At the end of spring, when white bass return to tight schools, traditional bait casting can be used with baits like crayfish, worms, fathead and golden shiners.

In spring, White Bass venture up rivers and streams to spawn. These spring runs are common on many large lakes and river systems when the water temperature reaches 55°F or greater, though spawning run often starts at 45°F. In the south, spawning starts as early as February, but in the north, spawning starts as late as June. And while this may seem late than most bass, keep in mind that the northern parts of the White Bass’s distribution is in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

Food Preferences

Juvenile white fish and fry feed largely on zoo-plankton and other microscopic organisms, which has them grow at a fast rate, reaching as big as nine inches by the end of the first year. However, this applies mostly to White Bass in the southern United States rather than those in Canada, which can reach have the size by the end of year one.

After the first year, Juvenile White Bass start adding tiny insects and eventually other small fish like fat heads, gizzard shad and golden shiners to their diet.

Bait Casting

The best way to catch White Bass in the spring is using light spinning and bait-casting tackle as the average size of the fish caught is about two pounds. Small 1/8-ounce hair and plastic jigs in white, yellow and chartreuse are popular lures, as are small silver spoons. At times, small top water popping lures can also be used.

The End of Spring

At the end of spring, when white bass return to tight schools, traditional bait casting can be used with baits like crayfish, worms, fathead and golden shiners. The additional of a spoon or spinner greatly enhances your chance at catching a bass.

In one the of hottest white bass habitats, there is a limit of 25 white bass per day.