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Yellow Bass

Yellow Bass

Yellow bass (Morone mississippiensis) are native temperate bass found statewide in Illinois waters.

These compact, deep-bodied fish are easily identified by their golden-yellow sides and silvery-yellow bellies, with 5-7 dark horizontal stripes running along their sides - the lower stripes distinctively broken or interrupted toward the tail.

Scientific Name: Morone mississippiensis

Physical Characteristics:
  • They typically measure 6-12 inches and weigh under a pound, though Illinois holds records up to 2 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Yellow bass inhabit both the larger rivers like the Illinois and Mississippi River systems, their backwaters, and adjoining bottomland lakes and tributaries.
  • They're also found in northeastern Illinois' natural lakes, farm ponds, city water supply lakes, and large artificial impoundments.

Key Locations

  • They inhabit both the larger rivers like the Illinois and Mississippi River systems, their backwaters, and adjoining bottomland lakes and tributaries.
  • They're also found in northeastern Illinois' natural lakes, farm ponds, city water supply lakes, and large artificial impoundments like Lake Springfield.
  • Peak season runs May through September, particularly in Mississippi River Pools 14 and 16.

Specific Spots

  • Target slow-moving water around weed edges, submerged timber, and sandbar drop-offs in 6-20 feet of water.
  • Unlike their larger bass cousins, yellow bass are schooling fish that prefer deeper water and midwater zones, only moving shallow during spawning.

Yellow Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Use 1/32-1/8 oz jigs tipped with soft plastics like minnows or curly-tail grubs, small spoons, and blade baits for vertical jigging. Football jigs work well to avoid bottom snags.

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

Best fishing for yellow bass occurs in spring and early summer around brushy areas and submerged weed beds, with action picking up again after water cools in fall. Peak season runs May through September.

How do you catch Yellow Bass in Illinois?

The drop shot rig is extremely effective, pulling small lures straight to the bottom where these fish feed. Vertical jigging near wing dams and bridge pilings works well during summer and early fall.

What do Yellow Bass eat?

Adult yellow bass are aggressive predators feeding on small fish including yellow perch, bluegill, gizzard shad, crayfish, and larger insects. Young fish consume small invertebrates like copepods and aquatic insects, with juveniles feeding almost exclusively on aquatic insects and crustaceans.

Where do Yellow Bass live in Illinois?

Yellow bass inhabit both the larger rivers like the Illinois and Mississippi River systems, their backwaters, and adjoining bottomland lakes and tributaries. They're also found in northeastern Illinois' natural lakes, farm ponds, city water supply lakes, and large artificial impoundments.

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