Bass

Largemouth Bass

Oklahoma Record -  14.11 lbs.

Largemouth bass are Oklahoma's most popular game fish. Highly predatory, Largemouth strike an assortment of artificial lures and natural baits. Certain Oklahoma lakes have size limits on bass to prevent  over harvesting. Check local and state regulations for size limits before fishing an unfamiliar lake.

Largemouth are found throughout the state in ponds, lakes, rivers and streams. The Florida subspecies of largemouth bass have been stocked in many areas and often interbreed with native largemouth bass. The hybrids grow rapidly and produce trophy quality bass.

During spring, largemouth can be found in shallow water where food and cover is available. In summer and cold winter months, they move into deeper water. Insects, frogs, smaller fish and crayfish are primary natural foods. 

Spawning occurs as water temperatures reach 62 to 65 degrees F. (April - May ). Nests are fanned out by males use of their tails near shorelines. Females deposit eggs in the nest which the male then fertilizes. After fertilization, the males drive the females and other intruders from the nest until the eggs hatch into fry. They continue protecting the fry until they obtain a size of about one inch.

Smallmouth Bass

Oklahoma Record - 7.8 lbs.

Smallmouth bass are native to Oklahoma and can be found in eastern Oklahoma lakes and streams. Best bets for catching Smallmouth in lakes are Grand, Tenkiller, Murray, Eufaula and Broken Bow.

Smallmouth prefer clear, gravel bed streams in Oklahoma. Fish for Smallmouth in streams in riffles, pools and shallows above rapids. In lakes Smallmouth are found in clear, clean water usually within rocky bank areas. Shelves and weedy areas near the shoreline are good areas to catch Smallmouth. Natural foods of Smallmouth include small fish,  insects, frogs, crayfish and tadpoles.

Spawning takes place during spring when water temperatures reach 60 to 75 degrees F ( April - May ). Nests are built on gravel bars from a few feet in depth up to 20 feet. Males drive females to the nest where she lays several thousand eggs. Males may drive multiple females to the nest area. No parental care is provided after the eggs hatch into fry.

In the morning and evening Smallmouth often can be found prowling shorelines in search of food. Smallmouth are one of Oklahoma's feistiest game fish. Catching them on light tackle is a great fishing experience.

Spotted bass prefer clear lakes and streams in eastern Oklahoma and are common in both the Arkansas and Red River. Spotted bass are more tolerant of slow,   turbid water than Smallmouth. In lakes, spotted bass prefer deeper waters with rocky bottoms and steep sloping sides. Insects, fish and crayfish are natural foods. They are caught frequently in streams.

Spotted bass spawn in spring when water temperatures reach 63 to 68 degree F ( April - May ). Males prepare a nest on a gravel or rocky bottom. After laying and fertilization of eggs, males guard the nest similar to largemouth bass. They remain with the fry until they are about a month old.

White ( Sand ) Bass

Oklahoma Record - 5.4 lbs.

White bass, popularly known as Sand bass, have silver colored sides. They are aggressive fish, and are found in most larger reservoirs. White, or sand bass, migrate into river tributaries of lakes in the later part of March and April in very large numbers. Spinners, jigs and minnows are good bait choices during these migrations. White bass move back into lake areas feeding on schools of shad as summer progresses. Their schools can often be detected by watching for feeding gulls. Small jigs, plugs and spinners are good lure choices.

 

Striped Bass

Oklahoma Record - 47.8 lbs.

Reproducing populations of striped bass are found in lakes Texoma and Keystone and in the Arkansas River Navigation System. Stocked populations are found in Foss, Tenkiller, Canton, Great Salt Plains, Grand and Kaw lakes. Stripers are found in swimming in schools in open waters. They do not frequent shallows or shorelines. Lake discharges  can be good areas to fish for striper. Shad, insects and minnows are the stripers natural foods. Striped bass can exceed weights of 40 pounds.

Spawning urge occurs at water temperatures of 55 to 70 degrees F., peaking at about 65 degrees. Females produce millions of semi-buoyant eggs which for hatching require a moving, unobstructed river.

Stripers are originally a marine species using freshwater streams to spawn. They became landlocked in an artificial impoundment on the Atlantic coast to which they adapted well. Many states began transplanting stripers, including Oklahoma.

Striped Hybrid Bass

Oklahoma Record - 23.4 lbs.

Striped bass hybrids were first stocked at Sooner Lake, in 1977. Subsequently, striped hybrid bass were stocked in Konawa, Optima, Ft. Supply, Tom Steed, Altus-Lugert, Overholser, Grand, Heyburn, Atoka, Ft. Cobb, Salt Plains, Waurika and Ellsworth lakes. Striped bass hybrids are hatchery produced by crossing female striped bass with male white bass, natural reproduction has not been observed.

Hybrids prefer areas within lakes and streams similar to the Striped bass, traveling in schools in open deeper water. Shad, minnows, crustaceans and insects are all natural foods. Striped hybrids are known for their rapid growth ( in excess of 2 lbs./year ) and a terrific fight when hooked.