Food Habits of Adult
Predators during Winter Drawdown in Norris Reservoir
J. Larry Wilson and Mary Smollen, University of
Tennessee, Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries, P.O. Box 1071, Knoxville,
Tennessee 37901-1071; Voice 423-974-7126; FAX 423-974-4714; E-Mail jlwilson@utk.edu
Keywords: food habits, winter reservoir drawdown
Data collection was completed to determine food habits
of adult predators (black bass, striped bass, walleye, catfish) during the winter drawdown
periods of 1995-96 on Norris Reservoir to see if there was predation on y-o-y game species
while they are crowded together. Stomachs from 602 black bass, 85 striped bass, 203
walleye/sauger, and 50 catfish (17 channel/ 33 flathead) were examined for preferred food
items. Gut contents indicated clupeids (threadfin/gizzard shad, alewife) and centrarchids
(bluegill) were the majority of items ingested by all predator groups. Over 99% of fish
eaten by striped bass were alewives and threadfin/gizzard shad; one bluegill was the only
other fish identified as a food item. Juvenile crappie were consumed by largemouth and
smallmouth bass (2% of all items), sauger (3%), and channel catfish (1%). Crayfish were a
substantial item in the diets of black basses.
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