a spotted bass

Spotted Bass

Spotted Bass Micropterus punctulatus, like Smallmouth Bass, are known for their fighting ability, aggressiveness, and stamina. Spotted Bass is a popular game fish sought by anglers throughout the United States.

Spotted Bass are native to western North Carolina and known to occur in medium to large rivers in the French Broad (including Pigeon and Nolichucky), Hiwassee, and Little Tennessee river watersheds in North Carolina. They naturally co-occur with native Smallmouth Bass in the rivers and lakes throughout their range but are more tolerant to turbidity. Spotted Bass were introduced into the Cape Fear River in the 1970s and are currently established in that system.

The native Spotted Bass is currently threatened by the introduction of Alabama Bass in North Carolina. Due to similarity in appearance to the invasive Alabama Bass, native Spotted Bass are often incorrectly viewed as a detriment to other black bass fisheries (i.e. Smallmouth Bass and Largemouth Bass). This case of mistaken identity is an unfortunate outcome of the illegal and unauthorized introductions of Alabama Bass that are not Spotted Bass.

Conservation Status

Spotted Bass are stable across their United States range but are considered at risk in North Carolina due to degraded habitat, dams, and hybridization with Alabama Bass. Spotted Bass are often confused with the invasive Alabama Bass which have been illegally introduced throughout North Carolina.

Spotted Bass Distribution in NC

Black Bass Identification

Below is a comparison of the Alabama Bass, Bartram's Bass, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, and Spotted Bass. Images courtesy of Black Bass iNaturalist.

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description of spotted bass olive green on top lighter on sides tooth patch on tongue jaw does not extend beyond back of eye rows of spots on sides scales rougher than largemouth bass horizontal band on tail

 

description of Alabama bass olive green top lighter on sides scales rougher than largemouth bass horizontal band blotches on tail jaw does not extend beyond back of eye rows of spots on sides

description of Bartrams bass olive bronze on top with vertical bars splotches on side second dorsal, caudal and anal fins are green to yellow with pale margins; may have tooth patch jaw does not extend beyond eye when mouth closed

description of largemouth bass darker green on top, lighter on sides; jaw extends beyond back of eye with mouth closed, no tooth patch on tongue. notch between dorsal fin deeper than most other bass species

description of smallmouth bass bronze to brownish green often with vertical bars, usually no tongue patch,jaw does not extend beyond back of eye with jaw fully closed

Related Links

Aquatic Nuisance Species - Learn more about aquatic nuisance species in North Carolina, how they got here, and what the NCWRC is doing to protect your waters. 

N.C. Stream Conditions - a list of websites that provide information on current stream flow conditions and projected release schedules from hydro power stations.

North Carolina Fishing Records and Angler Recognition Program - North Carolina has four programs that officially recognize anglers who have caught large fish. 

Where to Fish - Interactive map of publicly accessible fishing opportunities in western North Carolina streams, rivers, and reservoirs.

NC Fishes - more information and photos of fishes in North Carolina. (External website)

Protect Your Waters From Aquatic Hitchhikers - Learn how to prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species through basic gear care procedures.  (External website)

Lake Levels and Flow Releases Management Authorities - links to various agencies, managed lakes, and lake level information sites.  (External website)

Bass Anglers Sportsman Society Conservation News – links to Keeping Bass Alive Guides, Bassmaster Conservation Directors, and aquatic conservation news (External website)

Major League Fishing Fish Management Division – links to the Fish Management Division of the Major League Fishing tournament circuit and more (External website)