February 2001 State Projects Summary

  • Auburn University Fish Ecology Group
    Contact: Dennis DeVries (334) 844-9322
     
    • Fisheries induced changes in the structure and function of shallow water "nursery habitats": an experimental assessment (co-PI with Drs. Ken Heck, John Valentine, and Jim Cowan, Dauphin Island Sea Laboratory). Funded by the Alabama Center for Estuarine Studies. In this "in-progress" project we are quantifying the "top-down" effects of a reduction of large fish predators, such as would occur due to overfishing, in two environments that are dominated by submerged aquatic vegetation. One of these environments is the freshwater/oligohaline area near the Mobile Causeway. We are using cages that are either relatively "open" (i.e., large mesh size) or closed, containing either an omnivore (bluegill) or piscivore (i.e., largemouth bass).
       
    • Effects of gizzard shad on largemouth bass-bluegill communities in a state fishing lake and small ponds. Funded by the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division. This project includes two distinct portions-the study of the changes in a state fishing lake subsequent to a selective shad reduction, and the potential influence of predation by largemouth bass on gizzard shad populations in small impoundments. The gizzard shad population in Walker County State Fishing Lake continues to increase.
       
    • Assessing the Coosa River fishery between the dam and the powerhouse. Funded by the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division. In this project, which is nearing completion, we are quantifying characteristics of the black bass populations (largemouth and spotted) in a 20-mile stretch of the Coosa River that has been bypassed by the dam structure on Weiss Lake.
       
    • Juvenile largemouth bass recruitment: using countergradient variation to optimize first-year growth (co-PI with Dr. Rusty Wright). Funded by the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division. In this project we are studying the first-year growth of three genetic stocks of largemouth bass-the northern subspecies of largemouth bass from Wisconsin, the Florida subspecies from Alabama, and a population of northern subspecies fish from the Mobile Delta near the Causeway. The hypothesis to be tested is that fish within a species across a latitudinal gradient are faced with widely varying growing season length, and given that fish length achieved at the end of the first growing season is important to survival overwinter, we should see a latitudinal gradient in growth rates. We are currently testing this by bringing fish from all three populations to a common location (Auburn, Alabama) and growing them in common conditions.
       

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  • Duke Power Company
    Contact: Dave Coughlan (704) 875-5236
     
    • Hydroacoustics - We continue to use hydroacoustics and purse seining to evaluate reservoir forage fish populations. Forage fish densities are derived by echo integration.  Purse seine data provides species composition and length frequency distributions for correlation with target strength values.
       
    • Springtime Electrofishing of Littoral Fish Populations - We continue to evaluate reservoir littoral fish populations with electrofishing. The method entails shocking ten 300-m transects in various locations of reservoirs, collecting ALL fish, sorting and enumerating by species, and weighing in aggregate by species. The method has yielded consistent data that appears to vary with the trophic status of the reservoir. Contact Hugh Barwick for more details (704) 875-5459.
       
    • Woody Debris Study - In 1999-2000, we conducted a cooperative study with the NCWRC and the SCDNR to determine fish utilization of coarse woody debris (CWD), developed (DEV), and undeveloped (UND) or natural habitats in Lakes James, Hickory, and Fishing Creek. Eight 100-m shoreline transects were electrofished in each habitat during spring, summer, and fall. Taxa composition and largemouth bass Wr's were similar in all habitats during all seasons for all lakes. Mean numbers of fish were generally similar in CWD and DEV habitats during most seasons in all lakes. However, mean fish biomass was generally higher in CWD, intermediate in DEV, and lowest in UND habitats in the spring in all lakes. Mean fish biomass was similar in CWD and DEV habitats in summer and fall and both were generally higher than that noted in UND habitat in all lakes. These results indicate that fish in these lakes do not have a clear preference for CWD habitat over DEV habitats, but do prefer CWD and DEV habitats over UND habitat. Contact Hugh Barwick for more details (704) 875-5459.
       
    • Fish Friendly Piers - Piers represent sources of structure and cover for reservoir fish populations. The importance of these structures appears to be increasing as some reservoirs experience rapid development and 'cleansing' of the shoreline. We have formed partnerships with NCWRC, NC Wildlife Habitat Foundation, Bass Pro Shops, Pure Fishing, NC BASS Federation, NC State University, USGS, and B.A.S.S. Inc. to promote the development or retrofitting of fish friendly piers. These are piers with added structure (e.g., Berkeley Fish Habs or brush) beneath the pier to provide cover. Contact Hugh Barwick for more details (704) 875-5459.
       
