Micropterus salmoides
The largemouth bass is the most popular freshwater game fish in North America and has built an enormous following among both conventional and fly anglers. Named for its large mouth that extends past the eye when closed, the largemouth bass is an apex predator in warm-water ecosystems, feeding on everything from insects and crayfish to frogs, mice, and smaller fish. While traditionally associated with spinning and baitcasting gear, fly fishing for largemouth bass has surged in popularity, offering explosive topwater takes on poppers and gurgler patterns that rival any trout rise for excitement. Largemouth bass are found in ponds, lakes, reservoirs, and slow-moving rivers across the United States, making them one of the most accessible game fish for fly anglers. Their aggressive strikes, powerful fights, and tolerance of warm water make them an ideal species for anglers extending their fly fishing beyond cold-water trout streams.
Order
Perciformes
Family
Centrarchidae
Genus
Micropterus
Species
M. salmoides
Warm, shallow lakes and ponds with abundant vegetation; submerged structure like docks, fallen timber, and weed edges; also slow-moving rivers and reservoirs
Native Range: Eastern and central North America from the Great Lakes south to the Gulf of Mexico and from the Atlantic coast west to Texas
Introduced Range: Every US state, southern Canada, Mexico, Central America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australasia; one of the most widely distributed freshwater fish on Earth
Highly opportunistic predator feeding on bluegill, shad, crayfish, frogs, mice, snakes, ducklings, and large insects; larger fish become increasingly piscivorous
Largemouth bass spawn in spring when water temperatures reach 60-75°F, typically from March through June depending on latitude. Males construct and guard circular nest beds in shallow water, fanning the eggs to keep them clean and oxygenated. Male bass aggressively defend the nest and will strike virtually anything that approaches, including flies.
Spawning Months
Spawning Temperature: 60-75°F
The Largemouth Bass is currently classified as Least Concern; one of the most abundant and widely managed freshwater game fish in the world, supported by extensive stocking and habitat management programs. Responsible catch-and-release practices help protect populations for future generations of anglers.
Topwater fishing with poppers and gurglers during early morning and late evening provides the most exciting largemouth bass fly fishing. Let the fly sit motionless after landing for 5-10 seconds before beginning a slow, rhythmic pop-and-pause retrieve. Target weed edges, lily pads, docks, and fallen timber where bass ambush prey.
A 9-foot 7 or 8-weight rod with a bass taper line designed for turning over large, wind-resistant flies. Use 10-15 lb tippet and heavy monofilament leaders.
Average Size
12-20 inches, 1-5 lbs
World Record
22 lbs 4 oz (Montgomery Lake, Georgia, 1932)
