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Rock Bass

Rock Bass

Rock Bass are native to Tennessee and found throughout the state's eastern waters from Kentucky through Tennessee to northern Alabama and Georgia.

These members of the sunfish family are carnivorous and most active during evening and early morning hours, though in areas with heavy human activity they become more nocturnal.

Scientific Name: Ambloplites rupestris

Also known as goggle-eye, red eye, rock perch

Physical Characteristics:
  • They are distinguished by their six anal fin spines (other sunfish have only three), large mouth, red eyes, and rows of dark dots along their sides.
  • They average 6-10 inches and rarely exceed one pound, though the maximum recorded size is 17 inches and 3 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Rock Bass prefer clear, rocky, and vegetated stream pools and lake margins with rocky bottoms and cool to warm waters.

Key Locations

  • They're particularly abundant in the swifter, rockier upper portions of rivers like the Duck River upstream of Columbia, and in reservoirs like Dale Hollow, Cherokee Lake, Melton Hill, and Calderwood.
  • In the Duck River system, focus on the limestone runs and deep rocky pools, particularly around Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park's Big Falls area.

Specific Spots

  • Target rocky shorelines, undercut banks, current breaks, and areas around large rocks and boulders, especially in swift, clear water sections.

Rock Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Live bait is extremely effective - use crayfish, live stonerollers, nightcrawlers and small minnows. For artificial lures, small crayfish-colored crankbaits work exceptionally well, as do small spinners, jigs, plastic worms, and tube jigs.

What flies work for Rock Bass in Tennessee?

Fly fishermen should use natural-colored woolly buggers, bead-headed hellgrammite nymphs, or crayfish patterns worked through pockets and current breaks just like trout fishing.

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

Rock Bass fishing is excellent year-round in Tennessee, with spring through fall offering the most consistent action.

How do you catch Rock Bass in Tennessee?

Use crayfish on a #1 hook with little to no weight, or live stonerollers vertically jigged in current seams. The Ned Rig setup with finesse worms in natural colors like green pumpkin or purple is highly effective.

What do Rock Bass eat?

They're carnivorous, feeding on crayfish, aquatic insects like hellgrammites and stoneflies, smaller fish including yellow perch and minnows, and occasionally their own young.

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