Jeffrey W. Slipke and Michael J. Maceina, Department of Fisheries and Allied Aquacultures, Auburn University, AL 36849

Abstract. To protect and enhance the nationally recognized smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu fishery in the headwaters of Pickwick Reservoir, a 356-mm minimum-total-length limit was established in 1991. We sampled smallmouth bass in the fall of 1995 and spring of 1996 to determine if the regulation had any effects on the population characteristics of this fishery. A creel survey was conducted during 1996 to estimate angler effort, catch, and harvest of smallmouth bass, and to evaluate angler values, opinions, and practices. Electrofishing catch rates for juvenile (<280 mm) and adult (280 mm) smallmouth bass significantly (P <0.05) increased compared to pre-regulation data (1988). Growth rates and total annual mortality were similar before and after the regulation. Year-class abundance fluctuated greatly and was negatively related to discharge through Wilson Dam from April through July, which corresponds to the spawn and post-spawn periods. The angler catch rate for smallmouth bass nearly doubled, while the harvest rate decreased by nearly an order of magnitude. Smallmouth bass anglers released 98% of their catch, the same percentage who reported practicing catch-and-release. While the regulation appeared to improve the quality of this fishery, the catch-and-release philosophy practiced by most smallmouth bass anglers cannot be overlooked as an important factor that has, and will continue to positively influence this fishery.