Hybrid Striped Bass

If you're itching for a hard-fighting hybrid striped bass, the lakes surrounding White Settlement could be your ticket. Eagle Mountain Lake, in particular, is periodically stocked with these aggressive fish. Spring and fall are excellent times to target them, often schooling near the dam or in deeper channels. Trolling crankbaits or casting swimbaits can be effective. Live shad is also a proven bait. Keep an eye out for surface feeding activity, as hybrids will often chase schools of shad to the surface. During the summer, they tend to move deeper to cooler water. A local tip: Check the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department stocking reports to see when and where hybrids have been released. Also, be aware that hybrid stripers often school tightly, so once you find one, you're likely to find more.