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Striped Bass

Striped Bass

Striped Bass in Washington waters are primarily found as an introduced species on the Pacific Coast, established since the late 1800s when fish were transported from New Jersey rivers and planted in San Francisco Bay.

The population has since expanded northward to the Columbia River system in Oregon and Washington.

Scientific Name: Morone saxatilis

Physical Characteristics:
  • These voracious carnivorous feeders can live over 30 years and reach impressive sizes - the world record stands at 81 pounds, 14 ounces.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • These anadromous fish inhabit both freshwater and saltwater environments.

Key Locations

  • The lower Columbia River around Astoria, Coos River, Umpqua River, and Willamette River are prime locations.
  • In Washington, populations found in the lower Columbia River near Vancouver and the river mouth, as well as coastal areas like Grays Harbor and Willapa Bay.

Specific Spots

  • They prefer areas with deep channels, sandy flats, and submerged structures like rock piles, bridge pilings, and submerged timber, often schooling in deeper holes near strong tidal currents.
  • Focus efforts around rocky shorelines, jetties, river mouths.

Striped Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Striped Bass in Washington?

Employing spinnerbaits, crankbaits, swimbaits, topwater plugs, and soft plastics. Live bait fishing with anchovies, shad, sand shrimp, or cut bait.

What flies work for Striped Bass in Washington?

Streamer patterns like Clouser Minnows, Lefty's Deceivers, Surf Candies, and baitfish imitations in both natural colors and bright attractors like pink and chartreuse. Classic patterns include the Mickey Finn (yellow-red-yellow), Glass Minnows, Seaducers, and Estaz Minnows.

When is the best time to fish for Striped Bass in Washington?

Spring and fall migrations when they're most active. During summer when water warms above 65°F, target deeper waters and fish during cooler morning/evening hours. In winter, focus on deep eddies and drop-offs where lethargic fish seek easy meals.

How do you catch Striped Bass in Washington?

Live bait fishing with circle hooks is highly effective. Fish the first three hours of incoming and outgoing tides for best results, and consider night fishing with submersible lights to attract baitfish.

What do Striped Bass eat?

Their diet consists of over 65 fish species and 45+ invertebrate species, with menhaden being the dominant prey, supplemented by anchovies, herring, sand eels, silversides, spot, croaker, blue crabs, and various local baitfish depending on seasonal availability.

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