Rock Bass
Rock Bass are a common sunfish species found throughout the state's rocky shallow waters. They're surprisingly tolerant of human activity, often found under lakeside docks and near swimming areas.
Scientific Name: Ambloplites rupestris
Also known as Redeyes
- Distinguished by their bright red eyes, six anal fin spines (versus three on other sunfish), and dark horizontal rows of spots, Rock Bass typically range from 6-10 inches in length and rarely exceed one pound.
Fishing in New York
Delaware River
East Branch Delaware River
Susquehanna River
Beaver Kill
Lackawanna River
Chenango River
Rondout Creek
Lehigh River
Tobyhanna Creek
West Branch Delaware River
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- In New York, Rock Bass inhabit clear, rocky, and vegetated stream pools and lake margins, showing a strong preference for rocky banks of northeastern lakes and reservoirs.
Key Locations
- They're most abundant in rocky shallow waters, particularly in Oneida Lake where they're considered common.
- Productive New York waters include Oneida Lake, the Barge Canal system (Veterans Canal Park, West Canal Park, Ellicott Creek Park), Niagara River locations (Joseph Davis State Park, Lewiston Landing, various riverside parks), Lake Erie access points, and numerous reservoirs like West Branch Reservoir.
Specific Spots
- Rock Bass school around rocky structure, so target submerged rocks, boulders, riprap, bridge pilings, gravel bars, and chunk rock areas.
- They avoid grassy areas but thrive around hard structure from shallow nearshore areas down to 82 feet deep.
Rock Bass FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Rock Bass in New York?
Effective artificial lures include micro jigs (1/64 oz Mule jigs work particularly well), small jig spinners, micro drop shot rigs, and Trout Magnets with their angled heads for fast fall rates. Soft plastics like small Berkley Gulp Minnows and crawfish imitations (Rebel Wee-Craw) are deadly effective.
When is the best time to fish for Rock Bass in New York?
Fish during stable weather conditions and focus on rocky structure regardless of season, though avoid the mid-May to mid-June spawning period.
How do you catch Rock Bass in New York?
Present baits near cover using double dropper rigs for efficiency, keeping lures moving since Rock Bass are aggressive. Target submerged rocks, boulders, riprap, bridge pilings, gravel bars, and chunk rock areas.
What do Rock Bass eat?
These fish are carnivorous, competing with smallmouth bass for food. Their diet consists of smaller fish (including their own young), yellow perch, minnows, aquatic insects, crayfish, and small crustaceans.
Where do Rock Bass live in New York?
In New York, Rock Bass inhabit clear, rocky, and vegetated stream pools and lake margins, showing a strong preference for rocky banks of northeastern lakes and reservoirs.
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