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Largemouth Bass
Micropterus salmoides
12–18 inches
Typical Length
1–4 lbs
Typical Weight
Late May (Saturday of Memorial Day weekend)
Season Opens
22%
% of MN Lakes
The largemouth bass is America's most popular sportfish and thrives in Minnesota's warmer, shallower lakes. Known for acrobatic jumps and strong fights, they're a favorite among recreational and tournament anglers alike.
Habitat
Largemouth bass prefer warm, shallow lakes with heavy vegetation, fallen timber, and docks. They relate closely to cover — lily pads, submerged wood, and weed beds are key areas. They're less common in deep, cold lakes.
When to Fish
Best months: June, July, August
Season opens: Late May (Saturday of Memorial Day weekend)
Catch-and-release only before the late May opener. Topwater fishing in early morning during summer is peak largemouth action. They become less active in cold water.
Did You Know?
- A largemouth bass can open its mouth wide enough to swallow prey nearly half its own body length.
- Males guard the nest aggressively after spawning and will strike at anything that comes near — including lures.
- Bass can detect vibrations through their lateral line from over 100 feet away.
Minnesota State Record
8 lbs 15 oz (Auburn Lake, 2021)
Lakes with Largemouth Bass near you
751 Minnesota lakes have Largemouth Bass on record. Find the closest ones to you.
Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) is a gamefish species found in Minnesota lakes and rivers. DNR surveys have documented largemouth bass in 751 Minnesota lakes. The Minnesota state record is 8 lbs 15 oz (Auburn Lake, 2021).