    • Fish Health Assessments - Fish health assessments were conducted throughout the Catawba River in October 2000. A few locations with elevated scores were seen for the first time and a few of the chronically more problematic locations appear to be cleaning up (i.e., fish health scores dropped somewhat). Overall, fish health scores in 2000 appear to be lower than in past years.

      We have noticed fish in past surveys that exhibited a hard yellow tissue near the kidney in combination with some fibrous connective tissue where the swimbladder used to be. We wanted to investigate any association between this condition and the presence of LMBV. All fish in 2000 were submitted for LMBV analysis and 6 fish were found to be positive (out of 405 fish). Only one fish out of the nine found with hard yellow tissue was found to positive for LMBV. We continue to work with the SCDNR, NCWRC, and USFWS -Warm Springs lab to try and understand these results.

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  • Georgia Department of Natural Resources
    Contact: Anthony Rabern (706) 947-3112, arburhat@rabun.net
     
    • Burton Blueback Herring Project
      In the early 1990s, anglers illegally introduced non-native blueback herring into Lake Burton. Lake Burton is a 2,780-acre headwater reservoir in the upper Savannah River basin, which is located in the northeast Georgia mountains. Downstream of Lake Burton are five smaller impoundments that stair-step through the river valley. These reservoirs are characterized as oligotrophic and historically supported a sparse forage base consisting of a few, very large gizzard shad. By the mid-1990s, blueback herring were well established in Lake Burton and all downstream reservoirs. By 1999, population numbers reached very high densities approaching 8,000 herring/acre, based on hydroacoustics sampling.

      Associated with the rapid expansion of blueback herring in Lake Burton was a concomitant decline in largemouth bass abundance. Changes in largemouth bass population dynamics included a 50% decline in electrofishing catch rates, a 60% decline in young-of-year density, and a 60% decline in angler success despite relatively consistent fishing pressure over time. Food habits analysis of adult blueback herring and one-month old largemouth bass from Lake Burton indicated strong dietary overlap between both species and significant predation by blueback herring on hatchling bass. In an attempt to reduce the herring population, a bioenergetics approach was used to calculate predatory stocking rates. Brown trout and walleye were subsequently stocked into selected reservoirs at densities ranging from 20 to 35 fish/acre. To mitigate the effects of predation on hatchling bass, bass spawning habitat in selected cove sites around Lake Burton was enhanced to provide more suitable substrate for nesting and sheltered areas for young bass.
       

       
      Preliminary results indicated that habitat enhancements were utilized by largemouth bass10x more than adjacent, non-enhanced areas. Predator stocking efforts, in combination with a moderate winterkill event, dramatically reduced the herring population and has created a very popular trout fishery in Lake Burton.

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  • Georgia Power Company
    Contact: Scott Hendricks (404) 799-2159, ashendri@southernco.com
     
    • New Attractors for Lake Oconee
      Georgia Power Company, Georgia Wildlife Resources Division, and the Lake Oconee Bassmasters teamed up in February 2001 to provide additional fish attracting structure in Lake Oconee. Lake Oconee is a 20,000 acre, piedmont impoundment located in central Georgia, and is operated for hydroelectric generation by Georgia Power. The new structures we used are made of concrete and are called A-Jacks (http://www.armortec.com/products/products.htm) by the manufacturer. We are not aware of this product being previously used as fish attractors.
       

       
      A-Jacks are normally marketed as a streambank and shoreline erosion control product, but seemed like a great design for fish attractors. They are sold in several different sizes, from 24 inch arms to 96 inch arms, with weights of 78 pounds to 5,000 pounds. The smaller 24 inch size worked perfectly for our purposes. We bought 100 of the smaller A-Jacks and had them delivered to a boat ramp on Lake Oconee. The total cost for purchase and delivery was about $1300, which was split 50/50 between GWRD and GPC. We were also pleased that the company delivered about 30 extra A-Jacks to counter breakage. The A-Jacks proved durable, as only one structure was broken during loading, assembly, and deployment.
       

