Other names: Spotty, Spots
The spotted bass, Micropterus punctulatus, is a freshwater fish native to North America, particularly in rivers and reservoirs of the Mississippi River basin. It is easily recognized by its elongated body and distinctive rows of dark spots along the lower sides. Known for its aggressive behavior, the spotted bass is popular among sport anglers. It typically inhabits clearer, flowing waters and feeds on small fish, insects, and crustaceans.
Other names
Spotty, Spots
Length
~38" (max 64)
Weight
~1" (max 5)
Water
Fresh
Water Temp
13-23° F
Depth
3-9 ft
Ballin out jig
Bass Assassin Die Dapper
Berkley Power Tube
Cabela's Shallow Suspending Shad
Chrome Rattle Trap
Crankbait Balsa Wood
Crawfish
Crayfish
Crocodile Spoons
Dirty Jigs Finesse FootballAlways open
5
14"
Total length
Snagging; NM Mechanical or Electrical Devices; NM Bow fishing and Spear fishing; NM Trotline Restriction; NM Bait and Baitfish
Spotted bass prefer clear, flowing waters like streams, rivers, and reservoirs, often near rocky or gravelly bottoms
They are frequently found near structures like submerged logs, rocks, or vegetation, where they can ambush prey
Their diet mainly consists of smaller fish, crayfish, and insects, which they hunt actively, especially during dawn and dusk
Unlike largemouth bass, spotted bass are more tolerant of cooler, swifter waters and can be found in deeper parts of rivers
Spotted bass spawn in the spring when water temperatures rise, preferring shallow, gravelly areas for nesting
Males create and guard nests, where females deposit eggs before the males continue to protect the nests until the fry hatch
Juvenile spotted bass tend to stay near cover in shallow waters before gradually moving to deeper areas as they mature
Seasonal patterns influence their activity, with more aggressive feeding and movement during warmer months, followed by slower activity in colder seasons
