White Bass
White Bass are aggressive predators that travel in large schools of 30-300 fish, using their schooling behavior to corral baitfish toward shallow areas or the surface.
Scientific Name: Morone chrysops
- Silver-bodied fish with distinctive dark horizontal stripes, distinguishable from striped bass by having only one tooth patch on the tongue versus two.
- In Minnesota, they commonly reach 12-15 inches and weigh 1-2 pounds.
Fishing in Minnesota
Mississippi River
Sauk River
Rum River
Lake Minnetonka
Mille Lacs Lake
Crow River
Snake River
Little Rock Lake
Julia Lake
Long Lake
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- They prefer large rivers with deep pools, open lake waters, and areas with sandy or rocky bottoms with little vegetation.
Key Locations
- Minnesota River, St.
- Croix River below Taylors Falls, Mississippi River below St.
- Anthony Falls, and major tributaries like the Cannon and Zumbro rivers, plus reservoirs on these systems and several southern Minnesota lakes.
- State record being 4 pounds 8 ounces caught from Vadanis Lake.
Specific Spots
- Look for them in 3-5 feet of water around sandy bottoms, shallow flats, main lake points, and drop-offs, particularly where multiple water currents converge.
- In summer and winter, focus on deeper water (15-30 feet) using electronics to locate schools.
White Bass FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for White Bass in Minnesota?
1/8-1/4 ounce jigs tipped with 2-3 inch soft plastics in shad colors or chartreuse, jigging spoons like the War Eagle jigging spoon, small spinners like the Bass Pro XPS Micro Spin, and Bobby Garland crappie jigs with grubs.
What flies work for White Bass in Minnesota?
2-3.5 inch baitfish patterns like Clouser Deep Minnows, Cowen Baitfish, and Blanton Flashtail Whistlers in gray/white, chartreuse/white, or olive combinations.
When is the best time to fish for White Bass in Minnesota?
White bass fishing is best from May through September in Minnesota, with spring and fall being peak times. The spawning period should be avoided for fishing to allow successful reproduction.
How do you catch White Bass in Minnesota?
Fish shallow areas in spring and fall, but target deeper schools during summer heat using downriggers or vertical jigging techniques. Retrieve with varied speeds - slow lifts and drops in cool water, faster erratic strips as water warms.
What do White Bass eat?
Feeding primarily on gizzard shad, threadfin shad, emerald shiners, and other small baitfish. Young fish start with zooplankton and insects before transitioning to fish.
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