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Yellow Bass

Yellow Bass

Yellow Bass are native to the Mississippi River basin and can be found in Michigan waters. These temperate bass are aggressive predators that school together and exhibit crepuscular feeding behavior, being most active during dawn and dusk.

They're considered a species of least concern with stable populations, and while not heavily targeted by most Michigan anglers, they provide excellent light-tackle fishing opportunities.

Scientific Name: Morone mississippiensis

Physical Characteristics:
  • These temperate bass are easily identified by their golden yellow sides with 5-7 dark stripes, where the lower stripes are distinctly broken or interrupted toward the tail, distinguishing them from white bass.
  • They're relatively small fish, typically measuring 5-11 inches and weighing under a pound, though specimens can reach up to 16 inches.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found in Michigan waters, particularly in quiet pools, backwaters of large streams, lakes, and reservoirs.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on areas with slow-moving water near structure like rocky points, submerged timber, drop-offs, and bridge pilings in 6-20 foot depths.
  • Fish near weed edges and areas with firm substrates, and follow schools of bait fish as Yellow Bass actively pursue forage rather than ambushing prey from cover.

Yellow Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Use small jigs (1/32-1/8 oz) tipped with soft plastics like minnows or curly-tail grubs in green, brown, and red colors. Football jigs work well to avoid bottom snags. Cricket lures, crappie tubes, and u-tail grubs that mimic insects are productive choices.

What flies work for Yellow Bass in Michigan?

Fly fishing can be productive in shallow water using small streamers and poppers.

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

Most productive during spring and early summer when they're in shallow water, and again in fall as they move back to feeding areas - avoid fishing during May spawning period. During summer months, they move to deeper waters (10-20 feet), while in cooler months they're found in shallower areas (6-12 feet).

How do you catch Yellow Bass in Michigan?

Dr.op shot rigs are extremely effective, designed to get small lures straight to the bottom where these fish typically hold. Small spoons and blade baits are excellent for vertical jigging in deeper water. When you locate a school, expect rapid successive strikes as they're highly aggressive feeders.

What do Yellow Bass eat?

Their diet varies by age - juveniles primarily feed on small crustaceans (copepods) and aquatic insects, while adults mainly consume small fish including minnows, shiners, and shad, plus small crustaceans.

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