Skip to main content

White Bass

White Bass

White bass are abundant and popular gamefish found throughout Texas reservoirs.

These silvery, spiny-rayed fish are migratory open-water fish that spend most of their lives in large schools chasing threadfin and gizzard shad in the open waters of major reservoirs.

Scientific Name: Morone chrysops

Also known as sand bass, sandies

Physical Characteristics:
  • Silvery, spiny-rayed fish with several incomplete horizontal stripes on each side, with only one stripe extending to the tail.
  • Distinctive arched back behind the head and conspicuously double dorsal fin.
  • Have only one tooth patch on the tongue.
  • Typically grow 8-10 inches in first year, reach 12 inches by year two, most averaging 1-2 pounds and rarely exceeding 3.5 pounds.
  • State record weighed 5 pounds, 9 ounces.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found throughout Texas reservoirs.
  • Prefer clear lakes and reservoirs deeper than 10 feet.
  • Migrate up major tributaries for spawning, seeking clean gravel and rock substrate with good flow, often traveling 25-50 miles above reservoirs.
  • Some populations may spawn on wind-blown rocky shoals.

Key Locations

  • Canyon Lake, Lake Buchanan, Lake Travis, Lake Whitney, Lake Somerville, Granger Lake, Lake Texoma, Lake Tawakoni, Toledo Bend, Lake Georgetown, Lake Limestone, Lake Waco, Wright Patman Lake, Lake Ray Hubbard, Guadalupe River above Canyon Lake (Rebecca Creek area), San Gabriel River above Granger Lake ('The Steps'), Pedernales River above Lake Travis, Colorado River above Lake Buchanan, Sabine River above Toledo Bend, Colorado Bend State Park on the Colorado River above Lake Buchanan.

Specific Spots

  • Spring: tributary streams and upper reservoir areas, rivers and major creek tributaries.
  • Summer: open water where birds are diving on baitfish, around lighted docks and marinas.
  • Fall: creek mouths and main lake points.
  • Winter: deep water along channel ledges, humps, and points.

White Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Small jigs, Road Runner jigs, curly tail grubs, small crankbaits, spinners in white, silver, chartreuse, and pearl colors. 1/8-ounce marabou jigs in white or chartreuse, small Rat-L-Traps, Rooster Tails, small diving crankbaits for trolling, topwater lures, lipless crankbaits, small twister tail jigs, spoons, tail...

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

Spring (February-May): spawning run, best action in April and May. Summer (May-September): schooling fish in open water. Fall (September-November): surface schooling action. Winter (November-February): deep water fishing along channel ledges, humps, and points.

How do you catch White Bass in Texas?

Spring: target rivers and major creek tributaries. Summer: cast into feeding schools, night fishing around lighted docks and marinas. Fall: target creek mouths and main lake points. Winter: vertical jigging with electronics to locate schools.

Where do White Bass live in Texas?

Found throughout Texas reservoirs. Prefer clear lakes and reservoirs deeper than 10 feet. Migrate up major tributaries for spawning, seeking clean gravel and rock substrate with good flow, often traveling 25-50 miles above reservoirs. Some populations may spawn on wind-blown rocky shoals.

Fish smarter with real-time insights

Whether you're en route and conditions shift or you're looking for the best spot based on current flows, we enable you to make informed decisions on the fly.

See it in the app

Most maps show you water.
onWater shows you White Bass.

  1. 01 · Species map filter

    Map every White Bass water

    Pick White Bass and the map zeroes in on the waters they call home. No more guessing which lake holds them.

  2. 02 · Waterbody species

    Tap any water. See what lives there.

    Species, behavior and seasonal patterns for every lake, river and pond, before you leave the driveway.

  3. 03 · Angler Intelligence

    Ask how to catch White Bass

    Tactics, gear and timing from onWater's AI fishing guide, tuned to the species and the water you're on.

Stop guessing where White Bass are.

Open the map, filter by White Bass, and head to water that holds them. Download onWater and plan your next trip in minutes.

  • Species map filter
  • Angler Intelligence
  • Fishing journal
Try onWater+ for free

Explore other species

Trout, bass, salmon, panfish and everything in between. Each guide unpacks the behavior, seasons, and tactics that put fish in the net.

No species information available.

Texas licenses and regulations

Explore nearby waters

Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.

onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.