Missouri Black Bass Fishing

In Missouri lakes and reservoirs, bass anglers devote most of their attention to largemouth bass because they are abundant, and they grow to large sizes. A 5-pound smallmouth will earn an angler bragging rights. A 5-pound spotted or Kentucky bass is even more rare. However, 5-pound largemouth bass are relatively common.

Among anglers, the spotted bass is probably the least well known of the three black bass species. Although originally living only in Missouri's bootheel, this feisty game fish has spread throughout the southern half of the state due to stocking.

It is important for anglers to learn to distinguish the three black bass species since length requirements and other regulations depend on the species caught.

The Missouri Department of Conservation is trying to improve black bass fishing for anglers. To this end, fisheries biologists are looking closely at the individual species of black bass and their potential in Missouri waters.