White Bass

White bass, also known as sand bass, provide fantastic fishing action near Madisonville, KY. While not as abundant as in some larger reservoirs, you can find them in nearby Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, both within reasonable driving distance. These fish are schooling predators, so when you find them, the action can be fast and furious. Spring is the absolute best time, as the white bass migrate upstream to spawn in the rivers and creeks that feed the lakes. Look for them around points, submerged humps, and in the tailwaters below dams. Small crankbaits, spinners, and white or chartreuse jigs are all effective. A key tip: use your electronics to locate schools of baitfish; the white bass won't be far behind. Also, be prepared to move around until you find an active school. The white bass population here tends to be healthy, with good numbers of fish in the 1-2 pound range.