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Spotted Bass

Spotted Bass

Spotted Bass in West Virginia are aggressive predatory feeders that ambush prey from hiding spots, consuming small fish, crayfish, and immature aquatic insects through powerful suction feeding.

Scientific Name: Micropterus punctulatus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinguished from largemouth bass by horizontal rows of small black spots below the lateral line, a shallow notch between dorsal fins, and a circular patch of teeth on the tongue.
  • Adults typically measure 10-15 inches (1-3 pounds) but can reach 20 inches.
  • The West Virginia state record is 19 inches and 4.77 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found in all drainages except the Potomac and James River systems, primarily inhabiting U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoirs, tailwaters, small impoundments, and slow-moving sections of rivers and streams.
  • Can be found alongside largemouth and smallmouth bass in many West Virginia impoundments and river systems.

Key Locations

  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoirs like Beech Fork, Burnsville, East Lynn, and R.D.
  • Bailey Lake.
  • R.D.
  • Bailey Lake produces trophy-sized specimens.

Specific Spots

  • Prefer deeper waters than other black bass and gravitate toward logs, stumps, large rocks, and shoreline structure.
  • Target areas near logs, stumps, large rocks, fish attractors, and beaver huts.
  • At R.D.
  • Bailey Lake specifically, focus on rocky drops and clay points.

Spotted Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Plastic worms (4-6 inches) Texas-rigged with 1/8 to 3/16-ounce weights, Carolina rigs, drop-shot rigs, heavy jigs with craw trailers, shaky-head jigs with straight-tail worms, deep-diving crankbaits along mid-depth ledges in 10-16 foot ranges, blade baits, spinnerbaits, small shallow-running crankbaits, plastic jigs...

What flies work for Spotted Bass in West Virginia?

Dr.edge flies like sculpin patterns, crawfish imitations, and Clouser minnows in olive, brown, and natural colors.

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

Spring through fall, with excellent action from May through October. During cooler weather, fish slowly with jigs and live bait.

How do you catch Spotted Bass in West Virginia?

Texas-rigged presentations, Carolina rigs for deeper presentations, drop-shot rigs, bouncing blade baits along steep drops. During cooler weather, fish slowly. Summer patterns include topwater lures early and late in the day, with deeper presentations during midday heat.

Where do Spotted Bass live in West Virginia?

Found in all drainages except the Potomac and James River systems, primarily inhabiting U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoirs, tailwaters, small impoundments, and slow-moving sections of rivers and streams. Can be found alongside largemouth and smallmouth bass in many West Virginia impoundments and river systems.

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