8 replies to this topic

[Phivtoosyx]

What bass is native to upper Ocmulgee above lake jackson?

I know shoal and spotted bass were introduced in the river. I have seen some resources say the red-eye bass is native but other sources contradict that and say they are only native to the coosa drainage. Also, I saw one source say the altmaha bass is native but I see very little about this fish online.

Any information is appreciated.

[Phivtoosyx]

When I say upper Ocmulgee I mean the South River, alcovy, and yellow river drainages. I would assume all of these would have the same native fish but correct me if I am wrong please.

[Phivtoosyx]

Ocmulgee river in Georgia...sorry if that wasn't clear.

[Michael Wolfe]

Its interesting that if you check out the Fishes of Georgia website, they show the Altamaha Bass but the range they show is only downstream of Lake Jackson.

[Phivtoosyx]

Was the altmaha bass formerly grouped together with the red-eye (coosa) before being recognized as a separate species?

[Phivtoosyx]

A buddy catches something he calls a red-eye in these waters and it just piqued my curiosity on what exactly it is. I am hoping to get a picture.

[Phivtoosyx]

Thanks for the site recommendation. It is hard to tell in the map but it does seem to overlap the water he is fishing.

[Michael Wolfe]

yes, if you look at the site, it clearly calls it out as a Redeye split.

[ShoalBandit]

What bass is native to upper Ocmulgee above lake jackson?

I know shoal and spotted bass were introduced in the river. I have seen some resources say the red-eye bass is native but other sources contradict that and say they are only native to the coosa drainage. Also, I saw one source say the altmaha bass is native but I see very little about this fish online.

Any information is appreciated.

 

Sorry to bump an old post but did you ever find out what your friend was catching?

 

The Altamaha Bass has not been described by science (yet) but it is informally recognized as a separate species (along with Bartram's Bass). Largemouth and Altamaha Bass are the only black bass native to the upper Ocmulgee/Altamaha drainage. Shoal Bass and Alabama Bass (which most anglers still call 'spotted bass') are introduced. The illegal introduction and spread of nonnative species has lead to widespread hybridization throughout the upper Altamaha River drainage. Today Altamaha Bass are locally extinct in many areas and have been replaced by a highly variable population of hybrids. I personally have never seen a fish from the South River (or Alcovy) that didn't look like some kind of hybrid but that doesn't mean they're not there.

 

Altamaha Bass 

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