Largemouth Bass
Micropterus salmoides
Largemouth 14 inches or less or 21 inches or greater may be kept; release fish over 14 and under 21 inches. Only one at least 21 inches. Daily bag: 5 black bass combined.
Identify your catch
The upper jaw extends behind the eye. A dark lateral band runs along the side.
Habitat on Lake Athens
Moderately clear water with native vegetation, timber and docks.
Fishing approach
TPWD highlights spring bass fishing, February–May crappie and white bass, and sunfish around native vegetation as water warms.
Fishing guidance describes documented approaches, not a promise of fish activity today.
No lake-specific advisory found in the checked DSHS active list. This does not establish that fish are safe to eat.
Harvest permission and eating restrictions are separate.
General species guide
Often uses vegetation, woody cover and relatively quiet water. Adults eat fish and other aquatic prey.
General Largemouth Bass profile →Sources & lake evidence
Occurrence documented in the TPWD lake guide, fisheries survey or historical records. Historical evidence does not establish present abundance. Current harvest rules were checked separately from older survey regulations.
Lake harvest rules ↗Eating guidance ↗Lake habitat & fishing guide ↗Fisheries survey · species evidence ↗Species identification ↗