Doug Peterson, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Region IV, 6032 W. Andrew Johnson Highway, Talbott, TN 37877

Abstract. A 10-inch minimum length limit on crappie Pomoxis spp. was imposed on Cherokee Reservoir March 1, 1989. The primary objectives of the size restriction were to: 1) maintain or increase the pounds harvested, and 2) increase the catch rate (fish caught and released). The pre- and post-effects of this size limit on the size structure, condition, relative density, growth, and harvest of crappie were evaluated. Fall trapnetting was used to collect crappie for length-frequency distribution, relative weight, catch-per-unit-effort, and age and growth determinations. Summer cove rotenone population studies were used to determine reproduction success. Daytime creel census was used to evaluate harvest, catch and harvest rates, and mean weight. The creel census was also used to determine angler opinion of the size limit. The objectives of the regulation were met. Angler compliance was good. The opinion poll conducted on the size limit revealed that the fishermen were in favor of the regulation.