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Longitudinal Differences in Electrofishing Catch Rates and Angler Catches of Black Bass in Cave Run Lake, Kentucky
Author(s) -
Buynak Gerard L.,
Kornman Lewis E.,
Surmont Albert,
Mitchell Bill
Publication year - 1989
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 - 10.1577/1548-8675(1989)009<0226:ldiecr>2.3.co;2
Subject(s) - micropterus , electrofishing , bass (fish) , fishery , trophic level , eutrophication , trophic state index , biology , environmental science , ecology , abundance (ecology) , nutrient
Study objectives were to relate relative abundance and angler catch of largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides , spotted bass M. punctulatus , and smallmouth bass M. dolomieui (collectively referred to as black bass) to longitudinal variations in trophic conditions in Cave Run Lake, Kentucky. The upper, middle, and lower lake are eutrophic, mesotrophic, and oligotrophic, respectively, according to Carlson's trophic state index, which is based on chlorophyll‐a concentrations. Electrofishing catch rates for largemouth bass were significantly greater ( P < 0.05) in the upper lake than in either the middle or lower lake in 1985 and 1988. Spotted bass were significantly ( P < 0.05) more abundant in both the lower and middle lake than in the upper lake in 1985 and 1988, whereas smallmouth bass were significantly ( P < 0.05) more abundant in the lower lake than in either the middle or upper lake in 1987 and 1988. Catch (numbers released plus numbers harvested) of largemouth bass by anglers was significantly ( P < 0.05) greater in the upper lake than in the middle and lower lake combined. No significant differences were found in the catch of spotted bass from these two creel‐survey areas. Angler catch of smallmouth bass was significantly higher ( P < 0.05) in the combined lower‐ and midlake areas. Longitudinal differences in the distribution of black bass species in a lake should be determined for efficient and accurate assessments of black bass populations if there is a difference in trophic levels within the lake.