Yellow Bass

Body Type & Identification: Golden-yellow sides with dark horizontal stripes — the lower stripes are offset (broken) at the lateral line, distinguishing Yellow Bass from White Bass. A smaller, panfish-sized bass rarely exceeding 1 lb. Often overlooked but outstanding on ultralight tackle.

Preferred Water Temperature: 65°F–75°F. A schooling, open-water species that follows baitfish in reservoirs and large rivers. Spring spawning in tributary streams when water reaches 60°F–65°F.

Habitat: Large rivers and reservoirs in the Mississippi River basin from the Great Lakes south through the Gulf states. Less widespread than White Bass — found primarily in the Mississippi drainage. Schools over sandy and gravel bottom in open water and around river structure.

Best Lures: Small jigs (1/8–1/4 oz) in white or chartreuse are the top producers. Small inline spinners work very well. Small crankbaits in shad patterns produce consistent results. Any small, fast-moving lure produces strikes from feeding schools.

Best Baits: Small live minnows are the top natural bait. Small nightcrawler pieces work well. Cut small shad produce results. Light spinning tackle (4–8 lb) is ideal.

Top 5 Destinations: Reelfoot Lake TN, Mississippi River (upper), Kentucky Lake TN/KY, Wabash River IN, Lake of the Ozarks MO.

Golden-yellow sides with dark horizontal stripes — the lower stripes are offset (broken) at the lateral line, distinguishing Yellow Bass from White Bass. A smaller, panfish-sized bass rarely exceeding 1 lb. Often overlooked but outstanding on ultralight tackle.

Large rivers and reservoirs in the Mississippi River basin from the Great Lakes south through the Gulf states. Less widespread than White Bass — found primarily in the Mississippi drainage. Schools over sandy and gravel bottom in open water and around river structure.

65°F–75°F. A schooling, open-water species that follows baitfish in reservoirs and large rivers. Spring spawning in tributary streams when water reaches 60°F–65°F.

Best Lures: Small jigs (1/8–1/4 oz) in white or chartreuse are the top producers. Small inline spinners work very well. Small crankbaits in shad patterns produce consistent results. Any small, fast-moving lure produces strikes from feeding schools. Best Baits: Small live minnows are the top natural bait. Small nightcrawler pieces work well. Cut small shad produce results. Light spinning tackle (4–8 lb) is ideal.

10 fishing locations where you can catch Yellow Bass

2 official records on file for Yellow Bass