and timber on main lake points at 15-30 foot depths. In summer, use topwater baits, spinnerbaits, and jigging spoons.

How do you catch Spotted Bass in Missouri?

Flipping jigs, Texas-rigged worms, Carolina rigs in deeper water, night fishing with plastic worms, topwater fishing, jigging, suspending jerkbaits for suspended fish. Use polarized sunglasses to spot fish through surface glare.

What do Spotted Bass eat?

Opportunistic predators feeding primarily on shad, minnows, crayfish, and aquatic insects. Juveniles start with zooplankton and small crustaceans, shifting to fish and crayfish by 6 inches. Adults consume about half the amount of fish compared to largemouth bass, making them less predatory.

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