DescriptionDescriptionThe Rock Bass is appropriately named . . . find a good collection of rocks and stones in a cold, clearwater lake within its native range, and likely you'll find a concentration of these scrappy members of the sunfish family. It is sometimes known as "redeye" for their distinctive, dark red eyes.
The Rock Bass is found from Vermont west to Lake Winnipeg in Manitoba, and south to the Gulf states. Though introduced elsewhere, without their characteristic habitat, they do not flourish. An easy fish to catch these chunky fish are a great "starter" species for youngsters (and oldsters.) They are most often found in lakes, but do inhabit large bass-type rivers in the east, and even occur in trout streams in the southern reaches of their range.
Once these schooling fish are located, they can be counted on for consistent, nearly "guaranteed" fishing success. They feed on a variety of insects, crustaceans and mollusks. Fly fishing is often no more than a short cast with a light rod and floating or sinking tip line, and nearly vertical presentation with sunken flies. Many nymphs work well, and once the "killer fly" is determined for the time and place, "one-after-another' catches can be anticipated. Some surface fishing opportunities with small poppers is also fun, usually in the evening. Though a snappy fighter after initial hooking, they tire easily and can be released quickly so another can be promptly caught.