Shoal Bass

Body Type & Identification: A large-river shoal bass of the Apalachicola River drainage — the most recently recognized black bass species. Olive-green with dark mottling, tiger-stripe pattern on the lower sides, and distinctive dark spots on the lower cheek. Distinguished from Redeye Bass by range and from Spotted Bass by habitat preference for rocky shoals. Endemic to the Apalachicola drainage.

Preferred Water Temperature: 63°F–75°F. A shoal-adapted species found in fast, rocky current over granite and limestone outcrops. Spawn in late spring on gravel and rocky substrate in swift water.

Habitat: Rocky shoals, rapids, and fast current reaches of the Chattahoochee, Flint, and other Apalachicola River tributaries. A specialist species requiring rocky shoal habitat — threatened by habitat alteration, impoundment, and hybridization with Spotted Bass. Protected in some portions of its range.

Best Lures: Topwater poppers worked over rocky shoals produce explosive strikes. Small swimbaits near rocky current breaks are effective. Small crankbaits through shoal runs work well. Fly fishing with deer hair poppers on 5–6 weight tackle is outstanding.

Best Baits: Live crawfish are outstanding in rocky shoal habitat. Live hellgrammites work very well in current. Small live shiners produce results. Light tackle with natural bait in rocky shoal habitat.

Top 5 Destinations: Chattahoochee River (below Lake Lanier) GA, Flint River GA, Chipola River FL, Ochlockonee River FL/GA, Apalachicola River FL.

A large-river shoal bass of the Apalachicola River drainage — the most recently recognized black bass species. Olive-green with dark mottling, tiger-stripe pattern on the lower sides, and distinctive dark spots on the lower cheek. Distinguished from Redeye Bass by range and from Spotted Bass by habitat preference for rocky shoals. Endemic to the Apalachicola drainage.

Rocky shoals, rapids, and fast current reaches of the Chattahoochee, Flint, and other Apalachicola River tributaries. A specialist species requiring rocky shoal habitat — threatened by habitat alteration, impoundment, and hybridization with Spotted Bass. Protected in some portions of its range.

63°F–75°F. A shoal-adapted species found in fast, rocky current over granite and limestone outcrops. Spawn in late spring on gravel and rocky substrate in swift water.

Best Lures: Topwater poppers worked over rocky shoals produce explosive strikes. Small swimbaits near rocky current breaks are effective. Small crankbaits through shoal runs work well. Fly fishing with deer hair poppers on 5–6 weight tackle is outstanding. Best Baits: Live crawfish are outstanding in rocky shoal habitat. Live hellgrammites work very well in current. Small live shiners produce results. Light tackle with natural bait in rocky shoal habitat.

1 fishing location where you can catch Shoal Bass

1 official record on file for Shoal Bass