A silvery schooling fish with dark horizontal stripes — closely related to striped bass. Famous for spectacular "jump" feeding frenzies on shad in spring and fall.

Also called: White Bass, Silver Bass, Sand Bass

Native status: Native to Mississippi system; widely stocked

§ Quick facts

SizeLength 25–45 cm; record 60 cm
Weight500 g–2.5 kg; record 3 kg
LifespanWild 5–9 years
OrderPerciformes
FamilyMoronidae

§ Encyclopedia

The white bass, silver bass, or sand bass is a freshwater fish of the temperate bass family Moronidae, and is commonly around 12–15 inches long. The species' main color is silver-white to pale green. Its back is dark, with white sides and belly, and with narrow dark stripes running lengthwise on its sides. It has large, rough scales and two dorsal fins. They are widely distributed across North America, inhabiting large reservoirs and rivers. When mating in the spring, they are more often found in shallow rivers, creeks, and streams. They have been introduced in some places as sport fish and also to predate on nuisance fish, such as gizzard shad. It is the state fish of Oklahoma.

Source: Wikipedia — White bass Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Silver-and-white-banded fish; multiple horizontal dark stripes (less defined than Striped Bass); larger eye than Striped Bass.

Similar species. Striped Bass (much larger; more defined stripes). Yellow Bass (different markings).

Voice. Silent.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Smaller fish (especially shad), insects, crayfish.

Behavior. Schooling freshwater bass closely related to Striped Bass. Forms massive schools that can decimate forage-fish populations in lakes. Spring spawning runs into tributaries provide spectacular fishing — sometimes 100+ fish per angler per day during peak runs. Hybridizes with Striped Bass to produce "Wiper" — a popular stocked sport fish.

§ Range

Central US and Canada

§ Habitat

Lakes, reservoirs, large rivers

§ Threats

Reservoir water-quality issues, lampricide treatments harming non-target species.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the white bass is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support clean reservoirs. Practice catch-and-release of large breeders. Follow harvest regulations.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • American Fisheries Society
  • State wildlife agencies
  • IUCN Red List 2013