Spotted Bass
Kentucky bass, smallmouth bass
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Scientific Name:
Micropterus punctulatus Freshwater
Native
Fish
- Seasons and Regulations
- Licenses/Permits
Description
Olive green back with darker blotches along upper sides. Single row of dark, almost black blotches along the midline on each side. Lower body is white. Scales on lower sides have small dark spots. Corner of closed mouth does not extend beyond the eye like on a largemouth bass. A tooth patch is present on their tongue, which feels rough to the touch. Can weigh close to 10 pounds, but 5 pounds or less is common in the southeast.
Range and Habitat
Found throughout the Ohio River Basin and across the southeastern United States. Typically found in smaller waterbodies with medium water flow and gravel or rock bottoms. Prefer upstream habitat with cover such as logs or aquatic vegetation.
Behavior
Feeds on a wide variety of prey including fish, crawfish, frogs, and insects. An ambush predator, laying near structures and waiting for prey to pass within their range. Not as aggressive as largemouth bass. Spawn in the spring. Males build nests on gravel or rocky bottoms and guard the eggs and fry for several weeks after they hatch.