Scientific Name
Morone mississippiensis
Other Names
Rockfish, Streaker, and Yellow belly
Description
Yellow bass are laterally compressed, deep bodied fish displaying dark stripes on the sides. These lateral stripes are similar to the white bass, but the stripes on the yellow bass are darker and broken above the anal fin. Yellow bass can also be distinguished from white bass by the absence of a tooth patch on the tongue. Its yellowish sides are the main reason for its name, even though the sides display dark brown or black lines. These fish can grow over 2 pounds, but yellow bass are usually small, which reduces its popularity as a game fish.
Habits and Habitat
The diet of Yellow Bass consists of other fish and insects and may include shrimp and crabs in coastal areas. These fish mostly live in oxbow lakes and rivers, and are also found in areas with abundant aquatic vegetation. Spawning takes place in April and May in shallow water when water temperatures are between 60ºF and 70ºF. They tend to overpopulate and stunt in smaller lakes and ponds.
State Record
The Mississippi Rod and Reel record for the yellow bass is 1.76 pounds and was caught by J. Hopper in 2010 in Pickwick Lake.
Fishing Fact
Use lures and baits that resemble small insects, minnows, small shad, small Sunfish, insects and insect larvae. However, minnows are the best bait to use on yellow bass, though they are very effective at catching other fish as well.