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Striped Bass

Striped Bass

Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) are not native to Indiana but have been successfully introduced through stocking programs.

These anadromous fish, originally from Atlantic and Gulf coast regions, have established populations in Indiana's lakes and reservoirs where they serve as important predatory fish to control abundant baitfish populations like Gizzard Shad.

Indiana also stocks Hybrid Striped Bass (wipers), a cross between Striped Bass and White Bass, which tolerate warmer water temperatures up to 90°F.

As open water predators specialized to feed on schooling baitfish, Striped and Hybrid Striped Bass help control forage fish numbers while growing larger than native White Bass.

Scientific Name: Morone saxatilis

Also known as wipers (for Hybrid Striped Bass)

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They prefer deeper, cooler waters during hot summer months but move to shallow areas during spring and fall.

Key Locations

  • In Indiana waters, they're found in major reservoirs including Monroe Lake, Patoka Lake, Brookville Reservoir, Cecil M.
  • Harden Reservoir, and numerous other lakes, plus large river systems including the Ohio, Wabash, White, and Tippecanoe Rivers.
  • Productive Indiana waters include Monroe Lake (the state's largest inland lake), Patoka Lake, Brookville Reservoir, Cecil M.
  • Harden Reservoir, plus the major river systems.
  • In tailwater areas below dams (Lakes Freeman, Shafer, and Monroe Lake).

Specific Spots

  • Target windblown shorelines and bottom structures such as drop-offs, humps, and points that intersect with cooler depths.
  • In tailwater areas below dams, target congregations of fish that have escaped through the spillways.

Striped Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Traditional tackle should include spinnerbaits, jigs with soft plastics, crankbaits, and live bait presentations.

What flies work for Striped Bass in Indiana?

For flies, effective patterns include Clouser Minnows (chartreuse/white, sizes 6-8), Deceivers in various colors, squid patterns during runs, and larger baitfish imitations.

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

The best fishing for Striped and Hybrid Striped Bass in Indiana occurs during spring and fall when surface water temperatures range between 45°-80°F. During these periods, fish feed actively in shallow water.

How do you catch Striped Bass in Indiana?

During these periods, fish can be caught by both boat and shore anglers using baitfish-imitating lures. During warmer summer months, focus on trolling baitfish patterns at cooler depths or drifting live/cut baitfish in deeper water.

What do Striped Bass eat?

Their diet consists primarily of shad, herring, anchovies, and other baitfish, though they're opportunistic feeders that will consume over 65 species of fish and 45 different invertebrates.

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