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Spotted Bass

Spotted Bass

Spotted Bass (Micropterus punctulatus) are native to Tennessee's Ohio River basin and central/lower Mississippi River basin, representing one of the black bass species found throughout the state except in higher elevations of East Tennessee.

Scientific Name: Micropterus punctulatus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinguished by rows of dark spots below the lateral line and scales on the base portion of the second dorsal fin, with their upper jaw not extending past the eye - making them smaller-mouthed than largemouth bass.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found throughout the state except in higher elevations of East Tennessee.
  • Prefer rocky areas in large, cool, slower streams and rivers, as well as most larger reservoirs, occupying habitat intermediate between largemouth and smallmouth bass - areas with more current than largemouth prefer but warmer and more turbid than smallmouth habitat.

Key Locations

  • Center Hill Lake, Watts Bar Lake, Chickamauga Lake, Hiwassee River, Nickajack Lake, and various Tennessee River reservoirs.

Specific Spots

  • Fish rocky areas, points, bluffs, and structures similar to smallmouth bass habitat.
  • Rocky banks are vital for locating them, particularly bluff ends, cedars, and timber on main lake points during winter.
  • Focus on schools of shad which spotted bass utilize for forage.

Spotted Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, soft plastics like floating worms, topwater baits around deep structures, topwater buzzbaits, topwater jerkbaits, jigs, finesse worms.

What flies work for Spotted Bass in Tennessee?

Woolly Buggers, Clouser Minnows, sculpin streamers (Brown and White Belly, Black Matuka, Olive Matuka in sizes 4-6), and topwater poppers.

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

Early spring (March-May) when they move shallow before spawning, summer fishing is best at night, fall fishing becomes productive when water temperatures cool to the 60s with Thanksgiving being an excellent time, winter requires targeting channel banks in 10-25 feet of water.

How do you catch Spotted Bass in Tennessee?

Slow-roll spinnerbaits in 20-30 feet of water as water temperatures warm, jig spoons under shad schools in creek areas during fall, use finesse techniques in winter.

What do Spotted Bass eat?

Feed primarily on crayfish, shad, and aquatic insects, transitioning from zooplankton as juveniles to insects, then fish and crayfish as adults. They're less piscivorous than largemouth bass and more selective in feeding habits.

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