White Bass

White bass, also known as sand bass, offer exciting fishing opportunities around Memphis, especially during their spring spawning runs. While the Mississippi River proper holds some white bass, the tributary rivers and creeks that feed into it are where you'll find the most concentrated action. The Wolf River and the Loosahatchie River can be productive during the spring run as the fish move upstream to spawn. Look for them around current breaks, rocky areas, and bridge pilings. Small jigs, spinners, and crankbaits are all effective lures. A local tip: Pay attention to water levels and clarity; a slight rise in water level can trigger a spawning run, but muddy water can shut down the bite. Also, white bass are schooling fish, so if you catch one, there are likely more nearby. While not huge, white bass are aggressive fighters and can provide fast-paced action, especially when they're schooled up.