Largemouth Bass

Key identifying characteristics:

• Medium sized, deep bodied fish
• Back and sides green to olive, belly is yellow to white
• Body often with a broken horizontal stripe
• Nine to eleven dorsal fin spines
• Deep notch between dorsal fins
• Upper jaw extends beyond eye

Distribution/Habitat:

• Largemouth bass are adapted to a variety of habitats, from clear, rocky lakes to shallow muddy ponds and slow-moving rivers.   Largemouth bass prefer warm water with abundant aquatic vegetation.
• The largemouth bass ranges from southern Ontario through the lower Great Lakes, with some populations in Northwestern Ontario. It often occurs in habitats similar to those preferred by the northern pike or muskellunge.

Angling Tips:

• Largemouth are often found in thick weeds and near sunken wood. Overhanging trees and docks also provide good largemouth hideouts.  In most of the province bass season opens the 4th Saturday in June. Fishing is often best in the early morning and late evening as they tend to take shelter during the day.  When fish aren’t biting, change your lure and your tactic.
• Largemouth bass are strong-fighting fish, eager to strike most artificial lures. Bass have a keen sense of smell and can be fooled more easily by adding scent to artificial bait.

Common Baits:

• Spinnerbaits
• Topwater plugs
• Buzzbaits
• Crankbaits
• Jigs
• A variety of soft plastic baits
• Minnows and crayfish are good live baits

Illustration credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Using the Umbrella Rig to Fish in Ontario