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Yellow Bass

Yellow Bass

Yellow Bass are the smallest of the three temperate bass species found in Kentucky, reaching maximum lengths of 12-15 inches and weighing less than 2 pounds.

They are aggressive feeders that school together, making them excellent targets when located, though they require smaller tackle due to their diminutive size.

Scientific Name: Morone mississippiensis

Physical Characteristics:
  • They're easily distinguished from White Bass by their brassy yellow coloration on the sides (versus silver-white), dark stripes that are broken and offset on the lower side in front of the anal fin, and two dorsal fins connected by a membrane rather than separate fins.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • In Kentucky, Yellow Bass occur primarily in the main channels of the lower Cumberland and lower Tennessee Rivers, including Kentucky and Barkley lakes, as well as the Mississippi and lower Ohio rivers.

Key Locations

  • Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley, lower Cumberland River, lower Tennessee River, Ohio River, Lake Beshear, Guist Creek Lake, Barren River Lake, Mississippi River.

Specific Spots

  • They prefer deeper waters during most of the year, grouping up in schools in the main river channels and around deep structure.
  • In winter, look for them alongside bluegill schools on deep flats off the main river.
  • Focus on the deepest portions of lakes.

Yellow Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Jigging spoons, blade baits, tail spinners, small swimbaits that mimic minnows, small football jigs (to avoid snags in deeper water), crappie tubes, small cricket lures, u-tail grubs, small topwater lures, 1/4 ounce lipless crankbaits, small jigs, small tube grubs, minnow imitations.

What flies work for Yellow Bass in Kentucky?

Flies work well when they move shallow, particularly small patterns that imitate aquatic insects.

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

Late fall through early spring is best. January is particularly productive. Avoid fishing for them during May spawning period when water temperatures stay above 50 degrees. During October's 'jumps activity' on Kentucky and Barkley lakes can be effective.

How do you catch Yellow Bass in Kentucky?

Dr.op shot rigs with small soft plastics are extremely effective for reaching them in their preferred deeper haunts - cast to the deepest portions of lakes and let small tube grubs or minnow imitations fall straight down to them. Fish in 25-40 feet of water. Focus on the main channels.

What do Yellow Bass eat?

Yellow Bass are primarily planktivorous throughout most seasons, with their diet dominated by zooplankton including copepods and cladocerans. During fall, they also feed heavily on dipterans and small fish like gizzard shad when available.

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