White bass begin their spawning activity when the water temperature reaches 55-60 degrees. Instinctively, the fish swim up streams that feed lakes or reservoirs to spawn in the riffles and weedy areas. They also spawn along rocky shorelines along dams, rock piers, and jetties. After the eggs hatch, the young fish feed on microscopic zooplankton. As the fish get larger, they gradually switch to a diet of primarily of gizzard shad.
White bass are relatively short-lived, usually living only about four years.
However, if the food supply is sufficient, they can grow as large as four pounds. White bass equipment need not be complicated. Many anglers do extremely well walking and casting along the face of a dam. The lures of choice are jigs, sassy shads, rattle traps, and small spinner baits. The object is to simulate a wounded or otherwise easy meal of gizzard shad.