Use lures and baits that resemble small insects, minnows, small shad, small Sunfish, insects and insect larvae.

Yellow Bass fishing techniques vary from summer and winter mainly due to changes in their environment. They operate in large schools and are ferocious fighter and will enter into a feeding frenzy when they encounter a large number of prey.

Like the Striped Bass and the White Bass, they are caught with a variety of lures including spinners, spinner baits and spoons. Minnows and worms are also a fan favourite with yellow bass regardless of whether used with a float or near the bottom of the lake. Light and ultra light tackle in the two to six pound test range is recommended.

Food Preference

Use lures and baits that resemble small insects, minnows, small shad, small Sunfish, insects and insect larvae. However, minnows are the best bait to use on yellow bass, though they are very effective at catching other fish as well. A good rig to use is to tie a lighted slip-bobber rig by first attaching a bobber stop. Now thread on a small bead so the knot cannot slip through the hole in the bobber. A number four hook is sufficient but make sure you use enough sinkers to balance the bobber.

Yellow Bass prefer deep structures with significant depth changes nearby, humps, ledges and creek channel bends. A good sonar fish finder can be helpful in finding these locations. Use lures and baits that resemble small insects, minnows, small shad, small Sunfish, insects and insect larvae.

While yellow bass feed throughout the day, overcast and night conditions work offer better success, especially on nights when the moon is barely lit.

Temperature Range

Their preferred temperature range varies through the year. In winter months, yellow bass prefer water temperatures between 52°F and 62°F, down considerably from 82°F to 86°F in the summer months and 62°F in fall. When the water temperature reaches the mid 50&degs, they start moving into the shallows.

Fly Fishing

All of the popular flies are based on common foods. For Spring, we like the dragonfly, damselfly and leech flies.

Go with a light line and tackle. Dry flies should be sufficient as the largemouth bass are in shallow water during the spring.