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White Bass

White Bass

White bass are native to Tennessee watersheds and belong to the temperate bass family (Moronidae), making them true bass unlike black bass which are actually sunfish.

These are schooling fish that spend most of their lives in open water chasing schools of shad. They are aggressive feeders that school heavily, so when you find one, expect to catch multiple fish from the same area.

Scientific Name: Morone chrysops

Physical Characteristics:
  • Silvery fish with distinctive horizontal dark stripes on their sides, an arched back behind the head, and only one tongue patch (unlike hybrid striped bass which have two).
  • Typically average 1-2 pounds but can reach 3+ pounds, with the potential to grow up to 5 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found statewide in major reservoirs and rivers in Tennessee, with particularly strong populations in Kentucky Lake, Watts Bar, Douglas Lake, and the Tennessee River system.

Key Locations

  • Kentucky Lake, Watts Bar, Douglas Lake, Tennessee River system, Pickwick Dam tailwater, French Broad River, Kentucky Lake's Leadvale area, Douglas Lake's French Broad River confluence.

Specific Spots

  • Tributaries, creek mouths, and staging areas below dams.
  • During summer, target humps and channel breaks.
  • Fish current seams, eddies behind structure, rocky points, and riprap areas.

White Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

1/8 to 1/4 ounce curly tail grubs in white, chartreuse, or pink; small spinners like Rooster Tails in white or chartreuse; lipless crankbaits such as Rat-L-Traps in shad patterns; small jerkbaits like Rapalas and Rebels in 2-3 inch sizes; hair jigs or marabou jigs in white and chartreuse; jigging spoons, blade baits,...

What flies work for White Bass in Tennessee?

Clouser Minnows, Woolly Buggers in white or chartreuse, and small streamers on size 2-6 hooks.

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

Prime white bass fishing season runs from mid-March through early May during their spawning runs. Summer months (July-August) for targeting schooling fish over humps and channel breaks.

How do you catch White Bass in Tennessee?

Steady retrieves for spinners and crankbaits, vertical jigging with spoons and slabs, and fishing live minnows or shad under slip bobbers. In tailwaters, cast at 45-degree upcurrent angles and retrieve with the flow. Fish current seams, eddies behind structure, rocky points, and riprap areas.

What do White Bass eat?

Schools of shad comprise the majority of their diet. They also consume minnows, crustaceans, aquatic insects, and various baitfish.

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