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White Bass

White Bass

White bass are non-native temperate bass introduced to Arizona in the mid-20th century as part of statewide sportfishing enhancement efforts.

Originally native to the Midwest's great river systems, these schooling fish are migratory, open-water fish that spend their lives chasing schools of baitfish, particularly threadfin shad which comprise their primary forage.

In Arizona, white bass have a very limited distribution compared to other bass species, making them one of the rarer bass species in the state.

Scientific Name: Morone chrysops

Physical Characteristics:
  • White bass are distinguished from striped bass and hybrid striped bass by having only one tooth patch on the tongue.
  • They typically average 12.5 inches in length and weigh around 1 pound, though they can reach up to 17.7 inches and a maximum recorded weight of 6.8 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • White bass are found primarily at Lake Pleasant and the Agua Fria River upstream of Lake Pleasant.
  • The species once had a more established presence but has struggled with Arizona's inconsistent river flows needed for successful spawning.

Key Locations

  • Lake Pleasant and the Agua Fria River upstream of Lake Pleasant, Castle Creek area.

Specific Spots

  • During pre-spawn, focus on main lake points and creek mouth intersections in 15-25 foot depths.
  • Spring spawn period target Castle Creek arm and similar tributary areas in 2-8 feet of water.
  • Post-spawn transition back to main lake areas, target suspended schools over main lake structure in 15-25ft depths.

White Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for White Bass in Arizona?

Blade baits, small to medium soft body swimbaits, lipless crankbaits, inline spinners, spinnerbaits, spoons. Color patterns should emphasize natural shad colors, metallic colors, and light neutral colors to match their primary forage.

What flies work for White Bass in Arizona?

Chocklett's Finesse Changer in shad patterns, size 2-6 Clouser Minnows in olive/white, and size 4-10 beadhead Woolly Buggers in white.

When is the best time to fish for White Bass in Arizona?

The best fishing occurs during spring pre-spawn and post-spawn periods. Pre-spawn (water temperatures 52-65°F), Spring spawn period (58-68°F), Post-spawn white bass (62-72°F).

How do you catch White Bass in Arizona?

During pre-spawn, use blade baits worked vertically along channel edges, small to medium soft body swimbaits retrieved steadily through suspended schools, and lipless crankbaits along transitional areas.

What do White Bass eat?

Adult white bass are piscivorous, feeding primarily on shad, silversides, and occasionally young sunfish, while juveniles consume small invertebrates like crustaceans and midge larvae.

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