CommonNativeSecure
5
White Bass
Morone chrysops · Moronidae
The spawning run every Ozark angler waits for.
Common
10–14 in
Max
17 in
Weight
Up to 4 lbs
Best Bite Windows
When white bass feeds · time-of-day read
Right now · 12:00 PM · MIDD window
FAIR40%feeding activity
Off-peak · slow near cover
24-hour bite curvetaller = more feeding · scrub the clock
12a6a12p6p12a
DAWN
74
MORN
66
MIDD
43
AFTE
67
DUSK
46
NIGH
31
Crepuscular · chasing shad at light change
Solar + LunarHIGH lunar pull
Major feeds7:51p – 9:51p5:03a – 7:03a
Minor feeds5:24a – 6:24a8:00p – 9:00p
Solunar window 8:06p – 9:36p
Full MoonNew Moon
Day · Target baitfish schools in open water. Full Moon concentrates shad in coves — follow sonar marks toward shallow flats.
Night · Aggressive topwater bite under Full Moon. Cast around dock lights and bright shoreline areas. White or chrome lures.
Habitat
RiversReservoirsLakes
Range
Open reservoirs, tributary mouths, tailwaters. Schools in current seams.
Diet
Shad, minnows, small crustaceans. Feeds by sight, in schools.
Tackle box · top lures
Top picks · Spring pattern
1
White 2" Bass Assassin Curly Shad Grub (on 1/16oz jighead)
on 1/16oz jighead
GO-TO. Cast upstream, slow roll with current.
AGFC2
1/8oz White Spinner (silver blade)
with silver blade
Flash triggers reaction strikes in moving water.
AGFC3
White Rooster Tail 1/16oz (inline spinner)
inline spinner
Fan cast creek mouths. Steady retrieve.
AGFC4
Small White Crankbait (shallow diving)
shallow diving
Burn it past creek mouth transitions. Reaction strikes.
AGFC5
Small Chrome Kastmaster 1/8oz (casting spoon)
casting spoon
Long casts into rapids. Let it swing in current.
AGFCLures from AGFC reports + species data — verify regs at agfc.com/fishing.
Ready-to-fish boxes for White Bass
Gear up locallyPartner
Tale Waters & Tides
The home water for Arkansas anglers
Pocket Fishing Guide is powered by Tale Waters & Tides — gear, guides, and the stories behind the water. Plan your next trip with us.
How to fish it · techniques
Find the school — find the run
Match shad size
First & last light
Book a guidePartner
Rileys White & Buffalo Outfitter
Your White & Buffalo River outfitter
Guided float trips, canoe & kayak rentals, and riverside cabins on the White and Buffalo rivers.
Fun fact
A female can carry 500,000 eggs. The spawn run has males arriving days before the females — and the whole show can shift two weeks either way on water temp alone.
Status
Secure
Native · Moronidae