Andre Paul Christian Heil and Frank J. Bulow, Department of Biology, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, TN 38505

Abstract. Spawning smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) have demonstrated a preference for the proximity of logs, boulders, stumps, and similar cover as nesting sites. Such cover affords the spawning male bass protection while guarding the nest, and fry seek adjacent cover as they disperse from the nest. Spawning benches have been used to enhance spawning habitat in areas that are deficient of natural structure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of these structures in Dale Hollow Reservoir, TN. In Fall of 1995, young-of-year density was estimated using a hand-held electrofishing unit in Dale Hollow Cove (study cover) and Horse Creek (control cove), just prior to installation of the spawning benches. In February of 1996, 50 spawning benches were installed in Dale Hollow cove. SCUBA gear was used to monitor the nesting activity of bass on 34 benches during the 1996 spawning season. Electrofishing was conducted again in Fall of 1996 and 1997, and benches were observed again during the spawning season of 1997. Smallmouth bass utilized 38% of the benches for spawning. Bass preferred benches at 4-8 ft (1.2-2.4 m) depths, location on points. Although there were no relationships between bench success and substrate, slope of shoreline, and position of bench (parallel vs. perpendicular to the shoreline), observation in the control cove indicated that spawning bass preferred a rock or gravel substrate over mud or sand. During the 1997 spawning season, there was no difference in nest density between the study and control cove; however, young-of-year density (^#/_100m) did increase after benches were installed (p = 0.05).