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White Bass

White Bass

White Bass are a non-native but well-established species in North Dakota, introduced through stocking programs.

These temperate bass are schooling fish that are constantly mobile, following baitfish throughout the water column from shallow areas to depths of 30+ feet depending on season and food availability.

Scientific Name: Morone chrysops

Physical Characteristics:
  • They are characterized by their silvery coloration with six to nine dark, narrow horizontal stripes along their sides and yellow-tinted eyes.
  • These temperate bass typically weigh between 0.5-4 pounds, with most falling around 1-2 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They form large schools and are constantly mobile, following baitfish throughout the water column from shallow areas to depths of 30+ feet depending on season and food availability.

Key Locations

  • White Bass are abundant in major North Dakota waters including Devils Lake, Lake Sakakawea, Lake Oahe, Lake Ashtabula, and the Missouri River system.
  • Target them near Devils Lake's Channel A area, Lake Sakakawea's Van Hook Arm and Four Bears Bridge area, and Missouri River tailwaters below dams.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on structure like points, drop-offs, weed edges, riprap, and areas where tributaries enter main lakes.

White Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Top lures include 1/4 to 1/2 ounce lipless crankbaits (Rat-L-Trap style), small spoons, inline spinners (Rooster Tail), curly tail grubs on jigheads, and swimbaits in white, silver, chartreuse, or shad patterns. For ice fishing use spoons and live minnows.

What flies work for White Bass in North Dakota?

Effective flies include Clouser Minnows, Woolly Buggers, and finesse patterns in white and chartreuse.

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

White Bass fishing in North Dakota is productive year-round, with spring and fall offering peak opportunities. Spring fishing is excellent from March through May as fish stage near tributary mouths and move into spawning areas, but avoid targeting them during actual spawning periods in May-June.

How do you catch White Bass in North Dakota?

Use steady retrieves when casting, and when vertical jigging, let lures flutter down as most strikes occur on the fall. In summer, target feeding schools that often drive baitfish to the surface - look for diving birds and surface commotion.

What do White Bass eat?

They are primarily baitfish predators, feeding heavily on shad, minnows, crustaceans, and aquatic insects. Young White Bass consume small crustaceans and insect larvae, while adults are largely fish-eaters.

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