The White Bass
The white bass (Morone chrysops) is a warm-water sport fish found in some areas of western New York. White bass typically range between 12 and 18 inches in length and can be identified by their broad, silver body, sharply forked tail, and black lines that run along both sides of the fish. White bass are not often targeted specifically by anglers but are often caught when fishing for other species such as smallmouth bass.
White bass resemble both white perch and striped bass and can be confused with either species. White bass can be distinguished from white perch by the shape of their tail and markings on the sides of the fish. White bass have a sharply forked tail, while white perch have a forked tail that is rounded and not sharp. Also, white bass usually have many black lines running horizontally along the sides of their bodies, while white perch only have one distinct line horizontal line on either side. Striped bass, on the other hand, are not found in western New York.
Habitat
White bass can be found in large lakes including Erie and Ontario and also some large creeks and rivers. In Lake Erie, white bass are often found in bays, especially in the springtime.
White bass are frequently found in creeks and rivers, especially Great Lakes tributaries. In creeks and rivers, white bass are usually found in sluggish sections, especially in the lower sections near creek mouths. White bass occupy both shallow flats and deep areas and can often be seen swimming about.
Food
White bass probably feed primarily on minnows, especially once they are adults. However, white bass won’t hesitate to snatch up crayfish or worms. White bass will also eat large aquatic insects and other such forage found in creeks and rivers.
Where to Catch White Bass
White bass can be found in LakeErie and Ontario, their tributaries, the Niagara River, and in some other warm-water creeks and rivers in western New York. White bass can also be found in Lake Chautauqua.
The best time of year to target white bass is by far the springtime when white bass enter the lower stretches of Lake Erie and Ontario tributaries. White bass can usually be found in Great Lakes tributaries from late April through about mid June. It is best to target white bass in the slow, deep sections near tributary mouths. Pictured below is a white bass caught on a curly tail grub in the lower Niagara River.
How to Catch White Bass
White bass can be caught on both live bait and artificial lures. For the live bait fisherman, minnows fished under a float are a good bet. When spin fishing, good lures include soft plastics and some stick baits. Productive soft plastics include curly-tail jigs, worm imitations, and tube jigs. Small stick baits can also work well on occasion.
White bass can also be caught on the fly and are often caught when fly fishing for smallmouth bass. Hooking up with white bass is a nice experience, especially on a light fly rod. Fly fishing for white bass is most productive on creeks and rivers. Stripping streamers is probably your best bet when targeting white bass on the fly.
