Pocket Fishing Guideby Tale Waters & Tides
CommonNativeSecure
8

Rock Bass

Ambloplites rupestris · Centrarchidae

Goggle-eye. The Ozark stream's punchy little brawler.

Common
6–10 in
Max
13 in
Weight
Up to 1.5 lbs
Best Bite Windows
When rock bass feeds · time-of-day read
Right now · 12:00 PM · MIDD window
GOOD72%feeding activity
First & last light · crawfish-pattern jigs
24-hour bite curvetaller = more feeding · scrub the clock
12a6a12p6p12a
DAWN
71
MORN
83
MIDD
73
AFTE
78
DUSK
47
NIGH
35
Stream brawler · daylight under shade
Solar + LunarLOW-MED lunar pull
5:56a8:32p14h 36m daylight
Full Moon
99% illuminated
Rise 8:53p Set 6:05a
Major feeds7:53p – 9:53p5:05a – 7:05a
Minor feeds5:26a – 6:26a8:02p – 9:02p
Solunar window 8:08p – 9:38p
Full Moon
Upland stream resident; mild signal.
Habitat
StreamsRiversClear lakes
Range

Clear Ozark streams. Boulders, bedrock ledges, undercut banks.

Diet

Crawfish, hellgrammites, small minnows, insects.

Watch · How to catch Rock BassYouTube how-to videos
Best baits & lures
Crawfish-pattern jigs
In-line spinners
Live crickets
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Tale Waters & Tides
The home water for Arkansas anglers

Pocket Fishing Guide is powered by Tale Waters & Tides — gear, guides, and the stories behind the water. Plan your next trip with us.

How to fish it · techniques
Fish ledge shadows
Drift a jig under the bank
They live where smallmouth live
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Rileys White & Buffalo Outfitter
Your White & Buffalo River outfitter

Guided float trips, canoe & kayak rentals, and riverside cabins on the White and Buffalo rivers.

Fun fact
Rock bass eyes flash bright red in the right light — the local nickname 'goggle-eye' is more accurate than scientific.
Status

Secure
Native · Centrarchidae