       
      We agreed on four sites throughout the mainstem of Lake Oconee for the A-Jacks project. We used GWRD and GPC boats, and the Oconee Bassmasters provided the bulk of the labor. Each structure is shipped in two matching pieces, which were secured together with plastic tie-wraps or bailing wire after being loaded onto the pontoon barge. At each site the A-Jacks were placed in 3 rows of 10 to 12 A-Jacks per row, in 10 to 18 feet of water. This is a popular summer depth range on Lake Oconee for crankbaits and carolina rigs. About 50 feet of space was left between the rows, which were run perpendicular to the current flow. The project was completed in about 6 hours and all parties were happy with the cost, effort, and result. Clubs and guides on Lake Oconee will monitor the structures this summer and fall, and we will then decide whether to try a larger project next year.

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  • Missouri Department of Conservation
    Contact: Mike Colvin (573) 882-9880

    • Riparian Ecosystem Assessment and Management Project (Aquatic Component)

      Riparian forests have important roles in the natural processes that create and maintain aquatic habitats in streams. Fallen trees (large woody debris) affect physical habitat directly by providing a diversity of hydraulic environments that fish use and by providing attachment surfaces for aquatic invertebrates that are fed upon by fish and other vertebrates. Unfortunately, many functions of riparian forests have been impaired in the sand bed streams in northern Missouri, where forests have been fragmented by conversion to land uses associated with agriculture. Because virtually all land in northern Missouri is owned privately, many riparian forests will experience a wide variety of management practices, most of which will be focused on timber management. The goal of the aquatic component of this multi-disciplinary study is to quantify the roles of riparian forests in the habitat dynamics of northern Missouri streams. Specifically, we wanted to ascertain the linkage between age/size composition of the stream-side standing forest and habitat characteristics of large woody debris in the active channel. Early results suggest that the dominant habitat-forming tree boles are those of the largest stream-side trees, which do not decompose rapidly and are less likely to flush downstream during channel-forming flows. Large fallen trees also often develop large debris jams that trap and retain smaller woody debris that would otherwise be lost from the system. These jams provide a variety of hydraulic conditions for biota to exploit as habitat. Jams also trap leaves and other organic material, which are the primary sources of energy for the food web. Study results will contribute to development of management guidelines for riparian forests on public and private lands.

      For more information, please contact Mike Roell, Fisheries Research Biologist, Missouri Department of Conservation, 1110 S College Ave, Columbia, MO 65201; roellm@mail.conservation.state.mo.us; 573/882-9880 x-3262.
       

    • Small Impoundment Aeration Experiment

      In an attempt to improve fish growth, particularly crappies, a diffuser-style aeration system was installed in 103 acre Perry County Lake during 1997. Like the majority of small impoundments in Missouri, Perry County Lake is nutrient rich, lacks aquatic vegetation, and contains a high density, slow growing crappie population. In these systems, fish are forced to occupy the top 2-3 m of water due to stratification; these waters are characterized by temperatures warmer than 30 C during the summer months. Based on our lab studies and a bioenergetics model developed by Rich Zweifel (University of Missouri - Columbia), it was determined that crappies are physiologically stressed in such conditions. Our objective was to determine the total benefits of destratification (ie., fish growth, invertebrate production, zooplankton dynamics, angler catch and harvest rates, and water quality parameters).

      What did we discover? The diffuser increased the amount of useable habitat for all fishes, increased benthic invertebrate densities and composition, and increased water clarity (secchi increased and chlorophyll a concentrations were reduced). We documented multiple gizzard shad spawns, and age-0 shad growth was reduced, thus providing a prey source for crappies and bass. We also found evidence that crappies fed on fish in summer. Creel surveys showed an increase in catch and harvest of crappies, and catch of largemouth bass and catfish. The diffuser moderated temperature fluctuations, and we observed changes in zooplankton dynamics. Unfortunately, we did not see a positive response in crappie growth after 3 growing seasons with the diffuser. It may be that pelagic crappies require a longer period to benefit from the whole lake manipulation. The crappie population will be monitored on an annual basis for several more years to see if there is a delayed response.

      For more information, please contact Steve Fischer, Fisheries Research Biologist, Missouri Department of Conservation, 1110 S College Ave, Columbia, MO 65201; fischsa@mail.conservation.state.mo.us; 573/882-9880 x-3271.
       

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  • North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
    Contact: Doug Besler (828) 659-8684
     
    • Exotic Species Introductions
      A study is currently underway by Virginia Tech, funded by Duke Power Company, which is attempting to gain some knowledge about blue catfish, which have been introduced into Lake Norman and have developed into a considerable population. The current study is attempting to get some basic life history information and will also involve some extensive telemetry work to learn about blue catfish movements. Concerns center around the possible interactions and impacts to the highly publicized and scrutinized striped bass fishery on Lake Norman. The NCWRC is assisting with the study.

