Striped Bass fishing

Morone saxatilis

About Striped Bass

A powerful migratory fish, both sea-running and landlocked. Schools chase baitfish at dawn and dusk. Find the bait and the fish are under it, so watch for diving birds and nervous water instead of fishing blind. On the coast the moving tide is the whole game, an outgoing current over a rip or a lit bridge after dark stacks them up. Landlocked fish follow the same rule in open water, they push schools of shad to the surface at first light.

Typical size: Often 3-15 kg, big fish over 20 kg. Record (approx.): ≈ 35 kg.

Season, time and habitat

Best season

Apr-May, Oct-Nov

Best time

Dawn, dusk

Habitat

Coast, River, Lake

Season by month

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Darker cell = more active that month. Based on the species' usual yearly rhythm.

Lures and baits that work

Crankbait Retrieve so the plug dives and wobbles. Add pauses and twitches to trigger strikes, or troll it behind the boat. Check price on Amazon

Soft-plastic jig Let the jig sink to the bottom and work it with small lifts and pauses. Stay in contact with the line; takes usually come on the drop. Check price on Amazon

Trolling Pull lures behind a slow-moving boat, often with downriggers or planer boards for depth. Cover water to find the fish. Check price on Amazon

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Waters where Striped Bass bites

Lake Havasu Arizona Lake Mead Arizona Lake Powell Arizona Delaware River New York Lake Marion South Carolina Lake Moultrie South Carolina Lake Murray South Carolina

Open a water for live weather, water temperature and today's odds.

Guides about Striped Bass

How to Catch Striped Bass

Find waters where Striped Bass is biting now

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Common questions

When is the best time to catch Striped Bass?

Striped Bass fishing is usually best around Apr-May, Oct-Nov. The best windows in the day are usually dawn, dusk.

What lures and baits work for Striped Bass?

Effective methods for Striped Bass include Crankbait, Soft-plastic jig and Trolling.

Where can you catch Striped Bass?

Striped Bass is most often found in coast, river, lake. Napp shows the nearest waters and the live odds on the bite right now.