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Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass are the most popular freshwater game fish in North America by a wide margin — the foundation of a multi-billion-dollar tournament and recreational fishing industry that includes the Bassmaster Classic, the Major League Fishing tour, and thousands of local tourname

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Overview

The Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) is the most popular freshwater game fish in the world and the centerpiece of an entire industry — boats, lures, tournaments, TV shows, and a culture all its own. Native to the southeastern United States, it has been stocked on every continent except Antarctica.

Largemouth are aggressive ambush predators that hunt from cover — fallen timber, weed beds, lily pads, docks. Their oversized mouth (extending past the rear of the eye) lets them eat surprisingly large prey, including bluegill, frogs, crayfish, and even small ducklings. Adults average 14 inches but can exceed 22 pounds in trophy waters like Florida and California.

The spring spawn (April-June at 60-75°F) is the most popular fishing window — bass move shallow to bed and feed aggressively. Plastic worms, jigs, spinnerbaits, and topwater frogs are bass-fishing classics. Early morning, late afternoon, and overcast days produce the best action.

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Fish Data31 / 39 fields

Fish Data

31 / 39 fields

Physical

Adult Size— not set

Average Length(in)14.0 in

ColorationOlive-green to bronze back, white belly, distinct dark horizontal stripe along the lateral line.

Distinguishing FeaturesUpper jaw extends BEYOND the rear edge of the eye (vs. Smallmouth which does not). Dorsal fins are nearly separated by a deep notch. Horizontal lateral stripe (vs. Smallmouth vertical bars).

Max Length(in)29.5 in

Max Weight(lb)22.3 lb

World Record Weight(lb)22.3 lb

Habitat

Diet— not set

Native Range— not set

Conservation Status— not set

Depth PreferenceShallow to mid-depth, ambushing from cover. Moves deeper in midsummer and winter.

HabitatWarm, vegetated lakes, ponds, reservoirs, and sluggish rivers. Loves cover — fallen timber, weed beds, lily pads, docks.

Introduced RangeOne of the most widely introduced sportfish in the world — stocked across the US and on every continent except Antarctica.

Native RangeNative to the Mississippi River basin and southeastern United States.

Temperature PreferenceWarm water — most active at 65-80°F. Slows below 50°F.

Water TypeFreshwater

Classification

Common Names— not set

PhylumChordata

Kingdom— not set

Species— not set

Class— not set

Common NamesLMB, Bigmouth bass, Bucketmouth, Black bass, Green trout (Cajun), Florida bass (subspecies)

FamilyCentrarchidae

GenusMicropterus

OrderPerciformes

Scientific NameMicropterus salmoides

Behavior

Active TimeCrepuscular

Diet TypeCarnivore

Lifespan(yr)15 yr

Spawning SeasonSpring (April-June) at 60-75°F. Males clear and guard saucer-shaped nests in 1-4 ft of water.

Typical PreySmaller fish (bluegill, shad, minnows), crayfish, frogs, large insects, salamanders, occasional small mammals or birds.

Conservation

Invasive Elsewhere Yes

IUCN StatusLeast Concern

Recreation

Best LuresPlastic worms (Texas-rigged), jigs, spinnerbaits, topwater frogs and buzzbaits, crankbaits, swimbaits, jerkbaits, chatterbaits.

Best SeasonSpring (pre-spawn through post-spawn) and fall. Summer fishing is best at low light or in deep water.

Best Time of DayEarly morning, late afternoon, and overcast days. Pre-spawn is the most aggressive feeding window.

Eating QualityGood

Edible Yes

Game Fish Yes

Wildlife & Natural Features

Smallmouth Bass

Fauna (Animals)Freshwater Species

Smallmouth Bass

Fauna (Animals)Freshwater Species

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External Resources2 links

External Resources & Links

2 links

FishBase

iNaturalist

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Added Apr 5, 2026