White Bass

White bass fishing around Ulysses, Kansas, can be a hidden gem, particularly during their spring spawning runs. While there aren't massive rivers nearby, smaller reservoirs and creeks connected to the Arkansas River drainage can hold good populations. The key is timing: when the water warms up in late March through April, white bass will congregate in tributaries to spawn. Focus on areas with current, such as bridge pilings or the mouths of feeder creeks. A simple white or silver crankbait or spinner is often all you need. Access can be a bit limited; check county road maps for public access points along smaller streams. The white bass here tend to be average size, but their aggressive feeding habits make for exciting action. Keep an eye out for bird activity, as they often follow schools of white bass feeding on the surface.