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Striped Bass

Striped Bass

Striped Bass in Mississippi are large, laterally compressed fish that generally don't thrive in Mississippi reservoirs due to their preference for cooler water. They're predatory throughout their lives and can live up to 12 years.

Also known as stripers

Physical Characteristics:
  • Large, laterally compressed fish with olive-green to blue-green backs, white bellies, and 7-9 dark lateral stripes running along silver or silvery-blue sides.
  • They're distinguished from white bass by having several stripes extending to the tail, two tooth patches on the tongue, and a torpedo-shaped body.
  • Mississippi stripers typically weigh 5-15 pounds but can reach 60+ pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Striped bass inhabit freshwater streams, reservoirs, and coastal drainages in Mississippi.
  • Specific populations exist in Ross Barnett Reservoir, where they've been stocked since the 1980s, and historically in Gulf Coast river systems.

Key Locations

  • Ross Barnett Reservoir, Gulf Coast river systems including the Pascagoula, Pearl, and Tangipahao rivers, west Pascagoula River, Bouie River.

Specific Spots

  • In Ross Barnett Reservoir: Twin Harbors, the drop-off near Fannin Flats, and submerged river channels.
  • In coastal areas: deeper holes and eddies behind log jams, focusing on the west branch which is less polluted than the east.
  • Target structures like bridge pilings and drop-offs, particularly in mid-lake areas of reservoirs.

Striped Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Striped Bass in Mississippi?

Chrome lipless crankbaits, Bandit crankbaits, soft plastic jerk baits, slab spoons, deep-running lures, and jigs in chartreuse and white colors. Shad-imitating baits when surface feeding.

When is the best time to fish for Striped Bass in Mississippi?

Spring (March-May) and fall when they're most active, avoiding the February-April spawning period. In Ross Barnett Reservoir, fish the Pearl River section during spring, then follow them as they migrate to the main lake during summer. In coastal areas like the Pascagoula River, fish during February and early March.

How do you catch Striped Bass in Mississippi?

Trolling is effective along river channels and drop-offs. When stripers are surface feeding, cast directly into the feeding frenzy with shad-imitating baits. Use finesse presentations in winter. Look for surface schooling activity in late summer and fall when they chase shad.

What do Striped Bass eat?

Feeding primarily on insect larvae, shrimp, small crustaceans, and fish - particularly shad species like gizzard shad and threadfin shad.

Where do Striped Bass live in Mississippi?

Striped bass inhabit freshwater streams, reservoirs, and coastal drainages in Mississippi. Specific populations exist in Ross Barnett Reservoir, where they've been stocked since the 1980s, and historically in Gulf Coast river systems.

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