An angler displays a quality Spotted Bass. Photo by ©Alan Weaver
An ambitious Spotted Bass that was caught on a topwater frog lure.
Fact File
Scientific Name: Micropterus punctulatus
Classification: Fish, Order Perciformes, Family Centrarchidae
Size: Spotted Bass in Virginia typically grow to lengths around 15 inches
Life Span: Spotted Bass can live for about 6 years
Identifying Characteristics

- Prominent horizontal rows of spots below the lateral line
- Maxilla (jaw bone) does not extend beyond the eye when the mouth is fully closed
- A small patch of teeth are present on the tongue
- Two dorsal fins
- First dorsal has spines
- Dark blotches, often connected, span the midline
- Moderately forked caudal fin
Distribution
Spotted Bass are native to the Upper Tennessee and Big Sandy watersheds of southwest Virginia. Introduced populations of Spotted Bass are established in the Appomattox, New, Pamunkey, and Roanoke basins.
Diet
Spotted Bass are aggressive feeders that will opportunistically consume anything they can catch and fit in their mouth. While their top prey items will vary based on the forage opportunities in any given waterbody, they are known to feed heavily on other fish, amphibians, crayfish, and insects.
Habitat
Spotted Bass do well in areas where the water is too warm for Smallmouth Bass, but swifter moving than areas preferred by Largemouth Bass. Like these other black basses, Spotted Bass prefer to inhabit areas with adequate cover in the form of large woody debris, rocks, and submerged aquatic vegetation.
Last updated: January 16, 2025
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Species Profile Database serves as a repository of information for Virginia’s fish and wildlife species. The database is managed and curated by the Wildlife Information and Environmental Services (WIES) program. Species profile data, distribution information, and photography is generated by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, State and Federal agencies, Collection Permittees, and other trusted partners. This product is not suitable for legal, engineering, or surveying use. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources does not accept responsibility for any missing data, inaccuracies, or other errors which may exist. In accordance with the terms of service for this product, you agree to this disclaimer.