The hybrid striped bass, or “wiper” is an artificial cross between a striped bass (Morone saxatilis) & a white bass (Morone chrysops). Hybridization of these species does not occur naturally. Therefore, hybrid striped bass must be cultured in a fish hatchery situation. Hybrid bass can be distinguished from white bass by its tooth patches on the tongue, as against tooth patch on the white bass. As they get older, hybrid bass become thicker & deeper-bodied, giving them a distinctive short & stocky appearance.

Hybrids may be present in a variety of habitats. In some lakes they may prefer flat, shallow, sandy areas. In other lakes, usually the larger reservoirs, they may prefer the more rocky habitats located directly above or below the dams. Best fishing for hybrid striped bass occurs after sundown or in the early morning before dawn. They are caught primarily on artificial baits which resemble gizzard shad. Imitation shad that rattle have proven to be successful at lots of lakes. In addition, lots of anglers have been successful using live bait such as night crawlers or soft craws.

Hybrids appear to have an interest in flowing water. Tailwater areas below dams are nice fishing locations when water is flowing either through the spillway gates or turbines of the dam. Also, natural springs & the mouths of feeder creeks after heavy rains can attract hybrids.

The fish will usually not be in the quickest water, but off to the side waiting to ambush their prey (or your lure). Areas with current are productive all year long. Hybrids also travel up reservoir tributary streams right along with the white bass in the coursework of April & May.

You can catch hybrids on a variety of artificial baits. In speedy water situations, such as those encountered below dams, heavy spoons & jigs are popular baits. For areas with less current, imitation minnow baits & other crankbaits are effective. Hybrids may also be caught on shad, liver & a variety of insects.

Hybrids occupy distinct spots on structure, so trolling passes need to be exact. Anglers ought to line up shoreline objects & troll between them. Most strikes will come while trolling with the current because the fish like to hold on the down-current side of points.

During the summer months, you can catch hybrids by trolling deep-diving crankbaits over main lake points or near the edge where a flat drops off in to the channel. The key is to get your lure to bounce bottom in 14 to 17 feet of water. This can be done by adding weight to your lure & by using a low stretch/small diameter line.

Seasonal Wiper Fishing Approaches

Late Spring: Fish are hungry as they move back to lake or downstream areas. Try fishing baits at a variety of depths to locate fish. As fish return to lake or move downstream try creek mouths, deep points, & shallow flats

Spring: In faster water, such as tailwaters, use heavy spoons & jigs. In less current use imitation minnow baits & other crankbaits. As water warms fish may undergo spawning movement in to upstream areas, try creek mouths up to headwaters or lowhead dams, & below dams in tailwaters of lakes & rivers.

Fall: Cast spoons in to schools of bait fish, troll shad-type crankbaits, cast flashy metal lures onto flats, or bottom fish cut bait or chicken livers. As water cools, fish will move shallower. Similar to spring, but watch for fish breaking the surface chasing shad.

Summer: Live shad can be drift fished, trolled, fished below a balloon or float, or hung straight down on tightline. Other live or cut baits can be fished on bottom. Best fishing is dawn & dusk & overcast days. Deep lakes are now stratified & fish stay above the warm/cold water interface (thermocline) where there is oxygen. Watch for fish breaking the surface chasing shad & try fishing the “jumps”. Fish points at creek mouths, underwater roadbeds, & humps in 10-15 feet near deeper water.

Winter: Fish are in deeper water near river channels, humps, & tips of points. Vertical jig spoons & tail spinners. Use heavier baits based on current in the river. In lakes try deep points, & creek mouths, & below dams in tailwaters. In rivers try warm-water discharges & tailwaters.