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White Bass

White Bass

White Bass in North Carolina are members of the temperate bass family. Originally native to western North Carolina rivers flowing to the Mississippi, they've been widely introduced into Atlantic-flowing rivers including the Catawba and Yadkin systems.

White Bass are found in practically all of North Carolina's large reservoirs.

Scientific Name: Morone chrysops

Also known as Sand Bass, Silver Bass

Physical Characteristics:
  • Typically measure 10-15 inches and weigh between 0.5-4 pounds, with most specimens falling in the middle of that range.
  • They have silvery-gray to blue coloration on top with white to pale-green sides and faint horizontal stripes that can be difficult to see.
  • White Bass can be distinguished from similar species by having one tooth patch on the back of the tongue (versus none for White Perch) and a deeper body profile than their relatives.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Prefer clear lakes and reservoirs deeper than 10 feet.
  • Found in practically all of North Carolina's large reservoirs.
  • Originally native to western North Carolina rivers flowing to the Mississippi, widely introduced into Atlantic-flowing rivers including the Catawba and Yadkin systems.

Key Locations

  • Rocky Broad River at Lake Lure, South Yadkin River, and tailraces of major reservoirs.

Specific Spots

  • Tributary mouths, creeks, rivers, creek channel edges, deepwater flats and ledges, open water areas, upper tailraces and major tributaries.
  • They travel in schools while chasing baitfish in open water, rarely associating with cover.

White Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Small crankbaits (white Bandit Series 200), lipless crankbaits, jigs (especially white, yellow, or chartreuse marabou hair jigs), spoons, curly-tail grubs, inline spinners, jerkbaits, and swimbaits. Use white or silver lures in clear water, red or chartreuse in murky conditions.

What flies work for White Bass in North Carolina?

White marabou Clouser Minnows (1.5 inches with small dumbbell eyes), chartreuse Clousers for dingy water, Henry Cowan's gray/white patterns with pink tufts for clear water, finesse changes, and woolly buggers in white, chartreuse, and shad patterns.

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

Early spring spawning runs (March to mid-April) when water temperatures approach 50°F. Spawning occurs in moving water when temperatures reach 45-48°F, typically in upper tailraces and major tributaries during spring.

How do you catch White Bass in North Carolina?

Trolling creek channel edges, vertical jigging over deepwater flats and ledges, casting with steady retrieves, and targeting feeding schools that create surface disturbances.

What do White Bass eat?

Aggressive feeders that consume zooplankton, aquatic insects, small fish (particularly shad), crayfish, and other aquatic animals.

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