UncommonNativeSecure
6
Yellow Bass
Morone mississippiensis · Moronidae
Stripey. The Mississippi backwater's golden runt.
Common
6–10 in
Max
14 in
Weight
Up to 2.5 lbs
Best Bite Windows
When yellow bass feeds · time-of-day read
Right now · 12:00 PM · MIDD window
FAIR55%feeding activity
Off-peak · slow near cover
24-hour bite curvetaller = more feeding · scrub the clock
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DAWN
72
MORN
75
MIDD
57
AFTE
71
DUSK
52
NIGH
40
Backwater school fish · low-light bite
Solar + LunarMEDIUM lunar pull
Major feeds7:36p – 9:36p5:11a – 7:11a
Minor feeds5:29a – 6:29a7:47p – 8:47p
Solunar window 7:51p – 9:21p
Full Moon
Schooling tightens around full moon.
Habitat
OxbowsSlow riversReservoirs
Range
Mississippi River oxbows, lower Arkansas River backwaters.
Diet
Small shad, minnows, insects.
Best baits & lures
Small jigs
Beetle spins
Live minnows
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 = limit fast
Tiny lures only
Backwater oxbows after high water
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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
Yellow bass spawn earlier and shorter than white bass — by the time the white bass run is famous, the yellows are already done. Locals who know the timing fill coolers.
Status
Secure
Native · Moronidae