Maryland Fish Facts

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass

Micropterus nigricans

Key Distinguishing Markings:

Largemouth Bass can be recognized by the lower jaw which extends past the back edge of the eye.
It is dark green above with silvery sides and belly.
A dark stripe runs across its body.

View the Largemouth Bass Gallery

Distribution:

Orginally, Great Lake and Mississippi River basins; the species is now found throughout North America and the world.
Largemouth Bass is found in all waters of Maryland from freshwater to brackish (a mix of fresh and saltwater) waters.

Size:

Habitat:

Largemouth Bass is found in all waters of Maryland from freshwater to brackish
(a mix of fresh and saltwater) waters.
They like large, slow moving rivers or streams with soft bottoms.
They especially like clear water.

Spawning:

Largemouth Bass spawns as early as March or as late as June, depending on water temperature.
The males build saucer shaped nests 20 - 30 inches in diameter.
The male guards the nest and eggs from all intruders, until the fish hatch.
Largemouth Bass may live for 13 years.

Fishing Tips:

These fish are an extremely popular sport fish.
They are excellent fighters when caught on light spinning tackle.
Good baits for catching largemouth bass include live minnows, night crawlers, and a variety of artificial lures.
Popular methods of fishing are fly-fishing, bait casting, or bottom fishing.
For current recreational size and creel limits, see Maryland's updated regulation page.

Fun Fact:

Family: Centrarchidae (Sunfishes)

Order: Perciformes (perch-likes)

Class: Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)

For information concerning largemouth bass and their management, please contact Mary Groves at 301-888-2423 or Joseph W Love at 410-260-8257.

Illustration Courtesy of Duane Raver, USFWS

Maryland Department of Natural Resources