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Yellow Bass

Yellow Bass

Yellow Bass (Morone mississippiensis) are native to the Mississippi River basin but are considered transplanted species in Missouri waters.

These small temperate bass are schooling fish that exhibit crepuscular feeding behavior, being most active during early morning and evening hours when they move to shallower water to feed.

Scientific Name: Morone mississippiensis

Physical Characteristics:
  • These small temperate bass are easily identified by their golden-yellow coloration with 5-7 dark horizontal stripes running along their body, with the lower stripes characteristically broken and offset above the anal fin.
  • They typically measure 6-12 inches and weigh under a pound, with the largest recorded specimen reaching 2.95 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Native to the Mississippi River basin.
  • Prefer slow-moving waters with firm substrates of sand, gravel, or rock.

Key Locations

  • In Missouri, Yellow Bass are found primarily in the Mississippi River backwaters near Hannibal and Quincy areas, as well as select impoundments.
  • Focus on Mississippi River backwaters around Hannibal, side channels, and oxbow lakes connected to the main river.

Specific Spots

  • Fish around submerged timber, wing dams, bridge pilings, and drop-offs in 6-20 feet of water.
  • Typically staying in deeper water (6-20 feet) except during spawning season in spring when they move to shallower water.
  • Early morning and late evening provide the best action when fish move to feed in shallower water near weed edges, submerged structures, and sandbar drop-offs.

Yellow Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Small jigs (1/32-1/8 oz) tipped with soft plastics like minnows or curly-tail grubs, small spoons, and blade baits for vertical jigging. Football jigs work well to avoid snags on rocky bottoms. Small swimbaits, cricket lures, crappie tubes, and u-tail grubs in green, brown, and red colors.

What flies work for Yellow Bass in Missouri?

For fly fishing when they move shallow, use Woolly Buggers, Clouser Minnows, small poppers, and crayfish patterns.

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

Late spring through early fall when water temperatures are between 60-80 degrees, with peak action from May through September. The spawning period occurs in May when water temperatures stabilize around 60 degrees, during which time anglers should avoid targeting these fish to protect the reproductive cycle.

How do you catch Yellow Bass in Missouri?

Dr.op shot rigs are extremely effective for reaching these deeper-dwelling fish. Use sonar to locate schools suspended over deep water during summer. Employ a relatively quick retrieve to trigger their aggressive feeding response. Vertical jigging with blade baits.

What do Yellow Bass eat?

Their diet consists primarily of small fish, aquatic insects (especially chironomid larvae and pupae), and small crustaceans like copepods and cladocera. Juveniles feed heavily on copepods and aquatic insects, while adults shift to a fish-based diet including minnows, shiners, and young gizzard shad.

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