Spotted Bass Habitat
Spotted Bass prefer small to medium sized rivers. They can also be found in slower and warmer turbid waterways that are unlikely to hold Smallmouth bass.
This is not surprising as the Spotted Bass is native to the warm climate and waters of the southern United States. They’re rarely found in natural lakes unless they have been stocked there.
Water Temperatures
In reservoirs, they prefer areas where the water temperature is in the 70°F range (21°C+). They prefer rocky areas and can be found in water depths between 60 and 100 feet. At this depth, water temperatures are usually in the 60°F range/14°C – 18°C.
All Spotted Bass sub species have evolved with physical and inherent behavioral characteristics. These were developed in response to river habitats and they’ve adapted well to cold water. Their body shapes, musculature, size and growth rates have been adapted to the living conditions of river habitats and their limited food conditions.
They prefer moderate moving current and clear water and prefer rocky cover. They can tolerate moderate turbidity quite well, though there preference is clear water. These fish have adapted to not only survive in low water conditions and droughts but to also reproduce in these tough conditions.
However, they have slow growth rates and have relatively short lives.
Although they rarely exceed 3 or 4 pounds, Spots can fight like a pesky little largemouth. They are often mistaken for them because of their similar colorations and markings. The spots above the horizontal line, however, are what set them apart.
Habitat
The natural habitat for these fish is clear, rocky flows and runs from creeks and small rivers, so try hunting for structure along rocky coves and inlets. If you find submerged brush, logs or heavy cover, you’re going to have fun, whether you’re throwing small minnow look-alikes, jigs or streamers.
Feeding
When it comes to feeding, the spotted bass prefer feeding in areas around rocks in a moving current. The best areas to find Spotted Bass are along rocky shorelines and coves including overhanging trees, sunken trees and debris and dock piers.
Electronic Equipment
When fishing for Spotted Bass in deep water, a dual beam sonar device will really help improve your fishing experience. When the fish are deeper than 20 feet, locating them is much easier with a gray scale sonar device, especially as the spotted bass will move from one location to another in search for food.
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