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Striped Bass

Striped Bass

Striped Bass in Ohio are primarily found as hybrid striped bass (crosses between striped bass and white bass) that are stocked in various freshwater bodies throughout the state.

Pure striped bass are native to Atlantic coastal waters but have been introduced to inland recreational fisheries across the United States, including some Ohio waters.

Also known as hybrid striped bass, wipers, whiterock bass, sunshine bass, palmetto bass, Cherokee bass

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found in reservoirs throughout Ohio.
  • They prefer open water environments.

Key Locations

  • Buckeye Lake, Charles Mill Lake, Dillon Lake, East Fork Lake, Griggs Reservoir, Kiser Lake, O'Shaughnessy Reservoir, Guilford Lake, Deer Creek Lake, Seneca Lake, West Branch Reservoir, Hannibal Pool on the Ohio River.

Specific Spots

  • Fish tailwater areas below dams or look for quiet areas near fast-moving water.
  • At Charles Mill Lake, focus particularly around the dam area.
  • The Hannibal Pool on the Ohio River is noted as an excellent shore fishing spot for striped bass.
  • Creek mouths during summer.

Striped Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Striped Bass in Ohio?

Rapalas and crankbaits, spinnerbaits (work well in shallow water during cooler periods), jigging spoons and pigs (effective in creek mouths during summer), live or cut bait including chicken liver, gizzard shad, minnows, or any baitfish.

When is the best time to fish for Striped Bass in Ohio?

Mid-spring through early fall, with April and May being prime months after their spawning period ends. In colder months, look for schools swimming near the surface. As water warms up, wipers move to cooler, deeper water.

How do you catch Striped Bass in Ohio?

Cast into pods of fish. Use deep-diving lures or fish from the bottom with bait, covering more water since they travel in schools. Don't fight them with just the reel - play the fish with your arms and rod, pointing the rod straight up to let the rod's bend tire the fish.

What do Striped Bass eat?

Opportunistic feeders with voracious appetites, consuming a diverse diet including zooplankton, small fish like sand eels and anchovies, crustaceans such as American lobsters and green crabs, squid, bunker (menhaden), herring, mackerel, shad, bluegill, and crayfish.

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Ohio licenses and regulations

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