Evaluation of a 457-mm Minimum Size Limit on Saugeye in Oklahoma Reservoirs

BRANDON BROWN
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, HC 32 Box 580, Lawton, Ok 73501, (580) 529-2795,Fax # (580) 529-2889 BBROWN1859@aol.com

JEFF BOXRUCKER
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Oklahoma Fisheries Research Lab, 500 E. Constellation, Norman Ok, 73072, (405) 325-7288, Fax # (405) 990-9754, jboxrucker@odwc.state.ok.us

LARRY COFER
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, HC 32 Box 580, Lawton, Ok 73501, (580) 529-2795, Fax # (580) 529-2889 Larrycof@cs.com

PAUL WATKINS
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, HC 32 Box 580, Lawton, Ok 73501, (580) 529-2795, Fax # (580) 529-2889 plwatkins@sirinet.net

The Oklahoma statewide minimum harvest size for saugeye (Stizostedion canadense x S. vitreum) was established at > 457 mm in 1993 (no prior size restriction). We investigated the regulation's effect on saugeye populations in eight Oklahoma reservoirs. Saugeye catch rates and length frequencies from gillnetting before and after the regulation indicated that two fisheries had benefited, but the number of > 457 mm saugeye had not increased or had possibly decreased in six lakes. Four reservoirs were chosen as representative saugeye fisheries and further investigated to determine why abundance of large (> 457 mm) saugeye was not increasing. These reservoirs were electrofished (spring and fall) and lengths, weights, ages and stomach content of saugeye recorded. Fall gillnetting was also conducted and catch rates, relative weights, length-at-age and shad abundance calculated and compared. Relative weights and catch rates were unsatisfactory at lengths > 432 mm in three of the four fisheries. Possible explanations were low forage abundance, competition and possibly emigration during heavy outflows. These factors combined with angler dissatisfaction and unneeded or ineffective crappie control by saugeye have led to a reduced length limit at three fisheries to increase angler harvest and satisfaction, reduce competition and possibly increase growth and relative weights of older fish.