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Rock Bass

Rock Bass

Rock Bass are a member of the sunfish family found throughout Pennsylvania.

Originally native to the Ohio River and Lake Erie drainages, they were successfully stocked by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission into the Delaware, Susquehanna, and Potomac River drainages and are now self-sustaining across the state.

Scientific Name: Ambloplites rupestris

Also known as redeye, goggle-eye

Physical Characteristics:
  • Rock Bass are sturdy-looking fish with dark olive to golden-brown coloration, distinctive bright red or orange eyes, and horizontal rows of dark spots along their sides.
  • They typically reach 6-10 inches in length and rarely exceed one pound, with 12-inch specimens not uncommon.
  • In Pennsylvania, a 7-inch Rock Bass is approximately 4 years old and weighs about 0.2 pounds, while 9-inch fish are around 5.8 years old and weigh about 0.5 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Rock Bass prefer rocky, clear waters including warmwater lakes, reservoirs, and especially streams and rivers with rocky pools.
  • They generally occur at equal or greater densities in rivers and streams compared to lakes.

Key Locations

  • Pennsylvania's major Rock Bass waters include the Susquehanna River system (including West Branch and Juniata River), Delaware River drainage (Lehigh and Schuylkill Rivers), Allegheny River, and reservoirs like Curwensville, Raystown Lake, and Lake Wallenpaupack.
  • They're abundant in major waterways like the Susquehanna River, Allegheny River, Delaware River, and their tributaries, as well as most natural warmwater lakes and man-made reservoirs.

Specific Spots

  • Target rocky areas, underwater boulder fields, docks, and near-shore zones of reservoirs where they school with other sunfish.
  • Males build circular nests in sand and gravel areas near logs or large rocks.

Rock Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Small jigs, spinners, spoons, and crankbaits are highly effective lures. Worms or minnows.

What flies work for Rock Bass in Pennsylvania?

Rock Bass will readily take patterns that work for smallmouth bass, including Woolly Buggers, Clouser Minnows, and nymph patterns like Pheasant Tail and Hare's Ear nymphs.

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

Rock Bass fishing in Pennsylvania is most productive during spring and early summer, with peak catch rates occurring from April through June in rivers and large reservoirs. Fall can also yield high catch rates in medium-sized reservoirs.

How do you catch Rock Bass in Pennsylvania?

The most effective approach is drifting worms or minnows near rocky shoreline habitat where Rock Bass typically concentrate. Rock Bass are most active during evening and early morning hours.

What do Rock Bass eat?

Rock Bass are carnivorous bottom-feeders with surprisingly large mouths that allow them to prey on large aquatic insects, crayfish, and small fish including their own species.

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