Striped bass are also in Bull Shoals Lake, but in much smaller numbers than some of the other species. They were stocked inadvertently years ago and there are some very big fish in the lake. Now, it seems like there will be a consistent stocking program moving forward which means there should be more fish in the lake to catch. These fish do not spawn naturally in Bull Shoals Lake, so without the stocking program, there wouldn’t be fish to target.
Learn More About the Stocking Program
This fish’s long-standing popularity is at the heart of a six-year research project by MDC and the University of Missouri that will evaluate how to manage striped bass at Bull Shoals Reservoir in southern Missouri. The project, which began in 2018, will provide information to make management decisions on regulations and stocking procedures.
Best Baits for Striped Bass
Striped bass are found in freshwater and saltwater, so they eat a wide variety of different baits depending on where you are fishing for them. Some of the best live baits are eels, crabs, squid and herring in saltwater and chicken liver, shad & herring in freshwater.
Crankbaits, needlefish lures, spoons and soft plastics are probably the best lures for striped bass. Because they will aggressively eat a variety of different baits, there are many different lures that you can use to target these fish.
Best Rigs for Striped Bass
When targeting striped bass, you have many different options for using a variety of rigs with several different baits. Depending on the depth you are fishing, you may be using bulkier 3 way rigs on one end of the spectrum all the way to the other side with just a plain hook as a weightless rig. To learn about more rigs, take a look at our best rigs for striped bass page.
Best Techniques for Striped Bass
Casting, trolling and drifting are some of the best techniques for striped bass. Many anglers like to jig or just still fish with live baits. When it comes to stripers, you have lots of options for how you can catch them.
To learn more, take a look at our best techniques for striped bass page.
Learn More About Striped Bass
Our striped bass fishing section has tons of tips on the best lures, live baits, where to catch them and how to catch them.
Visit our striped bass fishing website to learn more.
