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Spotted Bass

Spotted Bass

Spotted Bass in South Carolina are non-native, invasive fish that were illegally introduced by anglers and are currently under genetic study to determine whether they are true Spotted Bass or Alabama Bass.

Physical Characteristics:
  • They have a gold-green body with dark olive mottling that fades to a yellow-white belly, featuring small black spots below a dark band along the middle of their side and a distinct black spot right before the tail fin.
  • The jaw extends to the rear of the eye but not beyond, and they have a tooth patch on their tongue.
  • These bass average 1-3 pounds and typically range 12-24 inches in length, with a maximum age of approximately 5 years.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They're found primarily in the upper Savannah River drainage, including Lakes Keowee, Russell, Jocassee, and Hartwell, and have been introduced into tributaries of the Enoree, Saluda, and Savannah rivers, plus Catawba River reservoirs.
  • Spotted Bass prefer medium to large cool and warm mountain streams and reservoirs.

Key Locations

  • Target the western part of South Carolina, particularly Lakes Russell, Keowee, and Jocassee, with Lake Jocassee being the only water body containing all four black bass species.
  • They're found primarily in the upper Savannah River drainage, including Lakes Keowee, Russell, Jocassee, and Hartwell, and have been introduced into tributaries of the Enoree, Saluda, and Savannah rivers, plus Catawba River reservoirs.
  • For rivers like the Enoree, Catawba, and Saluda, target similar structural elements.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on structure like boat ramps, docks, rock piles, islands, points, drop-offs, fallen logs, and rock piles in lakes.
  • Fish deeper water (30-50 feet) during winter, targeting fish suspended 3-6 feet above bottom.

Spotted Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Effective lures include crankbaits, soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures that imitate shad and minnows. Square bill crankbaits and spinners work well on rivers. Live bait options include worms, crickets, and minnows.

What flies work for Spotted Bass in South Carolina?

Productive fly patterns include Clouser minnows, deceiver patterns, and gamechangers in natural baitfish colors like shad or crayfish patterns.

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

The best seasons for Spotted Bass in South Carolina are spring (March-May) and fall (September-November), with winter also productive as they school tightly around baitfish.

How do you catch Spotted Bass in South Carolina?

Winter fishing is particularly effective using vertical presentations like drop shots with small shad-shaped baits, jigging spoons (1-ounce), and shaky head rigs with trick worms. Square bill crankbaits and spinners work well on rivers.

What do Spotted Bass eat?

Their diet consists mainly of crayfish, aquatic insects, and fish such as shad, though they eat fewer fish than other black bass species.

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