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Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass in Montana are non-native fish that have become widely established across the state, found in over 180 lakes, reservoirs, and rivers.

They're true warmwater fish, thriving in temperatures up to 90°F and preferring clear, mud-bottomed lakes and stream backwaters with comparatively warm summer water temperatures and ample aquatic vegetation.

In Montana, they grow slowly due to cold water temperatures but can reach impressive sizes - the state record is over 8 pounds.

Physical Characteristics:
  • the state record is over 8 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • found throughout both eastern and western Montana.
  • They prefer clear, mud-bottomed lakes and stream backwaters with comparatively warm summer water temperatures and ample aquatic vegetation.

Key Locations

  • Flathead Lake, Noxon Reservoir, Thompson Chain of Lakes, Fort Peck Reservoir, Canyon Ferry Lake, and various smaller ponds and reservoirs managed by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.
  • Key locations include Flathead Lake's vast waters, Noxon Reservoir on the Clark Fork River known for big smallmouth and largemouth bass, and the numerous smaller lakes and ponds throughout western Montana.

Specific Spots

  • Target areas with structure and cover including weed beds, fallen trees, docks, rocky points, drop-offs, and shallow bays with vegetation.
  • Focus on depths of 0.3-4 meters typically, though they move to 5-15 meters in winter.
  • They're ambush predators that lie in wait near submerged vegetation, fallen logs, or rocky outcrops.

Largemouth Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

jigs, plastic worms, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures like buzzbaits and walking baits.

What flies work for Largemouth Bass in Montana?

bumblebee pattern popping bugs as the go-to choice, along with frog patterns and chartreuse poppers that provide good contrast. Effective streamers include Coffey's Sparkle Minnow and other baitfish patterns that match local forage like shad or bream.

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

Late spring through early fall when water temperatures are above 60°F, with peak activity occurring during pre-spawn periods in May and post-spawn recovery in June-July.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass in Montana?

Work poppers with a 'bloop' sound by twitching the rod tip up while holding the line steady, with 2-3 second pauses between pops.

What do Largemouth Bass eat?

These aggressive, opportunistic predators are primarily fish-eaters, feeding mostly on minnows and suckers, along with frogs, aquatic insects, crayfish, sunfish like bluegill, and even other largemouth bass. Young bass start with zooplankton and aquatic insects before graduating to larger prey.

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