White Bass Fishing Guide

The white bass (Morone chrysops) is a highly migratory freshwater predator that forms enormous schools that push baitfish to the surface in spectacular feeding frenzies. It is the most abundant member of the temperate bass family in inland waters and is found naturally from the Great Lakes through the Mississippi drainage. White bass are the parent of the widely stocked hybrid striped bass — a cross that combines the white bass's hardiness with the striped bass's size. Spring spawning runs below dams are legendary events that draw large crowds of anglers — dense concentrations of fish stacked in current below locks and dams create some of the most action-packed fishing of the year. While often dismissed as a rough fish by some anglers, properly prepared white bass are excellent table fare.

White Bass is a freshwater species.

Habitat

Large rivers, reservoirs, and lakes throughout the Great Plains, Midwest, and southeastern US. Open-water schooling fish that follow baitfish schools through the water column; spawning aggregations in rivers concentrate below dams and in fast riffles in spring. More river-adapted than hybrid stripers.

Diet

Almost exclusively shad, minnows, and other schooling baitfish. White bass coordinate attacks that drive baitfish to the surface, then slash through the schools repeatedly — the resulting white bass blowups are visible from considerable distances and indicate fish actively feeding.

Fishing Techniques

• Casting white curly tail jigs into feeding schools
• Small crankbaits
• Topwater lures during feeding frenzies
• Trolling umbrella rigs
• Jigging spoons below surface breaking schools

Best Seasons

Spring, Fall

Size & Records

Average weight: 1 lbs. World record: 6.88 lbs (Lake Orange, Virginia, USA (1989)).