Identifying characteristics:

COMMON NAMES: Largemouth bass

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Micropterus salmoides

IDENTIFICATION: Largemouth bass are moderately compressed with a deep body. The back of the mouth, when closed, extends past the eye. This characteristic distinguishes it from the smallmouth bass where the back of the mouth does not extend past the eye. The largemouth also has a black band that extends down the side of the body. Spotted bass have a black spot on the gill cover and dark streaks on the lower side of the body.

RANGE AND HABITAT: Largemouth bass are native to Michigan and can be found in every county in the state. They prefer ponds, lakes and slow, sluggish streams.

LIFE HISTORY: Largemouth bass usually spawn between mid-April and mid-June in Michigan. Nests are constructed by the male in 1 to 6 feet of water. The female lays between 2,000 and 20,000 eggs in several different nests; one nest can contain eggs from several females. The male guards the eggs until they have hatched. Young largemouth feed on microscopic animals until they reach 1 inch in length. At this time, they begin eating freshwater shrimp, midge larvae, and other small animals. Adults eat crayfish, frogs, large insects, and other fish.

ADULT SIZE: The average size largemouth bass runs from 1 to 2 pounds. The state record weighed 13 pounds 2 ounces and measured just over 25 inches long.

FISHING METHODS: Largemouth bass can be caught on a wide variety of natural and artificial baits using casting, spinning, and fly fishing gear. The best time of year to catch largemouth bass is May, June, and July, but they can be caught throughout the year.