      The NCWRC has avoided persistent calls by anglers to introduce blueback herring and alewives into Lake Norman to help the slow growing and poor conditioned striped bass. In spite of the NCWRC decision to not stock the forage fish, alewives have been stocked into the lake and were found in gill net samples in 1999 and comprised >20% numerically of the gill net catch in the fall of 2000. Gill net samples in early 2001 showed that striped bass relative weights have improved somewhat. The impacts to other fishery resources are unknown and will likely be evaluated.

      The NCWRC is conducting a study in cooperation with Carolina Power and Light (CP&L) on the effects of an exotic introduction into Sutton Lake. Unwanted introductions of flathead catfish and nuisance aquatic vegetation have occurred within in last 5 years. CP&L will introduce 10,000 cypress and tupelo trees in the reservoir this year in hopes of outcompeting nuisance vegetation. Some work has been done attempting to remove flathead catfish by electrofishing and estimating population size via depletion electrofishing. Early results indicate that the depletion method for estimating flathead catfish population size was ineffective.
       

    • Bioenergetics

      North Carolina State University, in conjunction with the NCWRC and Duke Power, is conducting a striped bass bioenergetics study on Lake Tillery and Lake Norman. The study began in 2000 and is trying to examine the caloric value of striped bass diets in these two different reservoirs, while examining the numbers and sizes of shad present in both systems.
       

    • FERC

      Information on fish populations and individual studies are currently under way on many hydropower projects owned by Duke Power Company (DPC) in Western North Carolina scheduled for FERC relicensing in 2005. Preliminary studies are also beginning on some of the Catawba River DPC projects up for relicensing in 2008.
       

    • Habitat Enhancement

      NCWRC development crews continue to cut-and-cable large trees to stumps in shallow reservoirs, and sink hardwood tree canopies in the deeper impoundments. This work continues to be done on all major impoundments. Brush piles and Christmas tree habitat work is also done from time to time with interested angler or conservation groups.

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  • Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
    Contact: Gene Gilliland (405) 325-7288

    F-4l-R-23 FACTORS INFLUENCING FISH POPULATIONS IN OKLAHOMA WATERS
     

    • Project 23: Evaluation of the Flathead Catfish Population and Fishery on Lake Carl Blackwell, Oklahoma, with Emphasis on the Effects of Noodling (Michael Brown, OSU Coop Unit; 405-744-6342): Continued data analysis of the angler phone survey and continued to prepare and analyze otolith samples. Large fish (>70 lbs.) were estimated at up to 26 years of age. Catch rates of trot-liners and noodlers and length-frequency of their catch were not statistically different.
       
    • Project 25: Evaluation of Hybrid Bluegill for Use in Urban Recreational Fisheries (Clifton Sager, OSU Coop; 405-744-6342): Growth experiments showed it takes 3 years for fish to reach harvestable size (6 inches). No differences were seen in growth or survival with two different stocking rates and feeding regimes.

    F-44-D-16 OKLAHOMA FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
     

    • Continued negotiations with Grand River Dam Authority about proposed water level manipulation plan that includes introduction of aquatic vegetation in lieu of summer willow flooding and fall millet seeding. GRDA is balking at hiring a resource manager, insisting that existing staff and ODWC personnel can accomplish the tasks. We feel the proposed funding level is inadequate to give the project a fair test. FERC will decide (Hutchie Weeks, ODWC; 918-683-1031).
       
    • Completed data collection for the pilot phase of a water quality model for Broken Bow Reservoir to help with establishing minimum flows required for downstream trout fishery (Paul Balkenbush, ODWC; 918-297-0153).
       
    • With the harsh winter of 2000-2001, water temperatures on Texoma Reservoir were monitored. Surface temperatures were 40øF and bottom temperatures were 42øF. This is close to the critical temperature for threadfin shad survival. Only moderate threadfin shad die offs were observed on Texoma, however, many smaller lakes in the southern tier of counties froze over completely and had extensive threadfin kills. Most other south and eastern lakes experienced threadfin winter kill and will require restocking to establish the species (Paul Mauck, ODWC; 580-924-4087).
       
