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Yellow Bass

Yellow Bass

Yellow Bass (Morone mississippiensis) are considered an invasive species in Nebraska, classified as a Category 2 Priority Aquatic Invasive Species.

Yellow bass are prolific spawners that can rapidly overpopulate water bodies, competing with native species for food and resources while often not reaching angler-acceptable sizes.

Scientific Name: Morone mississippiensis

Physical Characteristics:
  • They're silvery-yellow in color with dark green backs and 6-9 dark horizontal stripes on their sides, with broken and offset stripes above the anal fin distinguishing them from white bass.
  • These fish rarely exceed 12 inches in length and typically weigh 1-2 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • In Nebraska, they inhabit natural lakes, reservoirs, and river backwaters, preferring clear to slightly turbid water with firm bottom substrates.

Key Locations

  • Summit Lake SRA (where they're listed as present) and areas with connections to the Missouri River system.

Specific Spots

  • Fish the deeper parts of lakes and reservoirs during most of the year, typically 10-20 feet deep over mud flats in main lake basins where they feed on benthic invertebrates.
  • In winter, target them in 6-12 feet of water over mud flats.
  • Look for them along the outside edges of emergent vegetation like bulrush or cattails in lakes that have such cover.
  • Focus on areas with firm bottom substrates of sand, gravel, rock, or mud.

Yellow Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Small jigs (1/32 to 3/8 ounce) with marabou feathers or plastic grubs, particularly in white with silver flash, fluorescent colors, or solid black. Small swimbaits that mimic minnows work well, as do crappie tubes, small cricket lures, and u-tail grubs.

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

Late spring through early fall, avoiding the spawning period in May when water temperatures reach 70°F.

How do you catch Yellow Bass in Nebraska?

Dr.op-shot rigs are particularly effective for reaching their preferred deeper water locations.

What do Yellow Bass eat?

Their diet consists primarily of zooplankton (especially copepods and cladocerans), aquatic insects like chironomids and diptera, small fish including young-of-year gizzard shad, and benthic invertebrates like bloodworms.

Where do Yellow Bass live in Nebraska?

In Nebraska, they inhabit natural lakes, reservoirs, and river backwaters, preferring clear to slightly turbid water with firm bottom substrates.

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