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White Bass
Morone chrysops
10–14 inches
Typical Length
0.5–2 lbs
Typical Weight
Year-round (no closed season)
Season Opens
<1%
% of MN Lakes
White bass are schooling fish that provide fast action when you find them. They're aggressive feeders that run up rivers and streams in spring, creating some of Minnesota's most exciting seasonal fishing opportunities.
Habitat
White bass prefer large lakes and rivers with open water. They school heavily and follow baitfish through open basins. In spring, they make spawning runs up tributaries where anglers can target them in concentrated numbers.
When to Fish
Best months: May, June, July
Season opens: Year-round (no closed season)
The spring spawning run is the main event — look for them below dams and in tributary mouths. In summer, find surface-feeding schools chasing shad. Small jigs and inline spinners are deadly.
Did You Know?
- A single school of white bass can contain thousands of fish, making them one of the most gregarious freshwater species.
- During spawning runs, white bass can travel over 100 miles upstream from their home lake.
- They're related to striped bass and can hybridize with them, producing the popular 'wiper' or hybrid striper.
Minnesota State Record
4 lbs 2 oz (Mississippi River, 2005)
Lakes with White Bass near you
30 Minnesota lakes have White Bass on record. Find the closest ones to you.
White Bass (Morone chrysops) is a gamefish species found in Minnesota lakes and rivers. DNR surveys have documented white bass in 30 Minnesota lakes. The Minnesota state record is 4 lbs 2 oz (Mississippi River, 2005).