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Yellow Bass

Yellow Bass

Yellow Bass are a small member of the temperate bass family found in Arizona's Salt River reservoir system. These are an introduced species that has established populations in these waters since at least 1929.

Scientific Name: Morone mississippiensis

Physical Characteristics:
  • These golden-yellow fish with 5-7 dark horizontal stripes (broken lines below the lateral line) typically measure 5-11 inches and weigh under a pound, though some reach 2-3 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • These schooling fish prefer slow-moving waters with firm substrates and congregate around underwater structure and vegetation edges.

Key Locations

  • The Salt River reservoirs - Apache, Canyon, Saguaro, Roosevelt Lakes, and upper Lake Mary - offer the best opportunities.
  • In Arizona, Yellow Bass are found specifically in Apache Lake, Canyon Lake, Saguaro Lake, Roosevelt Lake, and upper Lake Mary.

Specific Spots

  • Target rocky points, submerged timber, drop-offs, and bridge pilings where schools congregate.
  • During the day they retreat to deeper water (10-20 feet in summer, 6-12 feet in winter) where they act as bottom feeders.

Yellow Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Effective lures include small (1/32-1/8 oz) jigs tipped with soft plastics, small spoons, spinners, and blade baits in green, brown, and red colors. Football jigs work well to avoid snags on bottom structure. Live bait is highly effective - use small minnows, shiners, or nightcrawlers.

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

Late spring through fall, avoiding spring spawning periods (typically March-May).

How do you catch Yellow Bass in Arizona?

Try vertical jigging near structure. A drop shot rig works excellently to present baits near the bottom where these fish typically hold. Focus on areas with solid substrate and look for schools using fish finders, then drop jigs directly into the mix.

What do Yellow Bass eat?

Yellow Bass are aggressive carnivores that feed primarily on small fish like minnows, shiners, and shad, along with aquatic insects and small crustaceans as juveniles.

Where do Yellow Bass live in Arizona?

These schooling fish prefer slow-moving waters with firm substrates and congregate around underwater structure and vegetation edges.

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