Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis)

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.