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Oklahoma Distribution – Common in both the Arkansas and Red River systems, spotted bass prefer clear lakes and streams in eastern Oklahoma. Although an important game fish in Oklahoma, spotted bass have not been widely cultured or stocked.

Description -  Black bass is a general term referring to largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass and their hybrids.  The three species are similar, but can be easily identified.  Since water clarity can affect the color of a fish , color is not a reliable way to tell the basses apart.

The most objective way to tell these species apart is by  the relationship of the eye and the mouth hinge.  On a spotted bass, the mouth hinge lines up vertically with the back edge of the eye; on a smallmouth bass, the mouth hinge vertically lines up in front of the back edge of the eye; and on a largemouth bass, the mouth hinge vertically lines up behind the back edge of the eye.  (Click on picture to enlarge)    

Habitat – Spotted bass inhabit flowing streams in eastern Oklahoma and are more tolerant of slow, warm, turbid water than smallmouth. In lakes, spotted bass are found in deeper water. They prefer rocky bottom areas as well as areas with steeply sloping sides.

Natural Food Sources – Crayfish and immature insects make up the bulk of their diet. They also eat small fish such as bluegill.

Spawning – Spawning takes place in the spring when water temperatures reach 63 to 68 degree F. Males clean out a nest on a gravel or rock bottom, usually near heavy cover. After the eggs are laid and fertilized, males guard the nest in a manner similar to largemouth bass males, remaining with the fry until they are about one month old.

Facts – Spotted bass are usually caught much deeper than largemouth and are more inclined to school. They are taken frequently from streams, sharing stringers with green sunfish and smallmouth bass.