The white bass is one of a handful of temperate bass species found in the United States. These fish are exclusively freshwater and are often prized as forage fish for larger sportfish like pike (Esox spp.) or black bass species (Micropterus spp.).
White bass average between 3 and 5 lbs (1.4 and 2.27 kg), significantly smaller than the striped bass (Morone saxatilis), which is a more popular sportfish. White bass are also short-lived, with an average life span of only five years. However, the white bass’ maximum age fluctuates by location, with white bass found in the northern United States living longer than those in warmer, southern climates.
Outside of their native range, white bass are intentionally introduced as sportfish or forage fish. While they may benefit anglers, their introduction outside their native habitat can affect native fish. In their non-native range, the white bass can reproduce rapidly, producing large fish populations quickly, placing pressure on forage fish and other prey items, resulting in their depletion, which can impact people or other fish that predate upon these prey items.
Once established, eradicating white bass is challenging. In some regions, like Lake Kaweah in California, removing white bass required expensive chemical treatments that cost the state millions of dollars.
How Do I Identify a White Bass?
White bass are small fish with an upturned mouth and a distinct hump behind the head, creating an arched back. This species also has two dorsal fins, one with stiff spines and another positioned towards the caudal fin with soft rays. The body of the fish is silver, and they have white bellies.
White bass are similar in appearance to other temperate basses like the yellow (M. mississippiensis) and striped basses, but are easily distinguished from these species by a few characteristics. Firstly, the yellow bass, as its name suggests, is yellow, which is easily distinguished from the white bass’ white or silver coloration. Additionally, an examination of the fish’s mouth for a tooth patch can be used to distinguish between striped and white bass. Striped bass have two tooth patches, whereas white bass have a single, heart-shaped tooth patch.
How Do I Identify White Bass Hybrids?
Hybridization of white bass occurs where the ranges of temperate basses overlap. The white bass is more likely to co-occur with the yellow bass within its native range because both species are native to the Mississippi River and its watersheds. Conversely, the striped bass is only native to the East Coast of the United States and therefore there is less overlap with the range of the white bass. However, the striped bass has been introduced throughout the country, making interactions between these species more common than previously thought possible. Yellow and white basses also have an expanded range due to intentional stocking as a sport or forage fish and unintentional introductions.
Hybrid striped x white bass are known as “wipers,” a combination of “white” and “striper.” These hybrids are usually more significant than a pure white bass and possess two tooth patches or odd tooth patches.
What Do the Genus & Species Names “Morone chrysops” Mean?
According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, the origin of “Morone” is uncertain. However, this genus epithet may have its roots in the Greek word “moros,” which means “stupid” or “foolish.” While this is a possible explanation, the origins of “Morone” may be more complex and are poorly understood today.
The species name “chrysops” comes from two Greek words: “chrysos,” meaning “golden,” and “ops,” meaning “eye.” This name likely refers to the fish’s distinct eye coloration, which can appear golden.
Where Do White Bass Live?
White bass are found primarily in the central and eastern parts of the United States and Canada. Regarding their habitat preference, white bass occupy clear to slightly turbid waters and are usually associated with areas where they can find suitable food sources. Additionally, they prefer open water with gravel substrates where other forage species like shad or minnows are common.
In general, this species is known to inhabit various aquatic environments, including rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. They thrive in these larger bodies of water and are rarely found in small streams or ponds. White bass are typically stocked in reservoirs or ponds and are not native to artificial water bodies.
Additionally, white bass take part in spring migrations, where they move into shallower waters and upstream areas to spawn. Their spawning season lasts from March to April and begins with males migrating upstream to spawning locations. Females soon join them and deposit their eggs over gravel or rock beds, where the eggs are left to fend for themselves. After breeding, white bass return to deeper waters.
Can You Eat White Bass & How Do You Catch One?
Yes, you can eat white bass, although they are less popular than striped bass due to the white bass’ small size.
When searching for white bass, one must consider their natural habits. Schooling is one such habit and targeting large schools of white bass will allow anglers to capture many individuals in a single area. Schooling is a method used by smaller fish species to hunt and avoid predators, so identifying their feeding areas is key. Look for regions of a lake or reservoir with suitable structures containing logs, deep pools, drop-offs, or submerged vegetation. They also congregate near inflowing streams or rivers during spawning periods in the spring.
As crepuscular hunters, white bass are most active during dawn and dusk, so this is when an angler should consider fishing for them. White bass will eat minnows, shad, or aquatic invertebrates like crayfish or insects. These items make great live bait options, but white bass will also take artificial bait. Be sure to understand local fishing regulations and follow ethical angling practices.
