White Bass
White Bass are a non-native species in California, with Lake Nacimiento being the only lake in the state with a solid population of these aggressive fish.
Scientific Name: Morone chrysops
- They are silvery white with 4-7 dark horizontal stripes on their sides, have a deep laterally compressed body with a distinctly forked tail, and typically weigh 1-2 pounds, though rare individuals can reach 2.4 kg.
Fishing in California
Kings River
Kaweah River
East Fork Kaweah River
Tule River
Deer Creek
Lake Success
Lake Kaweah
Lake Woollomes
Mill Creek
Fresno Slough
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Schooling fish most commonly found in open waters of large lakes and reservoirs.
- In California, they inhabit Lake Nacimiento where they roam in schools at the surface chasing pelagic fish.
Key Locations
- Lake Nacimiento in San Luis Obispo County, particularly in the area between Bee Rock and Las Tablas in the main channel.
- Spring migration to the Nacimiento River.
Specific Spots
- Main channel areas, inlet mouths and upstream areas with rock or gravel bottoms during spawning, open water areas rather than structure.
White Bass FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for White Bass in California?
They readily bite small lures that resemble baitfish, with white tube jigs, small 2-3 inch white swimbaits, and Kastmasters being highly effective. They will bite almost anything that looks like a baitfish.
When is the best time to fish for White Bass in California?
Target from fall through late spring. Spring offers excellent opportunities when they migrate to the Nacimiento River. In summer, white bass move deeper but remain catchable if you can locate them with electronics.
How do you catch White Bass in California?
Once you locate a school, expect fast action. Focus your efforts on the open water areas of the lake rather than structure, as white bass are pelagic and travel in schools. Watch for surface activity and baitfish schools on your fish finder, as white bass will be nearby feeding.
What do White Bass eat?
White bass are opportunistic feeders that primarily consume fish like shad, sardines, mackerel, anchovies, and market squid, along with insects, small crustaceans, and zooplankton.
Where do White Bass live in California?
Schooling fish most commonly found in open waters of large lakes and reservoirs. In California, they inhabit Lake Nacimiento where they roam in schools at the surface chasing pelagic fish.
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