Striped Bass (Striper)
Striped bass roam the Atlantic coast and have been transplanted into major inland reservoirs, making them a saltwater and freshwater trophy.
Spring spawning runs and the fall feeding blitz are the peak; reservoir stripers follow baitfish year-round.
General U.S. mainland pattern. Exact timing shifts by state, latitude, and water body — always confirm seasons and closures with the local agency before you go.
Where to fish Striped Bass (Striper) now
Public waters we tag for Striped Bass (Striper). Tap one to see its profile, then plan the trip.
- Lake Havasu — AZ · Striped bass and largemouth.
- Lake Powell — AZ · Smallmouth and striped bass.
- Lake Ouachita — AR · Clear-water striped bass.
- San Francisco Bay — CA · Striped bass, sturgeon, salmon.
- Sacramento River — CA · Salmon and stripers.
- Indian River Bay — DE · Inshore saltwater.
- Delaware Bay — DE · Striped bass and weakfish.
- Wilson Lake — KS · Stripers and walleye.
- Lake Cumberland — KY · Striped bass.
- Chesapeake Bay — MD · Striped bass, blue crab.
- Susquehanna Flats — MD · Spring striped bass.
- Cape Cod Bay — MA · Striped bass and bluefish.
Recommended tackle
| Rod power | Medium-Heavy to Heavy |
| Rod action | Fast |
| Reel | 4000–6000 spinning or conventional |
| Line | 20–40 lb |
| Lure types | Live eels, Swimbaits, Topwater plugs, Jigs |
| Rigs | Trolling (mojo / umbrella) rig, Live-lining rig, Vertical jigging |
Surf and bay anglers use 9–12 ft rods; reservoir trollers rig downriggers.
Lures & techniques
| Lure / method | When & how |
|---|---|
| Live bait (eels, shad, herring) | The top big-fish method. |
| Trolling mojos and umbrellas | Cover water for schools. |
| Topwater plugs | Explosive fall surface feeds. |
| Jigs | Vertical jigging around schools. |
Best seasons
Spring spawning runs (and the fall feeding blitz) are the peak; in reservoirs they follow baitfish year-round.
Target waters
- Chesapeake Bay and tributaries
- Hudson River
- Cape Cod and Northeast coast
- Inland reservoirs (Lake Texoma, Santee Cooper, California aqueducts)
Gear & regulations
Print the full gear spec, then confirm the license and limits for the state you’ll fish.