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Growth and Survival of Largemouth Bass in Newly Stocked South Dakota Ponds
Author(s) -
Stone Clifton C.,
Modde Timothy
Publication year - 1982
Publication title -
north american journal of fisheries management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.587
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1548-8675
pISSN - 0275-5947
DOI - 10.1577/1548-8659(1982)2<326:gasolb>2.0.co;2
Subject(s) - micropterus , bass (fish) , pimephales promelas , minnow , stocking , fishery , biology , zoology , centrarchidae , fish <actinopterygii>
This study evaluated the growth and survival of age 0 and age I largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) in South Dakota ponds relative to five stocking combinations and various environmental parameters. Species stocked with largemouth bass included golden shiners (Notemigonus crysoleucas), fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas), black bullhead (Ictalurus melas), and bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus). Stocking of largemouth bass only also was evaluated. Differences in first‐year growth among four geographic regions of the state were significant (P < 0.05). Analysis of variance indicated no significant difference (P > 0.05) in first‐year largemouth bass growth due to the combinations stocked. Young‐of‐the‐year growth rates in 34 ponds ranged from 101 to 196 mm, with a mean of 153 mm. Relative Weight (W.) values for largemouth bass ranged from 100 to 135, with a mean of 114. No significant differences in Relative Weight (P > 0.05) were observed among regions or combinations. First‐year survival values for 16 eastern South Dakota ponds ranged from 0 to 100%, with a mean of 50%. The highest largemouth bass survival occurred in ponds stocked with largemouth bass only; survival of largemouth bass stocked with bullheads was the lowest. Stepwise multiple regression of selected chemical, physical, and biological parameters indicated that the number of growing days, turbidity, presence or absence of fathead minnows, and salinity were significant (P < 0.05) factors influencing first‐year largemouth bass growth in South Dakota.