The Bass Family 87 



canines. The color is silvery white, greenish 

 above, golden below, with six or more narrow 

 dusky lines along the body, most conspicuous 

 above the lateral line ; those below broken, or not 

 continuous. The white-bass is found in water 

 of moderate depth, preferring those that are clear 

 and cool, as it does not resort to weedy situations. 

 It is essentially a lake fish, except in spring, when 

 it undergoes a semi-migration, entering the tribu- 

 taries of lakes in large schools. It spawns usually 

 in May. It feeds on small fishes, crawfish, in- 

 sects, and their larvae, etc. Its usual size is a 

 pound or a little less, but occasionally it grows 

 to three pounds. It is a food-fish of much 

 excellence, its flesh firm, white, flaky, and of 

 good flavor. 



It is one of the best fresh-water game-fishes, 

 being a bold biter, and on light and suitable 

 tackle affords much sport to the appreciative 

 angler. For fly-fishing, the best season is during 

 the spring, when it enters the tributary streams 

 of lakes. At this time the fly-fisher will be 

 successful at any hour of the day. He may fish 

 from the bank or from an anchored boat, the 

 latter plan being the best. As the fish are 

 swimming in schools, either headed up or down 



