Striped Bass
Morone saxatilis
Also known as: Striper; Rockfish (CA term - confusing); Linesider
Size & Weight
Average Length
28.8"
Max Length
48.0"
Average Weight
5.0 lbs
Max Weight
90.0 lbs
Lifespan
30 years
Habitat
Depth Range
0 - 180 ft
Water Temp
55-68°F
Bays; estuaries; rivers; SF Bay/Delta primary; occasional ocean beaches
Behavior
Spawning Season
April-June; need flowing water
Migration: Anadromous; winter in Delta; summer in bay/coast
Diet: Opportunistic: shad; herring; anchovies; shrimp; crabs
Fishing Tips
PNW Season
Year-round SF Bay; best spring/fall
Techniques: Trolling; casting; live bait; surf fishing
Best Bait: Sardines; bloodworms; pile worms; ghost shrimp; plugs
Eating Quality
Edibility
Good to Excellent
Mild; slightly sweet; firm white flesh
State Records
Oregon
68.0
lbs
California
67.5
lbs
Fun Facts
Introduced from NJ in 1879 with 132 fish; SF Bay 'World Series bite' October; primarily CA species
How to Identify
Distinctive horizontal stripes on silver body; found bays and estuaries; introduced species
Official Resources
Sources: CDFW; UC Davis
Change History (Last updated Feb 07, 2026 at 06:41 AM)
| Date | Change | Old Value | New Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 07, 2026 06:41 AM | Added image | — | species-97-13997774d51775e0.jpg (from URL) |
| Feb 07, 2026 06:41 AM | Updated Native Or Introduced | Introduced (1879) | — |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:33 AM | Updated Avg Length | — | 28.8 |