Page 23 - Mar/Apr 2022 Outdoor Okahoma Magazine

Run!
Run! of springtime anglers. White bass are prolific spawners DuAnE rAVEr
The official state fish of Oklahoma is a fan favorite

that make their annual migration runs in the
thousands, giving anglers the opportunity
to catch fish fast and furious. White
bass require very basic fishing
equipment, which makes them
an easy target for anglers of all
experience levels.
Also called sand bass, these fish typically
White Bass
start their spawning routine before the other warm-
water species in the state. Many longtime white bass
anglers say the white bass spawning run begins when
WHITE BASS SPECIES PROFILE
the redbud trees begin to bloom.
White bass prefer to spawn up inflowing creeks and Oklahoma Distribution: Although native to
rivers on a given body of water. When water temperatures Oklahoma, white bass were not found in great numbers
in the lake hit 50 degrees, any public access site along until large reservoirs were constructed. Now they are
the creeks and rivers that feed the lake are great places found statewide.
for anyone to target white bass. Description: The white bass can be identified by the
For those with access to a boat, start your fishing distinctive arched back behind its head. It also has only
efforts at the mouths of the inflowing tributaries and one tongue patch.
follow the white bass upstream. The spawning run can Habitat: These fish usually travel in large schools.
last up to three weeks, but typically there’s a weeklong Adults prefer open water over sandy shoals during the
window when fishing is lights-out! day and shallows at night.

WADE frEE/ODWC

White Bass Online
For detailed information
on white bass angling
and where to go, scan
the code.

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