Page 16 - Outdoor Oklahoma Magazine Mar-Apr2023

THE BASS FAMILY (AND NEXT OF KIN)

Centrarchids are exclusive to North America and widely distributed statewide along the shallows of Oklahoma rivers, lakes, and ponds.

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LARGEMOUTH BASS Micropterus salmoides GREEN SUNFISH Lepomis cyanellus DUANE RAVER
Found throughout the state in ponds, lakes, rivers and streams. Green sunfish are found statewide. They have a large mouth
Both state and federal hatcheries stock most Oklahoma waters and light green wavy lines on the side of their head. Bluegill, red-
with these powerful fighters. The Florida subspecies of largemouth ear, and green sunfish are the most common fish in Oklahoma.
bass have been stocked in many reservoirs and will interbreed with Because of its large mouth and voracious appetite, it can often
native largemouth bass. These hybrids grow rapidly and produce be caught on lures intended for largemouth bass. Sunfish are the
trophy-size fish. It is the most-sought-after game fish in Oklahoma. perfect choice for introducing a youngster to the sport of fish-
ing. May and June are top months to fish for spawning sunfish.
Oklahoma State Record: 14 pounds, 13.7 ounces. Although sunfish will feed throughout the day, peak activity often
occurs early in the morning and later in the evening. They prefer
small streams and ponds and can survive in habitats too small or
temporary to support most other sunfish.

Oklahoma State Record: 2 pounds, 7 ounces.

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SMALLMOUTH BASS Micropterus dolomieu
Smallmouth bass occurs naturally in many eastern Oklahoma Ozark
and Ouachita streams and tributaries. Fishable lake populations
exist in Grand, Tenkiller, Murray, Eufaula, Texoma, and Broken Bow. DUANE RAVER
Smallmouth inhabits clear, gravel-bottom-streams in Oklahoma. The
best areas to fish for smallmouth within streams are in riffles, pools,
and the shallows above rapids. In manmade impoundments, small-
mouth seeks clear, clean water usually with a rocky substrate.
LONGEAR SUNFISH Lepomis megalotis
Oklahoma State Record: 8 pounds, 7 ounces. Longear sunfish are known to everyone for their relatively small stat-
ure and abundant numbers. But they more than make up for their lack
of size with their ferocity and willingness to bite a variety of baits or
lures. They are brilliantly colored in various hues of red, orange, yellow,
blue and green. Named for their elongated gill cover that is typically
bordered in white, this and other types of sunfish are well known to
most young anglers as being the first “perch” ever caught on a cane
??? pole with a dangling worm for bait Also dubbed “pan fish,” “goggle
eye” and “bream,” the name “perch” is inaptly applied to sunfishes.

SPOTTED BASS Micropterus punctulatus
Common in both the Arkansas and Red river systems, spotted
bass prefer clear lakes and streams in eastern Oklahoma. Spotted
bass have not been widely cultured or stocked. The eyes are
sometimes red. They are also known as Kentuckies or redeye bass.
Spotted bass are usually caught much deeper than largemouth
bass and are more inclined to school. Spotted bass inhabit flowing DUANE RAVER
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.
REDEAR SUNFISH Lepomis microlophustis
Oklahoma State Record: 8 pounds, 2 ounces. Redear sunfish are found statewide. It has a red outer margin on

14 OUTDOOR OKLAHOMA