Don't want to start controversy, but I'm confused by some of the recent posts on white bass that say they don't start until mid April, while others say the biggest whites of the year can be caught starting in March. Would appreciate any further timing comments on white bass, and any suggestions for what lures to use early in the season say now through May.
White Bass Timing / Lures
1 - 2 of 2 Posts
Swede,
My comments on the start of the striper run are based on many spring trips to the Illinois River, going back to the '70s. Generally the white bass come in to spawn only after the sauger are mostly finished. Usually, in a normal year, that would be about mid-April. Can you catch white bass in March? Sure you can. But that is not generally the start of the white bass "run", when the majority of the population moves shallow. A few stripers here and there, even big ones, does not signal the start of the prespawn movement. I was talking about when things really get going, when they're in there thick, and everyone is catching them. That happens in April.
There are about 6,947 different lures you could use for them, but jig/minnow, blade baits like Zip Lures, or spinners like Vibrax are probably the top 3 choices. I like jigs with some hair on them, and the pink/yellow has been a favorite of mine. The Zips work in almost any color. I use 1/4 oz size mostly, but 1/8th or 1/2 oz work too depending on depth and current. Vibraxes in silver with white or yellow hair on the treble works too.
Hope this helps, and clears up any misunderstanding.
My comments on the start of the striper run are based on many spring trips to the Illinois River, going back to the '70s. Generally the white bass come in to spawn only after the sauger are mostly finished. Usually, in a normal year, that would be about mid-April. Can you catch white bass in March? Sure you can. But that is not generally the start of the white bass "run", when the majority of the population moves shallow. A few stripers here and there, even big ones, does not signal the start of the prespawn movement. I was talking about when things really get going, when they're in there thick, and everyone is catching them. That happens in April.
There are about 6,947 different lures you could use for them, but jig/minnow, blade baits like Zip Lures, or spinners like Vibrax are probably the top 3 choices. I like jigs with some hair on them, and the pink/yellow has been a favorite of mine. The Zips work in almost any color. I use 1/4 oz size mostly, but 1/8th or 1/2 oz work too depending on depth and current. Vibraxes in silver with white or yellow hair on the treble works too.
Hope this helps, and clears up any misunderstanding.
1 - 2 of 2 Posts
- This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
ChicagoLand Fishing Forums
A forum community dedicated to Chicagoland’s fishing and outdoor enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about optics, trails, gunsmithing, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Recommended Communities
Join now to ask and comment!