    • Electrophoresis on largemouth bass samples was completed for a statewide survey of FLMB alleles. Results will be compared to 1986-87 results to determine long-term trends in allele persistence and stocking impacts (Gene Gilliland, ODWC; 405-325-7288).
       
    • Analysis of gill netting data by mesh size continues. Several mesh analysis programs have been written to compare small mesh («" and 5/8") catches of shad to catch in standard nets experimental nets (3/4" to 3" mesh). Recommendations were made to managers to use smaller mesh nets to better quantify forage. Lakes with threadfin would require the «" mesh while gizzard shad-only reservoirs would use the 5/8' mesh nets (Jeff Boxrucker, ODWC; 405-325-7288).
       
    • Hydroacoustic and shad trawl data from Hugo Reservoir were analyzed and work on the final report for the Corps continued (Jeff Boxrucker, ODWC; 405-325-7288).

    F-50-R-7 FISH RESEARCH FOR OKLAHOMA WATERS
     

    • Project 6: Angler Motivation and Opinion Surveys: A first draft of the analysis of the motivation surveys was prepared and distributed for review. A total of 1507 responses have been processed to date. The first draft of the angler opinion survey questionnaire was completed for review. Telephone interviews were selected. Notification post cards were printed and labeled. The samples for the angler opinion survey were drawn for the 2000 license files (Greg Summers, ODWC; 405-325-7288).
       
    • Project 13: Use of genetic markers to differentiate discrete spawning stocks of striped bass in Lake Texoma: Mitochondrial DNA did not differentiate stocks between the Red and Washita River stocks. Micro-satellite DNA studies are proceeding and differences have been detected within the population but not yet attributed to specific rivers. Spawning fidelity has not been verified (Jeff Boxrucker, ODWC; 405-325-7288).
       
    • Project 14: Striped Bass Spawning Evaluation: Evaluate relative catch of striped bass eggs flowing down the Red and Washita Rivers, into Lake Texoma. Data will be used to help locate spawning sites and determine relative contribution each river's stock makes to the reservoir's striped bass population. Environmental parameters will be studied to determine their influence on striped bass spawning success (Jeff Boxrucker, ODWC; 405- 325-7288).

    OTHER
     

    • Aquatic vegetation work continues on several lakes. Droughts and floods have wrecked havoc with our previous plantings. Little expansion has been seen outside the cages in 4+ years. Some of the controlling authorities are questioning our approach and want the fencing removed. This year we will concentrate of fencing extensive areas (up to 1/4-mile) of shoreline to see if natural succession can re-establish native plants. We will try vinyl- coated 1"-mesh chicken wire instead of welded wire because of the reduced cost and problems with rusting of the heavier fencing. We are establishing a variety of plants in a pair of nursery ponds at Lake Thunderbird so we can have borrow areas for transplanting purposes.

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  • South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
         Contact: Wade Bales (864) 223-2008
     
    Aquatic Plant Management
     
    • Lake Murray
      Management of hydrilla on Lake Murray has been a source of conflict between DNR divisions, sportsmen, and landowners for a number of years. In 2000, we hammered out a compromise agreement with DNR aquatic plant managers on Lake Murray hydrilla control. This, of course, was a four-tiered prioritization schedule that basically gave highest treatment priority to public access areas and lowest priority (no treatment) around islands. The "blood, sweat and tears" of this agreement was for the 2000 treatment year
      (even though we thought it was for all future plans). 

      The 2001 management plan is now up again for public review. The aquatic plant managers decided upon a different tact whereby they convened two public meetings to "get public input". We, however, felt that the objective was to get a strong mandate from mainly homeowners and developers to aggressively target submersed aquatic plants using whatever techniques might be available. Such a mandate would have negated our agreement from last summer. However, this did not occur. Fishermen and duck hunters were well represented at both meetings and stressed the need for selective control in high public use areas, but maintenance of hydrilla beds for fish and waterfowl habitat. Even many homeowners recognized the beneficial aspects of submersed vegetation and were supportive of the DNR prioritization schedule. The bottom line is, the prioritization agreement was backed by the majority of public participants at these facilitated meetings, and overwhelmingly there was no support for the stocking of sterile grass carp. 
      Contact: Gene Hayes 864-223-1307
       
    • Santee-Cooper
      After the third year of drought conditions, and presence of grass carp, insignificant levels of hydrilla is occurring in this system. Shoreline plantings were initiated in 2000 (water willow) with more extensive plans for 2001. Live staking of water willow using plastic plant stakes was very successful.
      Contact: Scott Lamprecht 843-825-3387
       
