Rock Bass avoid direct sunlight. Like all freshwater bass, rock bass prefer the cover of shade that comes from docks, piers, bridges and other heavily shaded areas.

Habitat & Distribution

Rock bass are common across much of eastern and central North American lakes, which are considered their primary habitat. They can be found in Canadian Lakes from Manitoba in the west to Quebec in the east. In the United States, they can be found from the east coast all the way over the the Mississippi River and south all the way down to Florida.

Rock Bass are primarily bottom feeders, preferring water temperatures in the 60°F to 72°F/14°C to 21°C temperature range. They will chase down bait within a few feet of the bottom, but are most active striking baits in the six inch to one foot depth off the bottom.

Dormant

Rock bass are relatively dormant in late fall and more so during the winter months when they spend their time in a semi hibernation state, eating infrequently in deep water. Rock Bass feed very little once the temperature reaches 45°F.

Sunlight

Rock Bass avoid direct sunlight. Like all freshwater bass, rock bass prefer the cover of shade that comes from docks, piers, bridges and other heavily shaded areas.

When morning arrives, they can be found away from their normal cover and in shallow areas. It is in these areas that they will ambush their bait fish. The exception to all of this is when there is a large presence of human activity. In this case, they will come out to feed at night and into the early morning.

Jigs Lures and Baits

While there are many jigs and lures that will work, try using worms and leeches as these are simple and highly cost effective.

Cast your line so that the bait rest close to the bottom as rock bass are primarily bottom feeders. Where the bottom is free from logs and other items that cause snags, run your bait across the bottom, allowing it to jump from time to time.