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Spotted Bass

Spotted Bass

Spotted Bass are native to portions of East Texas from the Guadalupe River to the Red River, excluding the Edwards Plateau region.

Scientific Name: Micropterus punctulatus

Physical Characteristics:
  • They're distinguished from largemouth bass by their smaller mouth (upper jaw doesn't extend past the eye), connected dorsal fins with scales at the base, and characteristic rows of dark spots below the lateral line.
  • In Texas waters, spotted bass typically reach 18 inches and 3-5 pounds with a 6-year lifespan.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Native to portions of East Texas from the Guadalupe River to the Red River, excluding the Edwards Plateau region.
  • They prefer flowing waters with more current than largemouth bass.

Key Locations

  • Key Texas waters include tributaries of the San Jacinto River (Sam Houston National Forest), the Sabine, Neches, Trinity rivers, and reservoirs like Lake Texoma and Alan Henry Reservoir.
  • In East Texas creeks like those in Sam Houston National Forest.

Specific Spots

  • Target rocky banks, bluff ends, main lake points with timber, brush piles in 15-30 foot depths, and current breaks.
  • Fish structure like underwater humps, standing timber, and rock piles.

Spotted Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

4-inch ringworms and 5-6 inch straight-tail worms Texas-rigged with 1/8-3/16 ounce weights, Carolina rigs for deeper fish, compact jigs tipped with craws (black/blue in murky water, pumpkin/watermelon in clear), deep-diving crankbaits like the Yo-Zuri 3DB 110 jerkbait in white pearl, drop shot rigs with small...

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

Spotted bass fishing in Texas peaks during cooler months, especially winter. Spring and fall offer excellent action. They spawn when water temperatures reach 63°F (March-April in Texas), ending around 78°F.

How do you catch Spotted Bass in Texas?

Winter tactics focus on vertical presentations. Work lures parallel to breaks with erratic retrieves. Summer fishing targets suspended fish during low-light periods.

What do Spotted Bass eat?

Their diet shifts from zooplankton as juveniles to insects and crawfish at 2-3 inches, with crawfish and fish comprising 50% of their diet by 6 inches. Adults aggressively feed on shad, minnows, small fish, crayfish, aquatic insects, and when forage is limited, terrestrial insects like ants and grasshoppers.

Where do Spotted Bass live in Texas?

Native to portions of East Texas from the Guadalupe River to the Red River, excluding the Edwards Plateau region. They prefer flowing waters with more current than largemouth bass.

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