FISH IDENTIFICATION GUIDE

Striped Bass

The striped bass, or striper, is a saltwater native that has adapted to fresh water. Populations are maintained through stocking from fish produced at the Milford Fish Hatchery. Stripers have slender bodies: measurement from belly to back is generally less than one-third their length. They have distinct unbroken horizontal stripes. It is common for them to reach and exceed 20 pounds. Their spiny and soft dorsal fins are not connected; both fins do not pop-up when the spiny dorsal is manually erected. The back of the tongue has TWO tooth patches. Striped bass are temperature sensitive and fishing is usually best in winter, spring, and early summer.

Wiper

Wipers are a hybrid of white bass and striped bass, and they grow fast and fight hard. Populations are maintained through stocking. Small wipers look like white bass. They are deep-bodied: measurement from belly to back is generally more than one-third their length. They have distinct broken horizontal stripes. They may exceed 10 pounds. Spiny and soft dorsal fins are not connected; both fins do not pop-up when the spiny dorsal is manually erected. The back of the tongue has TWO tooth patches. Casting jigs, spoons or topwater plugs in spring and early summer is the most exciting way to catch them.

White Bass

Native to eastern Kansas rivers, white bass have been stocked in reservoirs throughout the state. White bass are deep-bodied: measurement from belly to back is generally more than one-third their length. They generally do not have distinct horizontal stripes. They seldom exceed 3 pounds. Spiny and soft dorsal fins are not connected; both fins do not pop-up when spiny dorsal is manually erected. Back of tongue has ONE tooth patch. The spring spawning run is a great time to catch white bass in rivers and streams above reservoirs.

White Perch

White perch are an invasive species and it is illegal to possess them alive. However, many anglers fish for them and enjoy eating their white, delicious meat. It’s important for anglers to be able to tell them apart from white bass. White perch do not have a central tooth patch on their tongue and they do not have defined horizontal lines like white bass. Notice, too, that the spiny dorsal and soft dorsal fins are connected.

Largemouth Bass

The largemouth bass is native to many streams in eastern Kansas and has been stocked in most reservoirs, lakes, and ponds throughout the state. Largemouths are usually found near aquatic vegetation or other structure. The largemouth’s upper jaw extends beyond the eye. April and May are the best months to fish for largemouths. Best lures include spinnerbaits, jig-and-pig combinations, plastic worms, and crankbaits.

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass are native to just a few streams in southeastern Kansas, but they have been stocked in several lakes and reservoirs. Smallmouths prefer clear water around rip-rap and rocky points. Brown to olive-green markings and an upper jaw that does not extend beyond the eye distinguish the smallmouth. The best months to catch smallmouths include April, May, and June. Best baits include curly-tail jigs, tube jigs, spinner baits, and crankbaits.

Spotted Bass

Spotted bass, or Kentucky bass, are native to the clear streams of the Flint Hills. They have been stocked in several reservoirs and lakes. The upper jaw does not extend beyond the eye, and they have distinct dark-green, diamond-shaped blotches along the upper half of the body. They also may have rows of dark spots along the lower belly. Small jigs, spinners, crankbaits, wooly worms, wooly buggers, and poppers are best baits.