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White Bass

White Bass

White Bass are Oklahoma's official state fish and one of the most abundant game fish in the state. These temperate bass family members are prolific open-water schooling fish that spend their lives chasing schools of shad.

Though native to Oklahoma, they weren't found in great numbers until large reservoirs were constructed - now they're distributed statewide.

Scientific Name: Morone chrysops

Also known as Sand Bass

Physical Characteristics:
  • These temperate bass family members are characterized by their distinctive arched back just behind the head, silver-white to pale green coloration with narrow dark horizontal stripes, and a single tongue patch.
  • Adults average 0.5-1.5 pounds but can grow up to 5 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They prefer open water during the day and shallow sandy shoals at night, requiring areas with rapid depth changes and easy access to open water.
  • They migrate up inflowing creeks and rivers or spawn on rocky shoals.

Key Locations

  • Prime Oklahoma locations include Lake Texoma, Lake Tenkiller, Grand Lake, Fort Gibson Lake, Robert S.
  • Kerr Reservoir, Lake Eufaula, the Arkansas River, Upper Illinois River, Deep Fork River, and the Neosho River north of Fort Gibson Lake.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on wind-driven sides of lakes around points, riprap, and coves.
  • Target the mouths of inflowing creeks and rivers, brushy banks, riffles, shoals, ledges and deep flats.

White Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Effective lures include curly tail grubs, paddletail swimbaits, inline spinners (especially 1/8 oz Rooster Tails), spoons, lipless crankbaits (like Rat-L-Traps), diving crankbaits, jerkbaits, hair jigs, and topwater lures in white, silver, and chartreuse colors.

What flies work for White Bass in Oklahoma?

Clouser Minnows, Woolly Buggers, and Finesse Changers in white, chartreuse, and shad patterns.

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

The best white bass fishing occurs from mid-March through early May during the spawning run when water temperatures hit 50-55°F and there's measurable rainfall.

How do you catch White Bass in Oklahoma?

Fish with steady retrieves except when vertical jigging over ledges and deep flats. Target the mouths of inflowing creeks and rivers, then follow the fish upstream to brushy banks, riffles, and shoals.

What do White Bass eat?

Their diet consists primarily of shad, minnows, crustaceans, and insects. Their primary food source is shad.

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