Skip to main content

Striped Bass

Striped Bass

Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) in Missouri exist as a non-native transplant species that has been successfully established in several reservoirs and lakes across the state.

These anadromous fish, originally native to Atlantic coastal waters, were introduced for recreational fishing and as predators to control populations of gizzard shad.

Missouri supports both pure Striped Bass populations and Hybrid Striped Bass (crosses with White Bass). The state maintains these fisheries through regular stocking programs at various reservoirs.

Scientific Name: Morone saxatilis

Also known as Hybrid Striped Bass (crosses with White Bass)

Physical Characteristics:
  • These fish can live over 30 years and reach substantial sizes.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • In Missouri's reservoirs, they typically inhabit deeper waters during summer heat, moving to shallower areas during cooler periods.

Key Locations

  • Key Missouri waters include Truman Lake (the largest striped bass fishery in the state), Thomas Hill Reservoir, Table Rock Lake, and various other large impoundments.
  • At Truman Lake, focus on the main lake areas, steep points, and channel drops.

Specific Spots

  • Structure like submerged timber, rocky points, and creek channels are prime locations.

Striped Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Traditional lures that work well include spinnerbaits, crankbaits, topwater poppers, jigs, and live bait like shad, herring, and eels. Key Missouri destinations include Truman Lake, Thomas Hill Reservoir, and Table Rock Lake, with Truman Lake offering the most consistent striped bass action in the state.

What flies work for Striped Bass in Missouri?

For fly fishing, effective patterns include Clouser Minnows (the #1 striped bass fly), Deceivers, squid patterns like Red Can Squid and EP Flex Calamari, Surf Candies, Glass Minnows, and larger baitfish imitations.

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

The most productive seasons for Striped Bass in Missouri are spring (post-spawn) and fall when fish are actively feeding. Spring fishing is excellent when water temperatures reach 55-65°F. During fall, fish the backs of coves where shad congregate.

How do you catch Striped Bass in Missouri?

Target fish in 10-40 feet of water, though they may go deeper during hot summer periods.

What do Striped Bass eat?

Striped Bass are opportunistic predators with an eclectic diet including over 65 species of fish and 45+ invertebrates. They feed on everything from zooplankton as juveniles to adult prey like menhaden, anchovies, herring, shad, catfish, white perch, blue crabs, shrimp, and various baitfish.

Fish smarter with real-time insights

Whether you're en route and conditions shift or you're looking for the best spot based on current flows, we enable you to make informed decisions on the fly.

See it in the app

Most maps show you water.
onWater shows you Striped Bass.

  1. 01 · Species map filter

    Map every Striped Bass water

    Pick Striped Bass and the map zeroes in on the waters they call home. No more guessing which lake holds them.

  2. 02 · Waterbody species

    Tap any water. See what lives there.

    Species, behavior and seasonal patterns for every lake, river and pond, before you leave the driveway.

  3. 03 · Angler Intelligence

    Ask how to catch Striped Bass

    Tactics, gear and timing from onWater's AI fishing guide, tuned to the species and the water you're on.

Stop guessing where Striped Bass are.

Open the map, filter by Striped Bass, and head to water that holds them. Download onWater and plan your next trip in minutes.

  • Species map filter
  • Angler Intelligence
  • Fishing journal
Try onWater+ for free

Explore other species

Trout, bass, salmon, panfish and everything in between. Each guide unpacks the behavior, seasons, and tactics that put fish in the net.

No species information available.

Missouri licenses and regulations

Explore nearby waters

Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.

onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.