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Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass are not native to Nevada but have been extensively stocked throughout the state and are now abundant in lakes, reservoirs, and ponds across Nevada.

These fish are the largest of the Black Bass species and are highly adaptable, able to tolerate various water conditions.

Scientific Name: Micropterus salmoides

Physical Characteristics:
  • Typically ranging from 3-26 inches and 1-12 pounds, with a lifespan of 8-23 years.
  • They're generally dark green to olive in color with sides almost as dark as their back, milk white to yellow bellies, and a very defined lateral line.
  • Their upper jaw extends back past the eye in adults, and they have 3 anal spines and 9-11 dorsal spines.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Abundant in lakes, reservoirs, and ponds across Nevada.
  • They prefer slow-moving, clear waters with soft, shallow substrates where dense vegetation provides both cover from predators and ambush points for hunting.

Key Locations

  • Key water bodies in Nevada include Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Wayne E.
  • Kirch Wildlife Management Area, Eagle Valley Reservoir, and Rye Patch Reservoir.
  • Key locations include the clear waters of Lake Tahoe and Lake Mead (excellent for topwater and finesse fishing), the Colorado River system including Lakes Mead and Mohave, and smaller waters like Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge where bass feed heavily on the six varieties of trout present.

Specific Spots

  • Target areas with dense vegetation, weed lines, docks, fallen trees, rocky outcrops, and structure in 6-20 feet of water depending on season.

Largemouth Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Productive lures include lipless crankbaits (especially in chartreuse shad for stained water and real craw for clear water), square-bill crankbaits in natural bream or river minnow colors, spinnerbaits, jigs tipped with plastic craws (black/blue in murky water, pumpkin/watermelon in clear water), and Texas-rigged soft...

What flies work for Largemouth Bass in Nevada?

Popular patterns including popping bugs in bumblebee, frog, and chartreuse patterns for topwater action. During peak spring and fall seasons, baitfish patterns like shad or bream imitations work well, along with Clousers and Deceivers worked 1-4 feet deep.

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

Spring (March-June) and fall being prime seasons. Avoid fishing during spawning periods in late spring to mid-summer when they should be left undisturbed on their beds.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass in Nevada?

In Nevada's clear desert waters, use light line and finesse tactics. During cold fronts, fish deeper water and slow down your presentation considerably, while warming trends between fronts can trigger brief topwater opportunities even in winter.

What do Largemouth Bass eat?

As opportunistic predators, their diet changes dramatically with age - starting with zooplankton and insects as juveniles, then transitioning to primarily eating other fish as adults.

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