Scientific Name:               Micropterus salmoides

Common Name(s):         Largemouth Bass, Bucketmouth, Big Mouth, Green Bass, Northern Bass

Identification:

Largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides, are easily distinguished from similar black bass in Arkansas. Largemouth bass in Arkansas typically range from 12-20 inches in length and weigh 1-5lbs. The current state record is 16lbs 8oz; Mallard Lake. These fish have a very large mouth extending far behind the back of the eye.  The back and upper sides are olive to green, while the lower sides and belly are white or yellow with scattered dark brown spots. The midline of the fish has a broad and jagged black band. They differ from other black basses by being the largest in size, lacking several regular rows of black spots on lower sides, having a much larger mouth, and having a deep notch between the two dorsal fins.

Range:

Micropterus salmoides is native to North America where it inhabits freshwater lakes, rivers, ponds, and streams. Although it is native to the central part of North America, largemouth bass have been stocked extensively across the United States and globally for sport fishing. In Arkansas, they are found statewide in all drainages.

Ecology:

Largemouth bass are warm water sport fish, preferring water temperatures around 68°-78°F. They are mostly found in clear, calm waters. These fish inhabit natural and manmade lakes and ponds, but also calm backwaters and pools of streams and rivers. Largemouth are often found near logs or brush in deep water. They can survive in a variety of habitats, making them a very tolerant fish; however, they are intolerant of turbidity and siltation.

In Arkansas, largemouth spawn from April to June when water temperatures are above 65°F. Males construct circular nests in substrate, preferring gravel and areas with no current.  Males aggressively guard the nest until the young swim away and may stay with the schooling young for several days. Young are often found along shorelines or other structure

Largemouth are voracious predators that consume mostly fish, crayfish, insects, and other crustaceans. Their prey includes almost any animal they can fit in their mouth. Voracious and aggressive predatory tendencies are part of the reason the species is so popular among anglers. Largemouth have been introduced to many other regions because of their popularity as a sport fish. Although they are very popular, they can have negative impacts on native ecosystems in places where they are introduced. They eat native fish, or out-compete them for food resources. However, as mentioned above, largemouth bass are native to Arkansas and are found all over the state in streams, ponds, lakes, and rivers.

Special Notes:

Here in Bella Vista, largemouth bass are found in all lakes and are the most popular sport fish. They can be caught using a variety of bait including artificial lures and natural or live bait including minnows, crayfish, frogs, and earthworms. They prefer to be near submerged vegetation or flooded timber and brush but may also be found cruising the shoreline. In streams, they prefer slow moving current, although Smallmouth or Spotted Bass may be more common. Largemouth bass are not being stocked in any of the lakes because they are able to reproduce naturally and are able to sustain stable or increasing populations.