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Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass

First introduced to Oregon in 1888, they're now found throughout the state in almost all ponds and lakes, plus rivers that reach temperatures above 60°F (16°C).

These non-native fish are opportunistic ambush predators known for aggressive behavior and strong fights when hooked.

Physical Characteristics:
  • Greenish on the back and sides with a white belly and typically display a dark horizontal stripe along the side.
  • Distinguished from smallmouth bass by their large mouth with the upper jaw extending behind the eye.
  • Oregon largemouth can exceed 25 inches in length and reach weights of 12 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found throughout the state in almost all ponds and lakes, plus rivers that reach temperatures above 60°F (16°C).
  • Prefer shallow ponds and lakes, or backwater sloughs of rivers where aquatic plants, submerged logs and brush provide abundant cover.

Key Locations

  • Tenmile Lakes, Crane Prairie Reservoir, Henry Hagg Lake, Columbia River, Willamette River, Prineville Reservoir, Triangle Lake, and many smaller lakes and ponds throughout the state.

Specific Spots

  • Target around cut banks, channels, rock piles and woody cover, weed beds, docks, pilings, sunken logs, and shoreline cover.
  • Focus on structure like floating logs, submerged trees, rocky outcrops, and vegetation edges.

Largemouth Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Early spring: nightcrawlers, plastic worms, or jigs. As water warms: surface lures like poppers, propeller baits, or darters. Summer: lead-head jigs, plastic worms, and deep-running plugs.

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

Best targeted from spring through fall, with peak fishing occurring when water temperatures reach 55-75°F. Early spring offers excellent pre-spawn action. During hot summer periods, bass seek deeper, cooler water.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass in Oregon?

Texas rigs, wacky rigs, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and swimbaits. Use pauses and short jerks of the rod tip for action. In Oregon's clearer waters like Triangle Lake, sight fishing is possible.

What do Largemouth Bass eat?

Opportunistic ambush predators that consume anything fitting in their mouths - their diet includes fish, crayfish, frogs, insects, small mammals, and even small birds. Juveniles start by feeding on zooplankton before switching to insects, then to fish and crayfish as they grow.

Where do Largemouth Bass live in Oregon?

Found throughout the state in almost all ponds and lakes, plus rivers that reach temperatures above 60°F (16°C). Prefer shallow ponds and lakes, or backwater sloughs of rivers where aquatic plants, submerged logs and brush provide abundant cover.

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