Description
Non-native. Introduced in 1959. Body has six to nine black horizontal stripes
on silvery-white sides. Dorsal fins are distinctly separate, unlike
yellow bass, which are joined at the base. Pelvic fins in large adults,
white with anal fin edged in white. Lower jaw protrudes beyond upper
jaw. Generally two patches of teeth on tongue. 2nd anal spine distinctly
shorter than the 3rd. Tail is slightly forked. Length: 10 to 56 inches.
Weight: 1 to over 59 pounds.
Location and
Habitat
Found throughout the Colorado River between Lake Powell and the Mexican
border and more recently in Lake Pleasant. Prefer open, clear water. Spawn
in spring over shallow, rocky areas in a lake or in the fast moving waters
below dams.
Food
Opportunistic feeders on dead or live fish, but prefer threadfin shad.
Like white bass and yellow bass, striped bass move and feed in schools.
Angling
Stripers can be caught on shad, anchovies, "cut" bait, spoons,
plugs, jigs, crankbaits, and streamer flies.
Table
Quality
The meat is white, firm, flaky and excellent eating.
