Largemouth Bass

Micropterus salmoides

Ohio's most popular warm-water game fish, found in nearly every lake and pond.

Size Limit
12 inches
Daily Bag
5
Season
Year-round
State Record
13 lbs 2 oz
Private Pond (1976)

Best Months to Fish

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

What to Use

Live Bait & Natural

nightcrawlersshinerscrawfish

Lures & Artificials

plastic wormscrankbaitsspinnerbaitsjigstopwater

Overview

Largemouth bass are found in virtually every Ohio lake, reservoir, pond, and slow-moving stream. They’re the most frequently caught species in the Fish Ohio program. Salt Fork Lake, AEP ReCreation Land ponds, and farm ponds across the state offer excellent largemouth fishing.

Regulation Notes

Black bass aggregate daily limit of 5

More Ohio Fish Species

View all fish species →

Plan Your Largemouth Bass Trip

Find lakes, guides, and bait shops for your next largemouth bass fishing trip in Ohio.

Explore Lakes   Find a Guide   Bait & Tackle

Regulations shown are statewide defaults. Some waters have special regulations — always check the current Ohio DNR regulations before fishing. An Ohio fishing license is required for ages 16+.