One of the most highly sought-after sport fishes in the U.S. The Largemouth Bass is marked by a series of dark blotches forming a ragged horizontal stripe along its sides and an upper jaw that extends beyond the back of the eye. It is the largest species of the black bass. The average weight of a Largemouth Bass is 1 to 2 lbs., with the maximum recorded weight being 22 lbs. It can put up a respectable fight for the sport fisherman and responds well to catch-and-release due to its hardiness and ability to withstand repeated hook injuries. The Largemouth Bass is more tolerant of warm water than its smaller cousin the Smallmouth Bass.
Wetland
Native to much of eastern North America. It has a broad range as far north as Quebec, Canada and as far south as northern Mexico.
Spring
Abundant
Diurnal
Juveniles consume small bait fish, scuds, water fleas, copepods, small shrimp, and insects. Adults consume smaller fish, shad, worms, snails, crawfish, frogs, snakes, and salamanders.
Juvenile largemouth bass are a social group because they form schools with similarly-sized fish. Adults are usually solitary and do not interact with each other. During the spring they migrate into the warmest available waters, about 15-18 degrees Celsius. During the winter they migrate into deeper water, typically 5-15 meters. During the day, bass may rest under lily pads or in the shade. During the evening, they become very active and move to shallow water to feed. After they are done feeding, much like the afternoons, they return to deeper waters where they rest under logs.
Largemouth bass are a top predator and considered a keystone species. In the ecosystem, they exert top-down control of the food web.
Least Concern
