Thomas G. Meronek, Georgia Dept. Of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division, Fisheries Section, 22814 Hwy 144, Richmond Hill, GA 31324

Abstract. Reproductive success of striped bass Morone saxatilis in the Ogeechee River, Georgia was assessed by trawling, bi-weekly from May to September, to determine the mean annual juvenile abundance index (JAI). Comparisons with historical data were made to determine the population status. Overall, JAIs, for the years 1985 and 1988-1994, were similar (P>0.05), but were lower than JAIs for the period 1982-1984. Regression equations were evaluated for accuracy in predicting the striped bass JAI from mean June flow (MJF). The regression equation, JAI = 0.49254 + (.0031362 x MJF), r²=0.97, was the most accurate when MJF was less than 2,000 CFS. When MJF was greater than or equal to 2,000 CFS, a natural log transformation of JAI and MJF yielded the most accurate regression equation for determining the JAI: [1n JAI = -7.2329 + (1.1370 x 1n MJF)], r²=0.76. The JAI was related to subsequent electrofishing catch per unit effort (ECPUE) of age II fish by the equation: [ECPUE age II = 0.19230 + (0.14126 x JAI)], r²=0.91. A strong age II year class will likely be produced for years when the JAI is predicted to be 0.89 fish/1000m³ or greater.