Yellow Bass

Yellow Bass (Morone mississippiensis)

Description: Non-native. Introduced in 1930. Body has golden-yellow sides with 5 to 7 horizontal lines; Lines appear broken and offset about midway on the lower side. Dorsal fins are connected. 2nd anal spine is about as long as the 3rd anal spine. No patches of teeth on tongue. Length: 6 to 14 inches. Weight: 4 ounces to over 1 pound. Location and Habitat: Found in the Salt River Reservoirs (Apache, Canyon, and Saguaro) and Lake Mary. They are a schooling fish like white bass, but yellow bass relate to bottom structure more than white bass. Spawning habits and times similar to white bass. Food: Yellow bass prefer small minnows, crayfish and insects. Angling: The most effective lures and baits are jigs, spoons, spinners, small crankbaits, minnows and worms. Fishing with minnows is unlawful in Lake Mary. Table Quality: The meat is white, firm and flaky with excellent flavor.


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