Neosho Bass, Ouachita Bass, and Little River Bass: Three unique smallmouth bass species of Oklahoma!
The smallmouth bass is a popular gamefish found throughout much of North America. However, did you know that there are three unique species of smallmouth bass native to Oklahoma? These are the Neosho Bass, Ouachita Bass, and Little River Bass.
Neosho Bass
The Neosho Bass is found in the Ozark Mountain streams of northeastern Oklahoma and southern Missouri. It is a smaller fish than the Ouachita Bass or Little River Bass, rarely exceeding 14 inches in length. Neosho Bass are known for their aggressive behavior and their willingness to strike a variety of lures. They are the perfect fly rod fish!
Ouachita Bass
The Ouachita Bass is found in the Ouachita Mountain streams of Arkansas and Oklahoma. It is a larger fish than the Neosho Bass, with some specimens exceeding 20 inches in length. Ouachita Bass are known for their hard-fighting qualities and their ability to adapt to a variety of water conditions.
Little River Bass
The Little River Bass is found in the Little River drainage of the Ouachita Mountains in Oklahoma and Arkansas. It is the most recently discovered of the three species, and it is still being studied by scientists. Little River Bass are known for their unique coloration and their aggressive behavior.
Fishing for Neosho Bass, Ouachita Bass, and Little River Bass
All three of these species of smallmouth bass can be caught using a variety of methods, including baitcasting, spinning, and fly fishing. However, some lures and techniques are more effective than others.
For Neosho Bass, it is important to use lures that can be retrieved quickly through fast-flowing water. Some good options include jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits.
Ouachita Bass can be caught using a variety of lures and techniques, but they are particularly fond of crankbaits and swimbaits. Ouachita Bass are also known to be suckers for topwater lures, especially in the early morning and evening hours.
Little River Bass are known for their aggressive behavior, so they can be caught using a variety of lures. However, some good options include topwater lures, jerkbaits, and swimbaits.
Conclusion
The Neosho Bass, Ouachita Bass, and Little River Bass are three unique species of smallmouth bass that offer anglers a challenging and rewarding fishing experience. If you are looking for a new challenge, consider targeting one of these three species in their native range in Oklahoma!