    • Catawba River System- Lakes Wylie, Wateree, Fishing Creek, Norman
      Spread of hydrilla throughout the Catawba River system is becoming a concern for state and local managers. Hydrilla has been documented in systems listed above and continues to increase in abundance due to inflow of nutrients from Charlotte, NC. Managing parties currently looking at possible low-density stocking of grass carp as potential control measure.
      Contact: Dick Christie 803-366-7024
       
    • Savannah River Impoundments
       Hydrilla levels reached 1,576 ha in 2000 on Lake Thurmond. Treatment was limited to a low number of access points (ramps, marinas). Plant abundance has not caused adverse recreational impacts since establishing in 1995. Shoreline plantings of bald cypress were completed by the DNR in 1999. Follow-up surveys indicated >30% survival in low-energy zones protected from prevailing winds.
       
      Water willow was successfully established at one site on Lake Russell using methods employed by Oklahoma managers. Plans for 2001 include more work with water willow. A cooperative project on Lake Russell between the DNR and the Corps will address establishment of submersed aquatic vegetation for fish and waterfowl. Details of this plan can be discussed with Mike Alexander or Wade Bales.

    Striped bass Highlights

    • In winter 2000, a telephone survey of Lake Murray striped bass anglers was conducted under contract by Responsive Management, Inc. The survey was conducted to get input regarding DNR management strategies for striped bass on Lake Murray and, in particular, during the critical summer period. Some highlights:
       
      • 78% of STB fishermen rated the quality of their fishing as excellent or good.
         
      • 90% were satisfied with DNR management.
         
      • 43% reported STB fishing improved since the 5/21. 13% said had declined.
         
      • 73% recognized that release of fish smaller than the size limit sometimes caused death.
         
      • 67% agreed that even if catch and release caused death, it was acceptable in order to improve STB fishery on Lake Murray.
         
      • Respondents reported catch and release was more of a problem in July (56%) and August (56%). Our survey and inventory supported this observation by fishermen.
         
      • 51% of respondents wanted DNR to allow 2 of the 5 fish limit to be less than 21" in summer.

      As a result of this survey and, in particular, these last three questions, we were prepared to submit a regulation change allowing harvest of 2 of the 5 fish limit less than 21" during July and August. Before this could be enacted, a legislator tacked on a trailer bill to an unrelated piece of legislation that completely did away with the size limit for the whole summer. There was a major uproar by STB fishermen due to this 11th hour political move. There was an outpouring of support for the DNR proposal. The governor refused to sign the bill into law, thus preventing its enactment during summer 2000. This past week a new law with multiple sponsors was introduced to repeal the enacted law, and give DNR the ability to regulate summer harvest based on the data and input of STB anglers. 
      Contact: Gene Hayes 864-223-1307

    Telemetry studies on Lakes Murray and Thurmond documented annually movements and critical summer habitats- see presentations by Jason Schaffler and Shawn Young @ midyear

    Annual stocking of striped bass in Santee-Cooper has been successful in augmenting the naturally reproducing population, however, few fish larger than the 21" size limit exist-Scott Lamprecht 843-825-3387

    Annual stocking of striped bass in Lake Wateree since 1992 has resulted in striped bass anglers contributing 11% of the total effort in 2000, highest to date. Fish up to 32" were documented in 2000; also adult gizzard shad disappeared from cove rotenone surveys by 2000-Dick Christie 803-366-7024

    Genetic survey of smallmouth bass and redeye bass in Lake Jocassee indicated the presence of a hybrid population-Jean Leitner 803-353-8232

    LMB virus was documented for the first time in Lakes Hartwell, Secession, and Russell in 2000-Wade Bales 864-223-2008

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  • Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
    Contact: Tim Churchill (615) 781-6573
     
    • Striped Bass Management - A high slot limit (32 - 42 inches) was implemented on Cordell Hull Reservoir to protect quality of this world class fishery. Only one fish will be harvestable above the slot per day on a 2 fish per day creel. A telemetry study is now underway to determine survival of released fish. Survival is assumed to be relatively high due to the cold water present in the lake. Cordell Hull produced a new state record striped bass of 65 lbs. 6 oz. in 2000.
       
