Hybrids prefer clear open waters, but can withstand far warmer conditions than striped bass.
Consequently, hybrids can be successfully stocked in smaller bodies of water that become warmer in the summer than most reservoirs. Savannah River drainage, particularly Lake Hartwell, Thurmond and Stevens Creek reservoir, and occasionally in the Santee River drainage. The hybrid consumes primarily soft-rayed fish species like threadfin shad, gizzard shad, and blueback herring, but will consume other fish and insect species as opportunity allows. Mature hybrids have viable gonads and will migrate upstream with white bass and striped bass during their seasonal spawning run. There is strong evidence that they also will occasionally spawn with these pure adults creating intergrades between pure species, which are highly undesirable.