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Scientific Name
Morone chrysops
Other Names
Sand bass, Barfish, Stripe, Silver bass, and Striped bass
Description
White bass are deep bodied with an arched back and a lower jaw that projects further than the top jaw. White bass are often confused with small striped bass. The white bass is a bluish gray on the back with white in the belly area, and both of the silvery sides have between four and seven dark lateral stripes. These fish usually weigh between 1 and 3 pounds but can reach weights of 7 pounds. White bass typically do not live more than 5 years.
Habits and Habitat
Although they will eat insects, white bass feed mostly on gizzard and threadfin shad. These bass, which are a popular sport fish, can be found in the Mississippi River and oxbow lakes along the river. White bass are native to large rivers but are also found in reservoirs. They typically move upstream into rivers and streams when spawning. Water temperature for spawning is between 62ºF and 68ºF (usually between March and May). Prior to spawning, white bass form large schools and migrate upstream.
State Record
Mississippi’s Rod and Reel record for the white bass is 5 pounds 6 ounces, caught by William Mulvhill in the Grenada Reservoir Spillway in 1979.
Fishing Fact
Jigs, spinners, crank baits (small and medium) and minnows are popular lures used for white bass fishing.