Other Common Names:

Black Bass, Green Bass, Bigmouth, Linesides, Bucketmouth

State Record:

14 pounds 12 ounces

Identifying Features:

Largemouth bass have a black to green back with lighter sides and a pale belly. They have a dark wavy band running the length of their sides. Their mouth extends beyond their eyes.

Typical Adult:

Length: Up to 21 inches
Weight: Up to 10 pounds
Life span: Up to 15 years

Habitat:

Largemouth bass inhabit weedy lakes and ponds and slow-moving rivers and streams throughout U.S. They prefer areas with lots of cover (brush, sunken logs, and rocks). The preferred temperature is 68-78 °F.

Feeding Behavior:

Largemouth bass feed on whatever is available, including small fish, leeches, salamanders, frogs, snakes, and turtles. They also feed more heavily as the water temperature rises.

Reproductive Behavior (Spawning):

When: Spring
Preferred Water Temperature: 63-68 °F
How: The male constructs a 2-3 foot long nest by sweeping away debris from the bottom with its head and tail. It will usually nest usually near heavy cover such as brush and logs. The male guards the eggs and fry (young) for about a month.

Did You Know:

Largemouth bass have a sensor along their lateral line that picks up underwater vibrations as subtle as small fish swimming nearby.

In shallow waters, largemouth bass can detect colors, especially red.

The eyes of largemouth bass absorb more light than human eyes.

* Indiana does not have an official state fish