Kentucky Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Says July & August Are Prime Time for White Bass Fishing – Here’s Where to Go

Growing up, I spent my summers in Wisconsin with my grandmother. One of my favorite things to do was go fishing at my great aunt's lake. I loved catching bluegills and the occasional bullhead catfish. We'd always go at dusk, and sometimes you'd see the fish jump. It was a wonderful reminder that summer was in full swing, and there wasn’t anything else to do but sit there on that dock and catch some fish.

Why Do Fish Jump from the Water

Recently, in a Facebook post, the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife gave us an inside look at why fish jump and what it means for people who want to catch them.

July and August are prime time in Kentucky for white bass activity, especially as water temps warm and baitfish move shallow. According to the video, Kentucky fishermen are seeing white bass jumping. These predatory fish, much like sharks, will group into schools and surround their prey. They circle around and then go into a feeding frenzy.

Fun Fact: White bass (Morone chrysops) belong to the Moronidae family, which includes yellow bass, striped bass and white perch. The Moronidae family are commonly called temperate bass or true bass and have no connection to the Centrarchidae family which includes spotted bass, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. -wired2fish.com

They are actually more closely related to a sunfish or a bluegill. So, it's just like fishing at my great aunt's lake!

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First, Get a License

Before you fish, you'll need a KY license. It's easy to order one online. It will be sent to your account to print once it's purchased. Resident and nonresident youth ages 15 and younger are not required to purchase licenses or permits to fish.

What Time of Day to Fish

To catch the most fish, go early in the morning or late in the evening—that’s when you’ll see the most activity.

What to Look For

Watch for surface splashes and diving birds. These are good signs that a school is feeding near the surface. Move slowly and quietly so they won’t even know you're there.

Bait

Use small spoons, in-line spinners, or topwater plugs that mimic shad. Cast into the jumps and retrieve quickly.

Best Lakes in KY to Catch White Bass

First, you'll need to pick your spot. According to the 2025 Fishing Forecast, these are some of the top lakes in Kentucky for white bass:

First, you'll need to pick your spot. According to the 2025 Fishing Forecast, these are some of the top lakes in Kentucky for white bass:
Cave Run Lake, Herrington Lake, Nolin River Lake, Green River Lake, Taylorsville Lake, Fishtrap Lake, Dewey Lake, Barren River Lake, Kentucky Lake, and Lake Barkley.