White Bass Native
Schooling fish that erupts into explosive surface feeds on open water. Underrated sport fish: when you find a school, non-stop action.
Where to Catch White Bass in Michigan
| Lake | County | Population |
|---|---|---|
| C. S. Mott Lake | Genesee | |
|
Cass Lake
1,280 acres
|
Oakland | |
|
Croton Pond
1,605 acres
|
Newaygo | |
|
Hardy Pond
4,025 acres
|
Newaygo | |
|
Houghton Lake
20,044 acres
|
Roscommon | |
|
Lake Cadillac
1,141 acres
|
Wexford | |
|
Lake Columbia
821 acres
|
Jackson | |
|
Lake Fenton
937 acres
|
Genesee | |
|
Lake Mitchell
2,580 acres
|
Wexford | |
|
Lake St. Clair
260,000 acres
|
Macomb | |
| Macatawa River | ||
|
Muskegon Lake
4,150 acres
|
Muskegon | |
| Ross Lake | Schoolcraft | |
| Secord Lake | ||
| White River | Newaygo | |
| White River | Oceana | |
| Wiggins Lake | ||
|
Wixom Lake
2,180 acres
|
Midland |
White Bass Conservation Status
White Bass Habitat & Behavior
Best White Bass Techniques
Best White Bass Baits
White Bass Fishing Regulations in Michigan
Spring spawning runs in rivers can produce exceptional fishing. Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair are top destinations.
Michigan DNR White Bass Stocking Records
White Bass Stocking Events by Lake
| Date | Lake | County | Quantity | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 23, 1988 | Secord Lake | 44 | 12.1" | |
| May 19, 1988 | Wiggins Lake | 256 | 12.1" | |
| May 15, 1988 | Ross Lake Schoolcraft County | Schoolcraft | 230 total | 8.5"–12.3" |
| May 15, 1988 | stocking event | 55 | 11" | |
| May 15, 1987 | stocking event | 55 | 11" | |
| Jun 11, 1986 | stocking event | 95 | 8.5" | |
| May 8, 1986 | stocking event | 25 | 12.3" | |
| Jun 2, 1984 | White River Newaygo County | Newaygo | 2,289 total | 9.5" |
| Jun 2, 1984 | stocking event | 681 | 9.5" | |
| Jun 1, 1984 | stocking event | 993 | 9.5" | |
| May 27, 1983 | stocking event | 615 | — | |
| Jun 2, 1984 | White River Oceana County | Oceana | 2,289 total | 9.5" |
| Jun 2, 1984 | stocking event | 681 | 9.5" | |
| Jun 1, 1984 | stocking event | 993 | 9.5" | |
| May 27, 1983 | stocking event | 615 | — | |
| May 20, 1983 | Macatawa River | 17 | — | |
| Jun 5, 1981 | C. S. Mott Lake Genesee County | Genesee | 83 | — |
Showing the 14 most recent stocking events for White Bass, across 7 lakes. Lakes with several events can be expanded.
White Bass DNR Stocking History
Forecast based on historical DNR stocking patterns. Not a guarantee of future stocking. Verify with the Michigan DNR.
Estimated Mature White Bass, November
Based on DNR stocking records from 2022–2024 (2–4 years ago), these 0 lakes likely hold mature White Bass at or near 10" keeper size today.
No DNR stocking records found for White Bass between 2022 and 2024.
This species may not have been stocked in Michigan during that window.
Estimates based on average stocking-size survival rates. Actual populations vary by habitat, fishing pressure, and lake conditions. Data sourced from Michigan DNR.