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White Bass

White Bass

White Bass are a popular sport fish found throughout Mississippi's river systems and reservoirs. They are aggressive predators and schooling fish that often corral baitfish at the surface in feeding frenzies.

Scientific Name: Morone chrysops

Also known as Sand Bass, Barfish, Silver Bass

Physical Characteristics:
  • Deep-bodied fish have an arched back with a projecting lower jaw and distinctive bluish-gray backs fading to white bellies with 4-7 dark lateral stripes.
  • They typically weigh 1-3 pounds but can reach up to 7 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Native to large rivers but thrive in reservoirs, particularly in the Mississippi River system and its tributaries.
  • Found throughout Mississippi's river systems and reservoirs.

Key Locations

  • Mississippi River, oxbow lakes like Eagle Lake and Lake Washington, four major flood control reservoirs: Grenada, Sardis, Enid, and Arkabutla lakes, plus Pickwick Lake.
  • Associated spillways and tailraces.
  • Ferguson Lake.
  • Confluence points where the Skuna and Yalobusha rivers meet at Grenada Lake.

Specific Spots

  • Main lake points on Grenada, Sardis, Enid, and Arkabutla reservoirs, Mississippi River around rock jetties and washouts, upstream side of rock dikes in Mississippi River.
  • On oxbow lakes like Eagle Lake, fish around cypress trees and the Muddy Bayou area.

White Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Small jigs with curly-tail grubs (1/8 oz jigheads with 2-inch pearl or chartreuse grubs), small to medium crankbaits, spinners, and minnows. Use white/silver lures in clear water and chartreuse/red patterns in stained water. For Mississippi River, use chartreuse crankbaits with red backs.

What flies work for White Bass in Mississippi?

Clouser Minnows, Woolly Buggers, and finesse patterns in white, chartreuse, and shad colors.

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

Best White Bass fishing occurs from mid-April through May after spawning concludes, and again in summer when they school and feed on shad. Spawning period (March through May when water temperatures reach 62-68°F) should be avoided to protect reproduction.

How do you catch White Bass in Mississippi?

When fish are feeding on top (often in late afternoon/evening), cast into the action and retrieve quickly; when they're down, vertically jig or bounce lures off the bottom with a steady retrieve. Chrome and blue-back lipless crankbaits work well for locating schools, then switch to jigs for sustained action.

What do White Bass eat?

Feed primarily on gizzard and threadfin shad, though they also consume insects, minnows, crustaceans, and small baitfish.

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