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Yellow Bass

Yellow Bass

Yellow Bass are a temperate bass species in the family Percichthyidae, characterized by their golden yellow sides with 6-7 horizontal dark stripes, where 3-4 stripes below the lateral line are broken or interrupted toward the tail.

These fish are known for their fast swimming ability and aggressive nature when feeding, making them exciting targets for light-tackle fishing.

Scientific Name: Morone mississippiensis

Physical Characteristics:

In South Carolina waters, they typically reach 12-18 inches and weigh 1-3 pounds, though they rarely exceed 1 pound and can be caught up to 4 pounds in exceptional cases.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

In South Carolina waters, they inhabit mid-depth waters around points, drop-offs, and submerged structure, often schooling tightly in these areas.

Key Locations

Focus on Lake Murray as a prime destination. Yellow Bass prefer open water areas of large reservoirs like Lake Murray, which hosts multiple bass species including yellow bass along with largemouth, smallmouth, white bass, and striped bass.

Specific Spots

Fishing around points, drop-offs, submerged structure, and open water areas in 10-20 feet of water. Target areas with current breaks, rocky substrates, and where schools of baitfish are present, as Yellow Bass will follow their primary food source throughout different seasons.

Yellow Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Yellow Bass in South Carolina?

Small jigs (1/16 to 1/8 ounce) tipped with soft plastics work exceptionally well - try white, chartreuse, or natural colors. Spinnerbaits, small spoons, and lipless crankbaits in silver or white patterns effectively imitate their preferred baitfish.

What flies work for Yellow Bass in South Carolina?

When fly fishing, use size 12 mini leech flies in white, black woolly buggers, or small streamers stripped quickly through the water column.

When is the best time to fish for Yellow Bass in South Carolina?

Target Yellow Bass during spring through fall seasons, with peak action occurring from May through September when they're most active. In summer, focus on deeper water during midday heat, then work shallower areas as temperatures cool.

How do you catch Yellow Bass in South Carolina?

Present baits with fast, aggressive retrieves since Yellow Bass respond to rapidly moving lures that trigger their predatory instincts. When you locate a school, stay with them as they often travel together and feed aggressively as a group.

What do Yellow Bass eat?

Their diet consists primarily of small baitfish like shad and minnows, aquatic insects, chironomid larvae and pupae, and small crustaceans including copepods when juvenile.

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