Largemouth Bass
Native to the St. Lawrence and Great Lakes, Hudson bay and the Mississippi River basin
About
Largemouth bass have a very large mouth with upper jaw bone of adults extending beyond rear margin of eye. Dark olive-green on the back with green sides shading to white belly. Dark horizontal band on each side. Coloration is darker and more distinct in clearer water and can pale greatly in highly turbid conditions. Deep notch in dorsal fin. Soft dorsal fin usually has 12 to 13 rays. Largemouth bass are actually members of the sunfish family, not the true bass family (stripers and white bass).
Spawning takes place from February to June. The spawn is triggered when water temperatures reach 60-62 F. Largemouths typically build nests, although they will spawn without a nest. Both the nest and the fry are defended by the male. The young move inshore to feed.
More About Largemouth Bass
Food
Bass are carnivorous, eating anything that moves. Their main diet is fish, such as, sunfish and shad.
Angling
Largemouth bass are the second most popular fish in Arizona. They are caught on a variety of baits, both natural and artificial. Depending on the time of the year, bass can be caught in shallow water with a surface lure or deep with jigs or plastic worms. Bass concentrate around submerged trees, aquatic vegetation and underwater drop-offs.
Table Quality
The meat is mild tasting, white, flaky, firm and good tasting.
Our Mission
To conserve Arizona’s diverse wildlife resources and manage for safe, compatible outdoor recreation opportunities for current and future generations.
Fishing Regulations
Rules and regulations for fishing in Arizona.