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Yellow Bass

Yellow Bass

Yellow bass are small temperate bass native to Arkansas, typically measuring 6-12 inches and weighing under a pound. They are schooling fish that travel in large groups, making them aggressive feeders during non-spawning periods.

Scientific Name: Morone mississippiensis

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinguished by their golden-yellow coloration with 5-7 black horizontal stripes, often broken below the lateral line.
  • Typically measuring 6-12 inches and weighing under a pound.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found primarily in the Arkansas, Mississippi, Ouachita, Red, St.
  • Francis, and White rivers, with the largest populations occurring in Lake Chicot, Horseshoe Lake, and Mallard Lake.
  • They also inhabit pools and backwaters of large sluggish rivers and oxbow lakes.

Key Locations

  • Lake Chicot (Chicot County), Horseshoe Lake (Crittenden County), Mallard Lake (Mississippi County), Arkansas River, Mississippi River, Ouachita River, Red River, St.
  • Francis River, White River, Lake Ouachita, and the oxbow lakes and backwaters connected to major river systems.

Specific Spots

  • Target rocky points, submerged timber, drop-offs, and bridge pilings.
  • Look for schooling activity and baitfish concentrations.
  • Focus on submerged structure in 6-20 feet of water.

Yellow Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

1/32-1/8 oz jigs tipped with soft plastics like minnows or curly-tail grubs in green, brown, and red colors. Small spoons and blade baits for vertical jigging. Small crankbaits, inline spinners, crappie jigs, and minnow imitations. Live bait including small minnows, shiners, and nightcrawlers.

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

Late spring through fall, with peak action from May through September. During spawning season (April-May), they move shallow but should be left undisturbed.

How do you catch Yellow Bass in Arkansas?

Vertical jigging is the most effective technique. Dr.op shot rigs work excellently for keeping lures near the bottom where yellow bass typically feed. Vertical jigging around submerged structure in 6-20 feet of water.

What do Yellow Bass eat?

Carnivorous predators that feed on small fish (shad and silversides), crustaceans, and zooplankton as adults, while juveniles consume aquatic insects (midge larvae) and microcrustaceans.

Where do Yellow Bass live in Arkansas?

Found primarily in the Arkansas, Mississippi, Ouachita, Red, St. Francis, and White rivers, with the largest populations occurring in Lake Chicot, Horseshoe Lake, and Mallard Lake. They also inhabit pools and backwaters of large sluggish rivers and oxbow lakes.

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