Fish ID
Striped Bass
Introduced in the 1870s and now the top Delta game fish. Moves with bait schools and the seasons between the Bay, Delta and rivers.
Key ID marks
- 7–8 unbroken dark stripes
- Two separate dorsal fins
- Silver-white belly
Mouth ID
Big white mouth with sandpaper-like teeth; lip them or use a towel.
Typical size
3–20 lb; trophies over 40 lb
Best season
Spring and fall runs; year-round in the Delta
Where
Delta, Sacramento & San Joaquin rivers, San Luis Reservoir
Look-alikes
White bass / wipers (broken stripes, deeper body).