Each spring, as the water temperature approachess
50 degrees F, white bass move from deep wintering areas
in lakes and reservoirs toward the rivers and creeks where
their lives began. They stage at the mouths of these
tributaries, usually in 10 - 25-foot deep holes adjacent to
shallow flats with sand or gravel bottoms. In reservoirs,
these staging areas are usually in the upper portion of the
As the water temperature climbs above 50 degrees F, white
bass begin migrating upriver to spawn. The males usually
precede the females by several days or even a week.
Fishermen begin lining the riverbanks early, but the best
fishing does not start until the water exceeds 55 degrees F.
The fish continue moving upstream until blocked by a dam,
waterfall or shallow water. Huge concentrations of white
bass form in tailraces below large dams. Many fish spawn
in the tailraces, often over submerged rock islands and sandbars,
or in riprap along shore. Most white bass deposit their eggs in
5 to 10 feet of water.
White bass move back toward the main lake during severe
cold fronts or when heavy rains muddy the water. But they
usually return once the weather warms and the stream begins
After spawning, both male and female white bass migrate back
to their pre-spawn staging areas. There, they may linger several
days or even week before filtering into the main body of the
Locating white bass can be difficult during summer. You may
find them at almost any depth, and they seldom remain in one
spot very long. Unlike most fish, they do not hold tight to
structure. However, creek channels, roads and ridges may
serve as underwater highways for the schools. Reservoir
fishermen may troll for miles to locate a school along a breakline.
Many lakes and reservoirs form thermoclines in summer. In
these waters, white bass often suspend along the upper edge of the
thermocline, where the water is cool but still contains oxygen.
Through summer and fall, white bass attack schools of shad
on the surface, especially in morning or early evening. Most
anglers look for large gravel or sand flats adjacent to deep
water. Some of the best flats top off at 6 to 10 feet. Many
anglers catch white bass on sand or mud deltas along the
mouths of tributary streams. The best deltas drop off quickly.
White bass will push baitfish toward lines of trees or brush,
or onto shallow beaches. Many public beaches offer excellent
fishing just after they close for the season.
White bass often feed at night during the summer and early fall.
Anglers work schools on gravel flats or sunken islands, usually
in 10 to 20 feet of water, but occasionally as shallow as 3 feet.
Shore fishermen catch white bass at night along riprap banks or
near piers and bridges.
After the fall turnover, white bass spend more time in deeper water,
but continue to chase baitfish on or near the surface. They feed in the
same general areas where they were found during summer.
In winter, white bass collect in deep water off sunken islands, humps
and ridges, often at the lower end of the reservoir. They do not
travel as widely as they did in summer, but will move vertically to
feed, especially after several warm days. Once the water temperature
is below 50 degrees F, white bass eat very little. Many anglers continue
to find good fishing in warmwater discharges below power plants.
the fish feed all winter in these areas.
Throughout the year, white bass are most active during stable weather
or on overcast, breezy days when clouds and waves reduce light
White Bass Tips Next Time!