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White Bass

White Bass

White Bass are temperate bass species found in New Mexico's larger reservoirs and warm-water fisheries.

These schooling fish are distinguished from largemouth and smallmouth bass by their silvery-white coloration with horizontal dark stripes, single tooth patch on the tongue, and belong to the Moronidae family rather than the sunfish family.

They are open-water fish that travel in large schools and are voracious predators. These aggressive sight-feeding fish are most active during dawn and dusk, often driving schools of baitfish to the surface in feeding frenzies.

Scientific Name: Morone chrysops

Physical Characteristics:
  • These schooling fish are distinguished from largemouth and smallmouth bass by their silvery-white coloration with horizontal dark stripes, single tooth patch on the tongue.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They prefer open water of lakes and reservoirs where they can see for greater distances.
  • The species has been widely distributed beyond its native Mississippi River Basin range and is now established in New Mexico's Rio Grande drainage system.

Key Locations

  • Target Elephant Butte Lake for the state's best white bass fishing, along with Ute, Conchas, Brantley, and Sumner lakes.
  • In New Mexico, white bass populations are particularly strong at Elephant Butte Lake and Ute Lake, with good populations also found at Brantley, Conchas, and Sumner lakes.

Specific Spots

  • Typically holding in deeper water during the day and moving up to feed.

White Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Effective lures include small spoons, spinners like Roostertails, small crankbaits, jigs with curly-tail grubs in white and chartreuse colors, and slab-style jigging spoons.

What flies work for White Bass in New Mexico?

For fly fishing, use streamers like Clouser Minnows, Woolly Buggers in white or black, and small poppers when fish are feeding on top.

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

White bass fishing is excellent from late spring through summer in New Mexico, with prime action occurring when water temperatures are in the 65°F+ range.

How do you catch White Bass in New Mexico?

Trolling is highly effective for locating schools - use small crankbaits or spinners at various depths. White bass often feed cooperatively, so when you hook one, keep it in the water briefly as the splashing can attract more fish to your location.

What do White Bass eat?

Feeding primarily on shad and other baitfish once they reach adult size. Juvenile white bass start with zooplankton and small invertebrates before transitioning to fish.

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