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A Bass Unique to the Ozarks – The Neosho Bass
There is a rare black bass that can only be found in the Ozarks that has anglers from as far as Europe and Japan coming to the Midwest, the Neosho Bass (M. dolomieui velox). A genetically distinct subspecies of smallmouth bass, the Neosho is native to an ecologically isolated region of the lower Midwest known as the Central Interior Highlands. This region weaves through southwestern Missouri, northern Arkansas, and northeastern Oklahoma. This is a smaller subspecies of smallmouth bass that easily makes up for what it lacks in size with its fight. A more slender and streamlined smallmouth bass, they make energetic runs and will jump regularly during a fight. Additionally, unlike the regular smallmouth bass species, which can reach 20 years of age, the Neosho is short-lived lived rarely making it past 6 years of age.
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To target this rare and unique bass, you want to fish light tackle in rocky creeks. Use crawfish imitations, small crankbaits, or micro-soft plastics around structure and current. While there are multiple watersheds to try and target the Neosho in the Ozarks, one of the best spots to try to find a pure strain of Neosho is Oklahoma’s Illinois River. And speaking of rare, the Neosho Bass is an imperilled species facing a two-front battle, of both habitat loss and breeding with introduced Smallmouth bass. With a limited range and population, hybridization is a major threat to the future of the species. Lastly, if you do target this unique subspecies, please take a quick pic and release them back into the water, and be a proper steward to this aggressive little species.
The post A Bass Unique to the Ozarks – The Neosho Bass appeared first on OutdoorHub.
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A Bass Unique to the Ozarks – The Neosho Bass
There is a rare black bass that can only be found in the Ozarks that has anglers from as far as Europe and Japan coming to the Midwest, the Neosho Bass (M. dolomieui velox). A genetically distinct subspecies of smallmouth bass, the Neosho is native to an ecologically isolated region of the lower Midwest known as the Central Interior Highlands. This region weaves through southwestern Missouri, northern Arkansas, and northeastern Oklahoma. This is a smaller subspecies of smallmouth bass that easily makes up for what it lacks in size with its fight. A more slender and streamlined smallmouth bass, they make energetic runs and will jump regularly during a fight. Additionally, unlike the regular smallmouth bass species, which can reach 20 years of age, the Neosho is short-lived lived rarely making it past 6 years of age.
Fishing Coverage on OutdoorHub
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To target this rare and unique bass, you want to fish light tackle in rocky creeks. Use crawfish imitations, small crankbaits, or micro-soft plastics around structure and current. While there are multiple watersheds to try and target the Neosho in the Ozarks, one of the best spots to try to find a pure strain of Neosho is Oklahoma’s Illinois River. And speaking of rare, the Neosho Bass is an imperilled species facing a two-front battle, of both habitat loss and breeding with introduced Smallmouth bass. With a limited range and population, hybridization is a major threat to the future of the species. Lastly, if you do target this unique subspecies, please take a quick pic and release them back into the water, and be a proper steward to this aggressive little species.
The post A Bass Unique to the Ozarks – The Neosho Bass appeared first on OutdoorHub.
Continue reading...