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White Bass

White Bass

White Bass are a highly underutilized and underappreciated temperate bass species in Michigan's Great Lakes and connecting waters.

They're members of the temperate bass family, closely related to white perch and striped bass, and are migratory open-water fish that form large schools.

Scientific Name: Morone chrysops

Also known as silver bass, sand bass

Physical Characteristics:
  • Characterized by their silver-white coloration with distinctive horizontal black stripes, with only one reaching the tail (distinguishing them from striped bass).
  • White bass typically average 12-15 inches and 1-2 pounds, with Michigan's state record weighing 6.44 pounds from Saginaw Bay.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found primarily in the Great Lakes system, with notable populations in Saginaw Bay, Lake St.
  • Clair, Detroit River system, and connecting waters.

Key Locations

  • Detroit River system, Saginaw Bay and River system, Lake St.
  • Clair, and tributary mouths of major rivers like the Muskegon, Manistee, and Clinton River spillway areas.

Specific Spots

  • Target them near current breaks, riprap, points, and structure where baitfish congregate.
  • During summer months, target deeper water (15-30 feet).

White Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

1/8 to 1/2 ounce jigging spoons (particularly effective when vertically jigging over schools), lipless crankbaits like Rat-L-Traps in shad patterns, curly tail grubs on 1/16 to 1/4 ounce jigheads, small swimbaits, inline spinners like Rooster Tails, and topwater poppers when fish are surface feeding.

What flies work for White Bass in Michigan?

Clouser Minnows, Woolly Buggers in white or chartreuse, and small streamers 2-3 inches long.

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

The prime white bass fishing season in Michigan runs from late April through early November, with peak action occurring during spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) when fish are most active and aggressive. During summer months, target deeper water (15-30 feet).

How do you catch White Bass in Michigan?

Vertical jigging techniques over schools, fishing near current breaks, riprap, points, and structure where baitfish congregate. During summer months, use vertical jigging techniques in deeper water.

What do White Bass eat?

Opportunistic predators that primarily feed on schools of shad (threadfin and gizzard), emerald shiners, minnows, small crustaceans, and insects, spending most of their lives chasing baitfish in open water.

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