Seasonal Movements and Summer
Habitat Requirements of Striped Bass in the Combahee River ,South Carolina
Kimberly A. Bjorgo and J. Jeffery Isely, South Carolina
Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit G-27, Lehotsky Hall, Clemson University,
Clemson, South Carolina 29634; Voice 864-656-5334;
E-Mail kbjorgo@clemson.edu, jisely@clemson.edu
David Allen, Freshwater Fisheries District Six, 10095
Dunbarton Blvd, Barnwell, South Carolina 39812; Voice 843-259-5474;
E-Mail dallen@barnwellsc.com
James Bulak, Freshwater Fisheries District Nine, 1921
Van Boklen Rd, Eastover, South Carolina 29044; Voice 843-353-8232;
E-Mail bulak@scdnr.state.sc.us
Keywords: striped bass, thermal tolerance,
radio-telemetry, anadromy
The Combahee River is a black-water swamp stream with
summer temperatures in excess of 27 C during the summer months. Striped bass were observed
in the Combahee River, SC during summer months to determine habitat usage patterns as well
as movement. Adult striped bass (n=30) were implanted with radio transmitters and were
tracked from March to November, 1998. Telemetry data indicates that adult striped bass
utilize upstream areas with a high degree of canopy cover during warm summer months. These
areas are 5-10 C cooler than the downstream rice field area of the river. Movements
consisted of upstream migrations during the early summer, then localized movement within
upstream forested canopy areas during summer, and a return to the lower river during the
late fall.
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