Warmouth
Scientific Name: Lepomis gulosus
Classification: Game Fish
Abundance: Common in shallow reservoirs and slow rivers in the Piedmont and Coastal region of NC.
Similar in appearance to the rock bass and sunfish, the Warmouth has a thick, oblong body, which varies from brassy to dark olive-green. It has broad, irregular dark bars that give it a mottled appearance. It is easily identified by red eyes and a large mouth, which is similar to a bass. Its upper jaw extends to or beyond the middle of the eyes. Three or four conspicuous dark stripes radiate back from the eyes across to the cheek and gill cover. The soft-rayed portions of the dorsal and anal fins are marked with rows of dark spots. The anal fin on the Warmouth has three spines compared to the rock bass which has six anal spines. Warmouths inhabit swamps, marshes, shallow lakes, slow-moving streams and canals with soft, muddy bottoms. They prefer to stay around aquatic vegetation, stumps and snags, and under the banks of streams and ponds. They have more tolerance for muddy water than most species.
They feed mostly in the morning on crayfish, shrimp, insects and small fishes.
The following fishing regulations are effective Aug. 1 of each year.
Inland Fishing Regulations
Regulatory authority between the Wildlife Resources Commission and Division of Marine Fisheries. Inland game fish regulations include Manner of Taking, Seasons and Using Trotlines and Set-hooks.
Warmwater Game Fish
Game fish size and creel limits. Also, Bass and Morone (striped bass) Identification Charts.
Fishing Tips:
Anglers can use a variety of small artificial baits, as well as worms, small crayfish and minnows.
Places to Fish:
Warmouths are most prevalent from the middle of the state eastward. They are found from the southern parts of the Catawba and the Yadkin-Pee Dee basins and all of the Lumber, Cape Fear, Roanoke, Neuse, Tar-Pamlico, Chowan, Pasquotank and White Oak river basins. Warmouth have also been found in western parts of the state, scattered and in very limited numbers.
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