White Bass
White bass are a temperate bass species found statewide in Illinois, with a permanent presence throughout the state.
These schooling fish are highly aggressive predators that spend most of their time in deep water but frequently surface-feed on schools of shad and minnows.
They are visual feeders that hunt cooperatively in schools, often driving baitfish to the surface where they can be seen jumping to avoid predation.
Scientific Name: Morone chrysops
- These silver-white fish average 9-15 inches and 1/4 to 1-1/4 pounds, with the state record reaching 4 pounds 14 ounces.
- Illinois white bass have distinctive dark horizontal stripes on their sides, though they may be faint, with the first stripe below the lateral line being broken rather than continuous.
- They possess yellow eyes, a deep compressed body, two separate dorsal fins, and teeth on the back of their tongue.
Fishing in Illinois
Sangamon River
Lake Clinton
Illinois River
Salt Creek
Vermilion River
Evergreen Lake
Dawson Lake
Lake Bloomington
Upper Peoria Lake
Lake Decatur
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- White bass are primarily found in larger river systems like the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers, their backwaters, and adjoining bottomland lakes and major tributaries.
- Only white bass (not yellow bass) found in the Fox Chain O'Lakes.
Key Locations
- Focus on larger river systems like the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers, their backwaters, and connecting tributaries.
- In lakes, concentrate on the Fox Chain O'Lakes, northeastern Illinois natural lakes, and areas near river mouths or major tributary entrances.
- They also inhabit natural lakes in northeastern Illinois and are commonly present in Great Lakes waters.
Specific Spots
- Target near drop-offs, points, and areas with hard bottoms containing stumps or fallen trees.
- Near shoreline cover and rocky areas during low-light conditions.
White Bass FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for White Bass in Illinois?
Top lures include small minnow-imitating crankbaits, inline spinners like Rooster Tails, curly tail grubs on 1/16-1/4 ounce jig heads, and small spoons. During low-light conditions or overcast weather, white bass can be caught on topwater lures.
What flies work for White Bass in Illinois?
Try Clouser Minnows, Woolly Buggers in white and chartreuse, and small streamers 2-3 inches long in gray/white, chartreuse/white, or all-white color combinations with patterns that imitate shad and minnows.
When is the best time to fish for White Bass in Illinois?
Prime white bass fishing in Illinois occurs from spring through fall, with the best action typically in May when they're most active post-spawn, and again in late summer through early fall.
How do you catch White Bass in Illinois?
Present lures with steady retrieves or vertical jigging techniques. In summer, focus on deeper structure 15-30 feet down using electronics to locate schools, then vertical jig spoons or work the edges with crankbaits.
What do White Bass eat?
Their diet consists primarily of threadfin shad and gizzard shad, along with other small fish, insects, and crustaceans.
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