The state fish of Oklahoma is a fan favorite of springtime anglers. These prolific spawning fish make their annual migration runs in the thousands, giving anglers the opportunity to catch fish in bulk. White bass require very basic fishing equipment and a wide range of bait and lures, making them an easy target for anglers of all experience levels!
White bass typically start their spawning routine before the other spring spawning fishes in the state. Longtime white bass anglers claim that the white bass spawning run begins when the redbud trees begin to bloom.
Moderate rainfall and water temperatures between 55°-60°F are key to a prolific river or creek white bass run on a given body of water.
White bass prefer to spawn up inflowing creeks and rivers on a given body of water, but many lakes only have small tributaries necessitating modest rainfall to push the fish upstream. Fish will move as far upstream as water flow allows until satisfactory spawning habitat is found.
During springs with low water levels or lack of rain, spawning schools will be sporadic making for inconsistent fishing days in primetime spots. It’s best during these times to stick to staging areas at the mouths of inflows or physical barriers that prevent upstream migration.
Once water temperatures in the lake hit 50˚F, public access sites along creeks and rivers are great places for bank anglers to target white bass.
For boat anglers, start fishing efforts at the mouths of inflowing tributaries and follow the white bass upstream. On a given body of water, 405-387-5070
there’s typically a one to three week window when white bass fishing is excellent. Game Wardens can provide the most up-to-date information on spawning white bass runs in their county.
Habitat to Target
• Creek & River Mouths – areas of inflowing water to the main lake and connecting tributaries upstream.
• Dam Riprap – morning and evening hours in the summer and fall will see white bass chase bait balls close to the bank.
• Open Water – areas adjacent to transition zones, such as the middle of coves, creek/river mouths or wind blown sides of points.
Rod/Reel
• Medium-Light to Medium rod
• Spinning, spincasting or baitcasting reel
• 6-pound to 12-pound test line
