White and yellow bass

White and yellow bass are related to the much larger striped bass, a native of the Atlantic Ocean that has been stocked in freshwater but does not occur in Minnesota.

The white and yellow bass resemble one another, but as their names suggest, they are different colors. The white bass has separated dorsal fins, the second anal spine is one-third the length of the head, and the seven longitudinal stripes under the dorsal fins are solid. The yellow bass has joined dorsal fins, the second anal spine is half the length of the head, and the seven longitudinal stripes are broken. Both are deep bodied and occasionally exceed 2 pounds.

The yellow bass is limited to the backwaters of the Mississippi below Lake Pepin. The white bass is common in the Minnesota River, the St. Croix below Taylors Falls, the Mississippi below St. Anthony Falls and major tributaries, such as the Cannon and Zumbro rivers. It also occurs in reservoirs on these river systems and in several lakes in southern Minnesota. Because of its greater size and abundance, the white bass is a more important sport fish than the yellow bass. Though the following remarks apply to the white bass, they are generally true of the yellow bass as well.

White bass spawn over gravel bars in late April to June, when water temperature ranges from 55 to 79 degrees. Mass upstream spawning runs in the Mississippi and its major tributaries provide excellent fishing in April and May. The white bass is extremely prolific; a large female may lay more than 500,000 eggs. No care is given the eggs or fry, and few survive. The fish continue to swim in schools through the summer. Both species occupy rather open water, often near the surface. Adults feed on zooplankton, aquatic insects and small fish. Gizzard shad are important forage in large rivers. Individual fish may travel more than 100 miles in their seasonal movements.

White bass require little management beyond habitat protection, and aren't introduced into waters where they don't already occur.

• Primary White Bass Locations
• Yellow Bass - Rare Species Guide