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White Bass

White Bass

White Bass are native to Indiana's St. Lawrence-Great Lakes, Hudson Bay, and Mississippi River basins. These temperate bass are highly migratory, open-water predators that school throughout the year and are most active during dawn and dusk.

Scientific Name: Morone chrysops

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinguished by their single tooth patch on the tongue, faint horizontal stripes, and deep, laterally compressed bodies typically measuring 12-15 inches.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Inhabit the open waters of large lakes, reservoirs, and pools of slow-moving rivers.

Key Locations

  • Ohio River, Wabash River, White River, Tippecanoe River, and reservoirs like Monroe Lake, Brookville Reservoir, Patoka Lake, and Salamonie Lake.

Specific Spots

  • Creek and river mouths, dam riprap, and open water areas adjacent to transition zones.
  • Spawn in tributary streams and rivers with rocky or gravel bottoms.

White Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

1/8-1/4 oz jigs with curly tail grubs (white, chartreuse), lipless crankbaits, small spoons, inline spinners like Rooster Tails, and paddletail swimbaits. In clear water, use silver/white patterns; in stained water, choose chartreuse and bright colors.

What flies work for White Bass in Indiana?

2-3.5" Clouser Deep Minnows, Cowen Baitfish, Woolly Buggers, and Bill's Mylar Jigs in gray/white, chartreuse/white, and olive patterns.

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

Spring pre-spawn staging when water hits 50°F (typically mid-March through May), fall feeding periods. Spring fishing is most productive during late afternoon or early evening when sunshine warms the water, while fall fishing is best during afternoon to dusk periods.

How do you catch White Bass in Indiana?

Work areas thoroughly once you locate fish as white bass often feed in schools. Watch for surface activity and diving birds indicating feeding schools. Vertical jigging with spoons and slabs works well over deeper structure. Retrieve slowly in cold water, faster as water warms.

What do White Bass eat?

Diet consists primarily of threadfin and gizzard shad, along with small fish, zooplankton, aquatic insects, oligochaetes, and crayfish.

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