Largemouth Bass Diet Changes Through the Summer in Central Minnesota

Authors

• Ethan Kunz

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Largemouth Bass Micropterus nigricans is one of the most widespread fish species in the world, due in part to human introduction for angling. Largemouth Bass are opportunistic predators that will consume the largest prey they can often find; however, it has been shown that their diet mainly consists of invertebrates such as crayfish, with less focus on other fish species. This research aimed to determine what the Largemouth Bass diets in Central Minnesota consist of, and how they may change from the beginning of summer through the beginning of fall. A total of 174 Largemouth Bass were sampled from late May through late August from 19 lakes across Cass and Crow Wing County in Central Minnesota. There was not a significant change in overall fish and invertebrate consumption over the 3-month sampling period (p = 0.08); however, there was a significant change in which fish species were consumed over time (p < 0.01). Contrary to past research, Largemouth Bass in this study primarily consumed other fish species, especially Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus and Yellow Perch Perca flavescens, rather than invertebrates. These findings challenge previous studies, and the results provide greater insight into the diets of Largemouth Bass in a previously understudied region.

Publication Date

2026

Comments

Faculty sponsor: Dr. Andrew Hafs, Department of Biology, Aquatic Biology Program

Recommended Citation

Kunz, Ethan, "Largemouth Bass Diet Changes Through the Summer in Central Minnesota" (2026). Journal of Earth and Life Science. 89.
https://pines.bemidjistate.edu/j-earth-life-sci/89