We have come together to officially endorse this letter proposing that the Neosho Bass be considered for the honor of becoming the state fish of Oklahoma.

It has been 50 years since Oklahoma last designated a state fish. In light of the recent reclassification of Oklahoma’s native Neosho Bass and the conservation challenges it faces today, there is no better time to elevate this remarkable fish to represent the state’s commitment to conservation and natural heritage. Found primarily in the Neosho and Illinois river systems, the Neosho Bass holds historical, ecological, cultural, and recreational significance that makes it the ideal candidate to represent the people of Oklahoma. In this letter, we aim to build the case for why the Neosho Bass should be officially recognized as a state emblem of Oklahoma.

Scientific Reclassification

For nearly 100 years, the Neosho Bass was classified as a subspecies of the Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu), commonly found and sought after in many states across the country. However, after extensive genetic research was conducted in Oklahoma, reputable ichthyologists published new findings in 2022 that elevated the "Neosho strain" of the Smallmouth Bass to its own species, giving it the Latin name Micropterus velox.

While the Neosho Bass shares similarities with the Smallmouth Bass due to a common ancient ancestor, the research concluded that the genetic lineage of the Neosho Bass diverged first from this prehistoric ancestor; meaning it existed long before the Smallmouth Bass as we know it today. Put simply, the Neosho Bass is considered to be the "Grand Daddy of the Smallmouths."

Ecological Value

The Neosho Bass is endemic to Oklahoma and neighboring states in the western Ozarks, with Oklahoma comprising the majority of its native range. Because this species can only be found in this region, it is an excellent representation of the unique biodiversity of our land and waters—a crucial aspect to preserve. The plants and animals found within local ecosystems are foundational to what makes a place unique. Consider an artist painting a landscape of a specific locale - they would be unable to do so without the area’s unique species serving as the distinct colors on their palette.

Native species like the Neosho Bass have naturally adapted to their environments over long periods of time, withstanding changes in climate and weather, such as droughts, floods, temperature swings and other outlier events. This makes the Neosho Bass better suited to the local environment than introduced non-native species and more resilient to any future outlier events.

The interdependence of species on our landscape form a complex web of ecological interactions that is not fully understood even by modern science today. Designating the Neosho Bass as the state fish would highlight the importance of preserving these distinct aquatic ecosystems and take steps toward keeping the state’s natural ecosystems intact.

Cultural Value

We believe Oklahoma’s state fish should serve as a symbol representing the people who live within its borders. State emblems should convey the history and culture of a place and its people, providing to outsiders a symbol of “this is who we are.” The Neosho Bass has been a part of the Oklahoma’s natural landscape longer than humans have been present in North America, and is the same fish the earliest inhabitants would’ve relied on for daily sustenance. Today, many native Oklahomans have grown up the same way, enjoying fishing for the Neosho Bass, relying on it for food, recreation, and a connection to the outdoors.

With Oklahoma’s rich history of Native Americans, it’s important to note that the name "Neosho" comes from an Osage Indian word meaning "cold, clear water," perfectly reflecting the pristine streams that flow through eastern Oklahoma. Furthermore, like many Native Americans who found refuge in Oklahoma after being displaced from their home lands, the Neosho Bass has also been displaced from its home waters due to the construction of our dams. Once it was clear that the Neosho Bass no longer inhabited the waters where the man-made reservoirs were, non-native Smallmouth Bass were introduced into the lakes to fill the void left behind. Though the non-native stocking efforts were stopped, the displacement continues to this day, with the Smallmouth Bass moving up out of the lakes and hybridizing with the Neosho Bass at a rapid pace. This loss of pure Neosho Bass genetics makes the two species indistinguishable and dilutes the significance of having a species that is found nowhere else on earth.

Recreational Value

Only Oklahoma can boast that the majority of the Neosho Bass’s range lies within its borders. This fact along with the breathtaking scenery of the places the fish lives creates a unique opportunity for the state to further establish itself as a premier destination for sport fishing and black bass angling.

Anglers contribute significantly to Oklahoma’s outdoor recreation economy, spending on lodging, food, equipment, and guide services. By promoting the Neosho Bass and the clear, flowing streams it inhabits, the state could attract even more anglers, boosting industries like hospitality, retail, and services. To support this assertion, we’ve heard from local fishing guides that have already reported hosting clients from across the U.S. and even overseas, visiting specifically to catch the Neosho Bass.

Elevating the Neosho Bass to state fish status could also lead to the creation of specialized fishing events or tournaments, highlighting Oklahoma’s unique fishing opportunities and its leadership in outdoor recreation.

A Symbol of Conservation Leadership

Lastly, designating the Neosho Bass as the state fish would not only foster public awareness of Oklahoma’s lesser-known native black bass species, it would create a widespread incentive to protect the species and other unique resources of the state. This designation could inspire public education campaigns promoting conservation efforts, while encouraging habitat restoration projects such as stream bank stabilizations. These efforts would benefit not only the Neosho Bass, but also hundreds of other game and non-game species.

The data is clear, the Neosho Bass is rapidly being lost to hybridization due to historical stockings of non-native Smallmouth Bass. Recent surveys by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation show that in 2015, 42% of the Illinois River population was genetically "pure" Neosho Bass; by 2023, that number had plummeted to 11%, while hybrid populations increased from 47% to 68% in the same timeframe. 

Despite this alarming trend, we believe there is hope to mitigate this trend and create strongholds for the species in specific tributaries. Similar challenges faced by the riverine Guadalupe Bass in Texas were overcome through concerted conservation efforts, and we believe there is an opportunity to do the same for the Neosho Bass and ensure it’s survival.

Conclusion

By designating the Neosho Bass as the state fish, Oklahoma would demonstrate its leadership in conservation and pride in its unique biodiversity. This decision would align Oklahoma with the growing understanding of the importance of preserving native species and would serve as a symbol of the state’s commitment to stewardship for future generations.

We are confident that the Neosho Bass represents the spirit of Oklahoma, its people, and its remarkable natural landscapes. We welcome the opportunity to discuss this further and would be happy to provide additional information to support this proposal.