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Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass are Oklahoma's most sought-after game fish, found throughout the state in ponds, lakes, rivers and streams.

They're highly predatory fish that help control smaller sunfish populations, making their conservation important for overall ecosystem health. These powerful fighters are opportunistic predators.

Physical Characteristics:
  • They have a large mouth hinge that extends well behind the eye, distinguishing them from smallmouth and spotted bass.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found throughout the state in ponds, lakes, rivers and streams.
  • Both state and federal hatcheries stock most Oklahoma waters with largemouth bass, including the Florida subspecies which interbreed with native populations to produce rapidly growing hybrids that reach trophy sizes.

Key Locations

  • Top Oklahoma bass waters include American Horse Lake, Lake Konawa, Bell Cow Lake, Greenleaf, McGee Creek, Shawnee Twin Lakes, Lake Texoma (renowned for March giants), Grand Lake (April prime time), and Lake Arbuckle.

Specific Spots

  • During spring, largemouth bass inhabit shallow, weedy areas where food and cover are available, moving to deeper water during hot summer days and cold winter months.
  • Target primary and secondary points of major creek arms, shallow bays and coves.
  • Focus on funnels between bridge pylons and riprap.
  • Fish near shoreline structure.

Largemouth Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Lipped crankbaits, lipless crankbaits, jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, swimbaits and bladed jigs. Soft plastics like lizards, tubes, worms, crawfish, and baby brush hogs on skirted or bladed jigs.

What flies work for Largemouth Bass in Oklahoma?

Size 2 Clouser Minnows in Sculpin, Silver Shiner or Olive and White, Size 2 Bead-head Woolly Buggers in Olive, Brown or White, and topwater patterns like Size 1 Bett's Bass Bug Poppers during summer/fall mornings and evenings. Stripping flies in shades of green, brown, black, orange or purple.

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

February and March offer prime trophy fishing during pre-spawn period. Spring (March-May) remains excellent as bass move to shallow, sheltered spawning areas. Late spring initiates topwater fishing during low-light hours.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass in Oklahoma?

Use shad and bluegill imitation lures in 6-20 feet of water. Spring fishing in transition areas with soft plastics on drop shot setups, Texas rigs, or Carolina rigs. Cast parallel to banks with slow retrieves. Avoid targeting bedding fish but fish transition areas.

What do Largemouth Bass eat?

Their diet consists of crustaceans, insects, crayfish, frogs, and fish - they will strike anything that moves and fits in their mouth, including snakes, birds, mice, and other bass nearly 50% of their body length.

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