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Spotted Bass

Spotted Bass

Spotted bass in Oklahoma are common in both the Arkansas and Red river systems, preferring clear lakes and streams in eastern Oklahoma. They inhabit flowing streams and are more tolerant of slow, warm, turbid water than smallmouth bass.

Also known as Kentuckies, redeye bass

Physical Characteristics:
  • Spotted bass can be identified by rows of spots on the belly with an iridescent green pattern along the back, and they have a sandpaper-like tooth patch on the tongue.
  • The mouth hinge lines up vertically with the back edge of the eye, distinguishing them from largemouth and smallmouth bass.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Common in both the Arkansas and Red river systems, preferring clear lakes and streams in eastern Oklahoma.
  • They inhabit flowing streams and are more tolerant of slow, warm, turbid water than smallmouth bass.

Key Locations

  • Grand Lake O' the Cherokees, Lake Hudson, Fort Gibson Lake, Broken Bow Reservoir, Tenkiller Ferry Lake, Hugo Lake, various eastern Oklahoma streams, West Cache Creek.

Specific Spots

  • Focus efforts on rocky banks, bluff ends, and areas with timber on main lake points.
  • Target rocky structures, creek channels, and areas with current.
  • In lakes, they're found in deeper water, preferring rocky bottom areas and steeply sloping sides.
  • On Lake Hudson, focus on the headwaters where the lake resembles a river during spring.
  • At Grand Lake and Fort Gibson, concentrate on rocky points and timber.
  • Spotted bass typically hold in 40-70 feet of water in larger reservoirs.

Spotted Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Jigs, crankbaits, spinners, small plastic worms, crayfish patterns, swimbaits, jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, topwater poppers, walking plugs, prop baits, suspending jerk baits in shad patterns, heavy jigs with craw trailers, finesse worms, creature baits.

What flies work for Spotted Bass in Oklahoma?

Streamers that mimic local baitfish - chartreuse and white Clouser Deep Minnows, crayfish-pattern flies.

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

Late spring through early fall, with May being particularly productive. Winter: drag heavy jigs in 15-30 feet of water. Spring: target transition areas near spawning habitat in 6-20 feet of water. Late summer: drop-shot finesse worms along long tapering points and bluff ends.

How do you catch Spotted Bass in Oklahoma?

During winter, drag heavy jigs with craw trailers in 15-30 feet of water to target bottom-hugging fish. Spring patterns involve targeting transition areas near spawning habitat in 6-20 feet of water. In late summer, drop-shot finesse worms along long tapering points and bluff ends.

What do Spotted Bass eat?

Their diet consists primarily of crayfish and immature insects, along with small fish such as bluegill. They're less piscivorous than other black bass and more selective in feeding habits.

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