Skip to main content

Rock Bass

Rock Bass

Rock Bass (Ambloplites rupestris) are a freshwater sunfish species found throughout New Hampshire's lakes, rivers, and streams.

Scientific Name: Ambloplites rupestris

Also known as redeyes, goggle eyes

Physical Characteristics:
  • Characterized by their distinctive large red to orange-red eyes.
  • They have brownish-green to olive coloration with distinctive horizontal rows of dark spots along their sides, a compressed but stocky body, and typically measure 6-10 inches in length, occasionally reaching up to 13.5 inches.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found throughout New Hampshire's lakes, rivers, and streams.

Key Locations

  • Mascoma Lake, Sunapee Lake, Crystal Lake (Enfield), Pleasant Lake (Elkins), Canaan Street Lake, and sections of the Merrimack and Connecticut Rivers.

Specific Spots

  • Target rocky areas, structure around docks, fallen timber, bridge pilings, and vegetated shorelines in depths from 2-15 feet.
  • They prefer rocky or sandy bottoms in clear water with moderate vegetation and structure like submerged rocks, fallen trees, and docks.
  • In rivers like the Connecticut and Merrimack, focus on current breaks behind boulders, fallen trees, and slack water areas.

Rock Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Small jigs (1/8 to 1/4 oz), inline spinners, small crankbaits, live baits including nightcrawlers, small minnows, and crayfish, weedless jigs, Texas-rigged soft plastics, small jigs and live bait for ice fishing.

What flies work for Rock Bass in New Hampshire?

Small streamers, nymphs, and wet flies in sizes 8-12, with patterns like Woolly Buggers, Clouser Minnows, and crayfish imitations.

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

Rock Bass fishing in New Hampshire is productive year-round with no closed season. The best fishing occurs during spring through fall, with peak activity in late spring (May-June) and early fall when they're actively feeding. In winter, they can be targeted through the ice.

How do you catch Rock Bass in New Hampshire?

Fish slowly and methodically around structure. Use weedless presentations in snaggy areas - use weedless jigs or Texas-rigged soft plastics. Work an area thoroughly when you locate them since they school together.

What do Rock Bass eat?

Aggressive predators feeding on aquatic insects, crayfish, small fish including minnows and their own species, and various crustaceans.

Fish smarter with real-time insights

Whether you're en route and conditions shift or you're looking for the best spot based on current flows, we enable you to make informed decisions on the fly.

See it in the app

Most maps show you water.
onWater shows you Rock Bass.

  1. 01 · Species map filter

    Map every Rock Bass water

    Pick Rock Bass and the map zeroes in on the waters they call home. No more guessing which lake holds them.

  2. 02 · Waterbody species

    Tap any water. See what lives there.

    Species, behavior and seasonal patterns for every lake, river and pond, before you leave the driveway.

  3. 03 · Angler Intelligence

    Ask how to catch Rock Bass

    Tactics, gear and timing from onWater's AI fishing guide, tuned to the species and the water you're on.

Stop guessing where Rock Bass are.

Open the map, filter by Rock Bass, and head to water that holds them. Download onWater and plan your next trip in minutes.

  • Species map filter
  • Angler Intelligence
  • Fishing journal
Try onWater+ for free

Explore other species

Trout, bass, salmon, panfish and everything in between. Each guide unpacks the behavior, seasons, and tactics that put fish in the net.

No species information available.

New Hampshire licenses and regulations

Explore nearby waters

Explore New Hampshire waters

Top fishing waters

Popular Cities

Loading popular cities...

Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.

onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.