Largemouth bass
About This Species
Largemouth bass (Widemouth bass, Bucketmouth) were intentionally introduced into BC as a stock fish from their native range of Eastern North America and are now found across the province. They are predators with an omnivorous diet, feeding on plankton, smaller fish, amphibians, insects, crustaceans, and even young turtles. This species has a serious potential to disrupt food webs when introduced to new habitats and has been identified as a potential threat to multiple aquatic species at risk in BC.
Largemouth bass prefer the upper levels of small shallow lakes and shallow bays of larger lakes, where the water is warmer and tend to be more aquatic plants to take shelter. Largemouth bass are designated as a Management species by the BC Provincial Priority Invasive Species List.
How to Identify
Largemouth bass have two dorsal fins that are joined together. The dorsal, caudal, and tail fins are semi-opaque and green, while the pectoral fins are amber and clear. The overall colouration of the fish varies depending on habitat – fish that live in clear water tend to be darker, while those living in murky water tend to be lighter.
Take Action
Prevention is the best approach.
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If you need advice about invasive species on your property or you are concerned about reported invasives in your local area, contact your local government or regional invasive species organization.
PREVENTION TIPS
It is illegal to move fish between waterways in BC. The use of live finfish as bait is strictly prohibited in BC.
Don't Let It Loose
Learn about best practices
Invasive species are plants, animals or other organisms that are not native to BC, and have serious impacts on our environment, economy and society. Never release your plants and animals into the wild or dump aquariums or water garden debris into rivers, streams, lakes or storm sewers!
Clean, Drain, Dry
Learn about best practices
The Clean Drain Dry program empowers you to help reduce the spread of invasive plants and organisms to BC waters by following the clean, drain, dry procedure on all watercraft and equipment.
REPORT TO PROTECT BC’S BIODIVERSITY
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Observe and report to protect BC’s biodiversity
Report through this website
Use our form to tell us what you’re seeing and where.
