The Ozarks are full of crystal-clear rivers, cool, flowing water and a hotbed for kayak fishing for bass. But did you know these waters have its own species of bass? This is a unique, often overlooked fish in the streams and creeks of Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri. Often mistaken for its more common cousin, the Smallmouth Bass, the Neosho is a distinct subspecies that deserves a spotlight. If you’re paddling and casting in the Ozarks, know the difference so you can spot one of these special bass while river or creek fishing.
What Exactly IS a Neosho Bass?
The Neosho Bass (Micropterus dolomieu velox) is a subspecies of Smallmouth Bass, found only in the Spring, Neosho, and Elk River basins of Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma. They’re perfectly adapted to the clear, gravel-bottomed streams of this region, playing a vital role in the ecosystem. Over time they are breeding with Smallmouth and it is getting harder to find a pure Neosho. That’s why proper identification is crucial when determining if you’ve successfully found one.
Neosho vs. Smallmouth: Key Identification Tips for Kayak Anglers
While they share similarities, several key characteristics set this species apart. Here’s what to look for:
- Body shape: They tend to be more slender and streamlined compared to the stockier smallmouth bass.
- Jaw structure: A noticeable feature is the underbite on a Neosho bass, where the lower jaw extends slightly beyond the upper jaw.
- Coloration: They generally have a lighter color with less prominent dark vertical bars (“tiger stripes”) compared to the more distinctly patterned smallmouth bass.
- Cheek Scales: The cheek scales are often smaller and more numerous than the Smallmouth.
- Geographic Location: If you’re fishing the Spring, Neosho, or Elk River basins, and you catch a “smallmouth” with the characteristics described above, it could a Neosho.
Kayak Fishing Tactics for Neosho Bass
Neosho Bass, like Smallmouth, thrive in clear, flowing water with rocky bottoms in Ozark creeks and streams. Here are some kayak bass fishing tactics to catch bass while creek fishing:
- Lure Selection:
- Crawfish imitations: Perfect for creeks, a small craw imitator like the Rebel LiveFlex Rebel Creek Craw will catch ’em. (Save 15% with code: KINCY15)
- Small crankbaits and swimbaits around cover
- Letting a micro-soft plastic like the Rebel LiveFlex lures bounce along in the current
- Fly Fishing:
- Streamers and nymphs: Ideal for clear Ozark streams.
- Kayak Positioning:
- Target rocky areas, submerged timber, and current seams.
- You can find these bass almost anywhere in the right clear Ozark stream.
Protecting Neosho Bass: A Kayak Angler’s Responsibility
Because the population is at risk of declining due to loss of habitat and breeding with Smallmouth, if you catch a Neosho Bass snap a photo, enjoy its beauty, and then get it safely back into the water. Keeping the creek ecosystems natural is another reason not to transport fish from one stream to another – keep them where they belong.
By understanding this species, kayak anglers can play a vital role in conserving these special fish native only in the Ozarks. So, next time you’re fishing those clear streams, take a closer look at your catch. You might just have found a hidden gem while kayak fishing!
Keywords: Kayak Fishing, Ozark Fishing, Smallmouth Bass, Bass Identification, Ozark Rivers, Neosho River, Elk River, Spring River, Fishing Tactics, Conservation, Micropterus dolomieu velox.