Rock Bass

Key Identifying Characteristics 

• Small, very deep bodied fish
• Back and upper sides are brown to olive, with golden tints, and there are often dark saddles
• Large, red eye
• Regular rows of spots on the side in adults
• Dorsal fin has 10-13 spines
• Six anal fin spines
• Mouth is large and extends backwards to below the middle of the eye

Distribution/Habitat 

• Rock bass prefer the cool waters of lakes and slow-moving streams, and are often found over rocky bottoms. They are often found in groups with other sunfishes and basses, including smallmouth bass and pumpkinseed.
• Rock bass can be found throughout southern and central Ontario and the Great Lakes, as well as portions of northwestern Ontario.

Angling Tips:

• Rock bass are excellent targets for young anglers because they are aggressive feeders and take bait readily. They are most active in the summer and will bite all day.  Strong sunlight will force them into covered areas so look for them near docks and sunken wood.
• These fish are easily caught from shore and are accessible to most anglers.  They will feed all day and can provide excellent action for children.
• Rock bass spend most of their time in a relatively small area. In late fall, they become nearly dormant, feeding very little. Rock bass are small so light line is best, however, their larger mouths allow for larger baits than for sunfish. Catch rock bass using a variety of techniques, including dangling live bait from a small bobber, fly-fishing, casting small lures or even slow-trolling or drifting.

Common Baits:

• Small plugs
• Small spinners
• Small jigs
• Or consider using live bait such as worms or insect, or add natural bait to an artificial lure to make it more appealing.