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Striped Bass

Striped Bass

Striped Bass are not native to California, having been introduced from the East Coast in 1879 when 132 small bass were brought from New Jersey's Navesink River and released near Martinez. A second introduction of 300 stripers occurred in 1882.

The species quickly established itself, supporting a commercial fishery by 1888 and achieving catches exceeding one million pounds annually by 1899.

Scientific Name: Morone saxatilis

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Today, Striped Bass are found throughout the San Francisco Bay-Delta system, with two primary breeding populations - one in the Sacramento River and another in the San Joaquin Delta.
  • The species exhibits anadromous behavior, moving between fresh and saltwater throughout their lifecycle.
  • They're euryhaline, capable of surviving in both fresh and saltwater environments.

Key Locations

  • San Francisco Bay-Delta system, Sacramento River from Courtland to Colusa, Raccoon Strait, Golden Gate Bridge south tower, central bay rocky reefs, around Alcatraz and Treasure Islands, Berkeley Fishing Pier, Ashby Avenue shoreline, Candlestick Park area, Pacifica Pier, San Pablo and Suisun bays.

Specific Spots

  • Target structure like rocky bottoms, submerged trees, docks, and tidal creek mouths.
  • The Delta, particularly the San Joaquin River between Antioch Bridge and Middle River mouth, and the Sacramento River between Sacramento and Princeton are primary spawning areas.

Striped Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Striped Bass in California?

In the Delta, threadfin shad are the primary bait - hook them split and folded flesh-side out. Sardines, anchovies, bloodworms, and pile worms also work well. In San Francisco Bay, drift live mudsuckers, bullheads, or anchovies. Sculpins and oriental gobies are effective in San Pablo and Suisun bays.

When is the best time to fish for Striped Bass in California?

Spring offers excellent fishing as stripers move upstream for spawning - target the Delta and Sacramento River from Courtland to Colusa during March-May. Summer and fall provide peak action in San Francisco Bay. During winter, fish deeper waters as bass become less active in cold temperatures.

How do you catch Striped Bass in California?

Dr.ift live mudsuckers, bullheads, or anchovies in San Francisco Bay. Try diving plugs during slow tides, spinnerbaits, jigs, and spoons for trolling, often in double combinations. Night fishing using submersible lights to attract baitfish, then drift cut or live bait through the illuminated area.

What do Striped Bass eat?

Adults are highly piscivorous, feeding on anchovies, shiner perch, herring, threadfin shad, young striped bass, and other fish. Young bass initially consume mysid shrimp and amphipods.

Where do Striped Bass live in California?

Today, Striped Bass are found throughout the San Francisco Bay-Delta system, with two primary breeding populations - one in the Sacramento River and another in the San Joaquin Delta. The species exhibits anadromous behavior, moving between fresh and saltwater throughout their lifecycle.

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