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Striped Bass

Striped Bass

Striped bass in Illinois are non-native fish that have been successfully established through stocking programs across the state.

These impressive fish can reach weights exceeding 50 pounds, with the Illinois state record standing at 31 pounds 7 ounces caught in 1994.

Illinois features both pure striped bass and hybrid striped bass (wipers), with hybrids being more commonly stocked and caught.

Also known as wipers (for hybrid striped bass)

Physical Characteristics:
  • These fish are distinguished by their olive-green backs, silver sides, and distinctive horizontal dark stripes running along their bodies.
  • Pure striped bass have unbroken stripe lines, while hybrids display some broken lines.
  • Both have two separate dorsal fins and two tooth patches on their tongues.
  • These impressive fish can reach weights exceeding 50 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • These fish prefer open water environments and rarely frequent shorelines, instead cruising in large schools in the middle sections of lakes and reservoirs.
  • They occupy areas with abundant forage fish populations and require flowing rivers approximately 50 miles in length for successful reproduction.

Key Locations

  • Illinois waters supporting striped bass populations include major lakes like Clinton Lake, Heidecke Lake, Sangchris Lake, Rend Lake, and cooling lakes throughout the state, as well as sections of the Mississippi River.

Specific Spots

  • Target areas include main lake flats, channel drop-offs, ledges, dam areas, and cooling lake discharge zones.
  • At Clinton Lake, fish the area below the spillway and around the cooling loop.
  • Heidecke Lake's 'striper alley' north of the center dyke is particularly productive.
  • Sangchris Lake's Striper Point area consistently produces fish.
  • During summer months, focus on deeper water structure and thermoclines where baitfish concentrate.

Striped Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Effective lures include large minnow-imitating baits, spoons, spinners, crankbaits, jigs, and swimbaits that match the 3-4 inch gizzard shad they primarily feed on. Lipless crankbaits in shad patterns, large spinnerbaits, slab spoons, and curly tail grubs are particularly productive.

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

Spring (pre-spawn and post-spawn periods), summer and fall feeding periods. Avoid fishing during actual spawning when water temperatures are 55-70°F.

How do you catch Striped Bass in Illinois?

Successful techniques include trolling shad-imitating lures in open water, casting to surface-feeding schools, and vertical jigging over structure. Watch for birds working over baitfish schools, as striped bass are typically nearby.

What do Striped Bass eat?

Striped bass in Illinois are opportunistic predators that feed heavily on schools of gizzard shad and threadfin shad, which form the dominant portion of their diet. They also consume insects, minnows, and crustaceans.

Where do Striped Bass live in Illinois?

These fish prefer open water environments and rarely frequent shorelines, instead cruising in large schools in the middle sections of lakes and reservoirs. They occupy areas with abundant forage fish populations and require flowing rivers approximately 50 miles in length for successful reproduction.

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