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Yellow Bass

Yellow Bass

Yellow Bass (Morone mississippiensis) are a member of the temperate bass family found in Tennessee's waters, particularly in the Tennessee River system and its tributaries.

In Tennessee, they're considered an introduced species that was transplanted into upper reaches of the Tennessee River, with established populations documented in waters like Watts Bar Lake drainage and other Tennessee River reservoirs.

Scientific Name: Morone mississippiensis

Physical Characteristics:
  • These small, aggressive fish are easily identified by their distinctive golden-yellow coloration, especially around the belly and sides, with 5-7 dark horizontal stripes that are characteristically broken or offset below the lateral line.
  • Unlike other bass species, Yellow Bass lack tooth patches on their tongue and typically measure 6-12 inches long, weighing under a pound, though specimens up to 2-3 pounds are possible.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found in Tennessee's waters, particularly in the Tennessee River system and its tributaries.
  • They're considered an introduced species that was transplanted into upper reaches of the Tennessee River, with established populations documented in waters like Watts Bar Lake drainage and other Tennessee River reservoirs.

Key Locations

  • Target Tennessee River reservoirs like Watts Bar Lake, Chickamauga Lake, Nickajack Lake, and other major impoundments, as well as J.
  • Percy Priest Reservoir where they're found in good numbers.

Specific Spots

  • Fish deeper waters around submerged river channels, drop-offs, rocky points, bridge pilings, and submerged timber in 6-20 feet of water.
  • They are often found schooling in deeper parts of reservoirs and lakes, particularly around submerged structure, drop-offs, and river channels at depths of 6-20 feet.

Yellow Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Effective lures include small jigs (1/32-1/8 oz) tipped with soft plastics like minnow imitations or curly-tail grubs, small spoons and blade baits for vertical jigging, crappie tubes, cricket lures, and small swimbaits that mimic baitfish. Football jigs work well for bottom fishing as they're less likely to snag.

What flies work for Yellow Bass in Tennessee?

For fly fishing during shallow water periods, use small streamers, poppers, and nymphs that imitate aquatic insects and small baitfish.

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

The prime fishing months are March through May and September through October, with peak action often occurring in April when fish are pre-spawn and highly aggressive. During summer months, concentrate efforts in early morning or evening when fish move to shallower areas.

How do you catch Yellow Bass in Tennessee?

Key techniques include drop-shotting in deeper water, vertical jigging over structure, and trolling with small crankbaits to locate schools. Yellow Bass respond well to relatively quick retrieves that trigger their aggressive nature.

What do Yellow Bass eat?

Yellow Bass are opportunistic carnivores with juveniles feeding primarily on small invertebrates like copepods and aquatic insects, while adults transition to feeding mainly on small fish including minnows, shad, and silversides, supplemented by small crustaceans.

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