Largemouth Bass
Micropterus salmoides
Up to 5 largemouth bass per day, but the five-fish limit is combined across largemouth, spotted, and other black bass species. Every retained largemouth must be at least 14 inches.
Identify your catch
The upper jaw extends behind the eye. A dark lateral band runs along the side.
Habitat on Sam Rayburn
Hydrilla and pondweed edges, standing timber, flooded brush, creek channels and points documented by TPWD.
Fishing approach
TPWD identifies topwater in low light, soft plastics, spinnerbaits and crankbaits among options; seasonal depth and vegetation affect presentation.
Fishing guidance describes documented approaches, not a promise of fish activity today.
OVER 16 inches: women of childbearing age and children under 12 — DO NOT EAT; adult men and women past childbearing age — at most 2 eight-ounce meals per month. Applies to fish over 16 inches.
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
TPWD Sam Rayburn lake guide and historical water-body records. Records establish occurrence, not current abundance.
Lake harvest rules ↗Eating guidance ↗Lake habitat & fishing guide ↗Species identification ↗