Shadow Bass

Body Type & Identification: A medium-sized black bass of Ozark and Ouachita mountain streams — dark olive-green with indistinct mottling and a pattern that provides excellent camouflage against rocky stream bottoms. Closely related to Rock Bass but larger and found in faster water. Distinguished by its specific range and the more irregular mottled pattern.

Preferred Water Temperature: 62°F–74°F. A clear, cool Ozark and Ouachita stream species found in rocky pools and runs. Spawn in spring over gravel and rocky substrate in 1–4 feet of water.

Habitat: Clear, rocky streams of the Ouachita Mountains and western Ozarks — found in the Arkansas, Ouachita, and related drainages. A stream specialist of relatively undisturbed Ozark upland rivers. Often found alongside Smallmouth Bass and Longear Sunfish in the same rocky pools.

Best Lures: Small tube jigs are very effective. Small inline spinners work well in current. Small crankbaits through rocky runs produce strikes. Fly fishing with small streamers and poppers.

Best Baits: Live crawfish are the premier bait. Small hellgrammites work very well. Small nightcrawlers produce results. Ultralight to light tackle in clear Ozark streams.

Top 5 Destinations: Little Missouri River AR, Saline River AR, Ouachita River (upper) AR, Mountain Fork River OK/AR, Rolling Fork River AR.

A medium-sized black bass of Ozark and Ouachita mountain streams — dark olive-green with indistinct mottling and a pattern that provides excellent camouflage against rocky stream bottoms. Closely related to Rock Bass but larger and found in faster water. Distinguished by its specific range and the more irregular mottled pattern.

Clear, rocky streams of the Ouachita Mountains and western Ozarks — found in the Arkansas, Ouachita, and related drainages. A stream specialist of relatively undisturbed Ozark upland rivers. Often found alongside Smallmouth Bass and Longear Sunfish in the same rocky pools.

62°F–74°F. A clear, cool Ozark and Ouachita stream species found in rocky pools and runs. Spawn in spring over gravel and rocky substrate in 1–4 feet of water.

Best Lures: Small tube jigs are very effective. Small inline spinners work well in current. Small crankbaits through rocky runs produce strikes. Fly fishing with small streamers and poppers. Best Baits: Live crawfish are the premier bait. Small hellgrammites work very well. Small nightcrawlers produce results. Ultralight to light tackle in clear Ozark streams.

Little Missouri River AR, Saline River AR, Ouachita River (upper) AR, Mountain Fork River OK/AR, Rolling Fork River AR.