At first glance, white bass resemble small striped bass with faint lateral stripes. But the two can be distinguished by tooth patches on the tongue (one on white bass and two on striped bass). The head on the white bass is fairly small and pointed. The first and second dorsal fins are entirely separate. The first dorsal fin has nine spines, and the second has one spine and 13 to 15 soft rays. The anal fin has three progressively lengthening spines and 11 to 13 soft rays. The back is blue-gray, the sides are silver with six to 10 longitudinal (sometimes faint) stripes, and the venter is white to cream. The dorsal, caudal, and anal fins range from white to dusky. The pectoral and pelvic fins are usually clear, although the latter may have light iridescent blue margins.
Original Description: Rafinesque described the white bass in 1820.
Etymology: Moroneorigin of this genus name is unknown.Chrysopsmeans golden eye.
Habitat & Range
White bass inhabit the surface and pelagic (midwater) areas of rivers, reservoirs, and large streams. We have collected them along riprap, downed trees, and other structures below dams. White bass are aggressive predators that feed on gizzard and threadfin shad. Individuals migrate into the lower reaches of large flowing streams to spawn. Males usually precede females. Spawnings between one or more males and a single female usually occur at midwater depths in March and April. Once released and fertilized, eggs drift to the bottom and the larvae hatch in two or three days. Growth is fairly rapid. Etnier and Starnes (1993) report average total lengths of about 8 inches at age one, 14 inches at age two, 16 inches at age three, and 17 inches at age four in the Carter Hill Reservoir in Tennessee.
Frequently Asked Questions
White Bass — Regulations
Daily Creel Limit: 15 Notes: See exceptions for the Chattahoochee River and its impoundments and tributaries in the Size Limits section below.
Size
10 to 15 in (254 to 380 mm).
State Record
a list of theState Record Freshwater Fish.
