CHRIS SMITH

It’s that time of year again. The white bass migration of 2025 is underway.

If this migration is news to you, fishing may not be your thing.

For those unfamiliar with the white bass and their annual party, prepare yourself with the following information. I have often said “it seems the white bass’ sole purpose is to: show up, smash every bait they see, spawn and then return home.”

Youngsters or new anglers can, at times, literally catch fish every cast. I have watched kids compete for how many they could catch on consecutive casts. During the peak of the migration a limit of 25 keepers is no big deal and can happen in less than an hour.

There are white bass in most East Texas lakes and of course some lakes have more than others. Each late winter/early spring the white bass head upstream of their respective lakes for their spawning duties.

Early on, smaller males will begin showing up in the rivers and creeks forming large schools. As February gets underway the larger females will start heading upstream. A few at first then the numbers start growing. By March there will be waves of fish heading upstream to spawn.

There will be just as many that have already spawned and heading back downstream. Its easy to see how the numbers could seem endless.

Reports from area rivers are indicating heavy stringers.

The Angelina and Attoyac Rivers, above Sam Rayburn are reporting heavy females with a 2-person limit before lunch in the Angelina. The Sabine River just north of Toledo Bend is also reporting big females. The action was not as hot as the Angelina but the Sabine was on fire last weekend.

Lake Palestine is another awesome white bass factory. According to reports, the white bass are just starting to move up into the Neches River and major tributaries of the lake. The recent cool weather may slow the migration down but once the fish are in the rivers, they stay until they complete their mission.

The bite may slow some but these fish are still there and cooler water temperatures wont affect them for long.

Nearly any rod and reel will work for white bass. Snoopy/Barbie rods will catch these fish but they may not be the best choice. White bass average around 2 pounds +/- so light or medium light spinning gear is perfect. The ageless Zebco 33 will be perfect for these fighters.

The white bass put up two or three hard surges during their fight and fight they will. Small crankbaits, ¼ ounce rattletraps are great but I prefer a single hook bait. A crappie jig is my favorite but the roadrunner is a close second.

The minimum length limit is 10 inches and the daily limit is 25 fish.

Get out this weekend and see if the white bass are near you.