
Find Your Next Spot
Rock bass
Ambloplites rupestris

Identification
Bronze-to-olive with red eyes and rows of dark spots forming faint horizontal lines — often mistaken for a large sunfish, though it's actually in the same family as smallmouth bass.
Where It's Found
Clear, rocky lakes and streams across the eastern and midwestern U.S., usually holding near boulders, ledges, and current breaks.
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Fishing Notes
Willing biters that often keep company with smallmouth bass — small crankbaits and jigs fished around rock structure work well.
Scientific Classification▾
Family
Centrarchidae
Genus
Ambloplites
Order
Centrarchiformes
Class
Actinopterygii
Phylum
Chordata
Kingdom
Animalia
Ready to go fishing?
Find a boat ramp near you and check state fishing regulations before you head out.
Photography sourced from Wikimedia Commons contributors.