White Bass Species Breakdown

Scientific Name: Morone chrysops

Also Known As: silver bass & sand bass

White bass are members of the temperate bass family. They are often confused with striped or hybrid striped bass but white bass are smaller. They are the official state fish for Oklahoma.

How to Identify a White Bass

White bass are a silver-white to pale green color. They have a dark back, with white sides and belly. Throughout the length of their sides they have narrow dark stripes. White bass look like shorter versions of striped bass.

White Bass Size

White bass can grow up to 7 lbs. They are more commonly caught around 9-15 inches long, weighing ¼ to 1¼ pounds. They rarely exceed 3-5 lbs.

White Bass Size Chart – Length to Weight Conversion

Length	Weight
8″	0.27 lb
9″	0.36 lb
10″	0.48 lb
11″	0.66 lb
12″	0.83 lb
13″	1.11 lbs
14″	1.35 lbs
15″	1.76 lbs
16″	2.17 lbs
17″	2.46 lbs
18″	2.98 lbs
19″	3.58 lbs
20″	4.16 lbs

View World & State White Bass Records

Where White Bass Are Found

White bass can be found across the United States, especially in the Midwest. They live in large reservoirs, lakes, rivers, and creeks. They prefer clear water with a temperature ranging from 65 to 75 degrees.

Lifespan of a White Bass

White bass can live up to 10 years but rarely live longer than 4 years in the wild. They grow very quickly, you can tell the general age of white bass by referring to the table below.

White Bass Age Chart

Age	Length
1 Year Old	7 – 8 inches
2 Years Old	8 – 11 inches
3 Years Old	11 – 13 inches
4 Years Old	13 – 15 inches
5 Years Old	15 – 17 inches
6 Years Old	17 – 18 inches

Fishing for White Bass

Are white bass hard to catch?

White bass are easy to catch once you find them. The are often schooling in large groups which means if you catch one you will likely catch many others.

What is the best time to catch white bass?

Early spring (April & May) is typically the best time of year to fish for white bass. During this time they are heavily feeding as the move back to deeper water.

What type of bait to use for white bass?

Some of my favorite baits to use when fishing for white bass are rooster tails, mini Rat-L Traps, and super fluke jr.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are white bass good to eat?

White bass are one of the best tasting bass. To improve the taste you should fillet when they are fresh and soak them in milk or brine before cooking.

Are white bass and striped bass the same?

White bass and striped bass are not the same although they look very similar. White bass don’t get as long as stripper and are rarely more than 3 lbs.

What do white bass eat?

White bass eat small insects, minnows, shad, and other small bait fish.

Is white bass a game fish?

Yes, white bass are considered a game fish. They are one of the most popular types of bass to fish for.