      A summer no fishing zone was established in front of the dam at Cherokee Reservoir. This area contains a summer "bubble curtain" to enhance water quality in the tailwater. Unfortunately, this apparatus also creates a striped bass refuge during summer months which has been abused by some anglers during recent years. As many as 200 boats per night were observed crammed into this area and large numbers of dead and dying striped bass were observed daily for several months. The closed zone will cover mostly main channel habitat not frequented by bass or crappie anglers.
       
    • Largemouth Bass Virus monitoring - Collections were made for Tims Ford, Watts Bar, Chickamauga, and Barkley reservoirs. Incidence of the virus ranged from 10 - 60% of fish infected, and it was present in all populations. No observed fish kills in Tennessee have been linked to the virus.
       
    • Walleye Studies - A study (TN Tech University) on factors affecting walleye recruitement and stocking success is underway and will end this year. The study includes data from various lakes across the state, and will provide TWRA with evaluations of current harvest restrictions. Preliminary results indicate that all reservoir walleye fisheries are now fully dependent on stocking. Studies into the impacts of alewife on egg and fry survival have been inconclusive.
       
    • Kentucky Lake Habitat Enhancement - TWRA has partnered with several state and federal agencies and McKenzie High School in Project ECHO. Students will aid TWRA personnel in shoreline seeding projects (grasses) and planting of aquatic plants in exclosures similar to those being used in Texas and Oklahoma. Propagules for aquatic macrophytes will be produced in the school's greenhouses. Project ECHO is a pilot program that will hopefully expand to include other west Tennessee schools. The gives students to gain real world experience in habitat enhancement while aiding TWRA in an important habitat enhancement project.

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Claytor Lake-A project is underway to evaluate striped bass and hybrid striped bass movements and habitat use in this 1,820-ha mainstem, hydroelectric reservoir. Additional objectives include determining the amount of downstream emigration as well as fish passage mortality. This work is being funded by the VDGIF and conducted by Virginia Tech's Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences. For more information, contact John Copeland 540-951-7923.

Statewide Walleye Study-A study is underway to evaluate stocking rates and sampling techniques of walleye in Virginia reservoirs as well as some small impoundments. Stocking rates and sampling protocols have been standardized to quantify stocking success and determine which gears provide the most precise assessment of year-class strength. For more information, contact Tom Hampton 540-783-4860.

Kerr Reservoir-A creel survey began in January 2001 to estimate angler effort, catch, and harvest of sport fishes at Kerr Reservoir, a 19,700-ha impoundment on the Virginia-North Carolina border. This reservoir has high quality crappie, largemouth bass, and striped bass fisheries. Additional information on angler attitudes, opinions, and expenditures will be obtained. Follow-up mail surveys will be given to all striped bass anglers to obtain more in-depth information on striped bass anglers. For more information, contact Vic DiCenzo 804-392-9645.

Briery Creek Lake-Briery Creek Lake (342-ha) has gained national recognition for its production of trophy largemouth bass. Fishing brochures were developed to provide information to the public on fishing tips, lake characteristics, and creel restrictions. Creel surveys conducted in 1999 and 2000 indicate that nearly 300 trophy (> 3.6 kg or 559 mm) fish are caught in March, April, and May and that about 25% of these fish are harvested. On January 1, 2001, the regulation was changed from a 304-381 mm slot limit to a 356-610 mm slot limit. Spring creel surveys will continue to be performed to document angler effort, catch, and harvest. A population estimate will be made on largemouth bass this spring to try to shed some light on the number of fish harvested. For more information, contact Vic DiCenzo 804-392-9645.

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West Virginia was one of the few places in the southeast that had plenty of water in 2000. In fact, we enjoyed one of the wettest years on record in the Mountain State. The fish certainly responded as seven new records were established during 2000 and catch rates among most waters were excellent. Bass tournament data on some waters reflected up to 140% increases (12 inch+ bass) in catch rates over the 1999 fishing year and represented a 40% increase over the twenty five year average.

West Virginia has adopted a new statewide sampling protocol for reservoirs. Over the next five years, West Virginia will conduct specific studies on black bass populations in every reservoir throughout the state. We felt that of all the species in our state reservoirs that black bass were the most important and that additional information on black bass would help in making management decisions, especially special regulations that we are getting pressure to establish.

Statewide standardized black bass electrofishing surveys will start in the spring when water temperatures reach 60 F. Ten electrofishing samples will be conducted from predetermined sites spread throughout each reservoir. Specific analysis will consist of Proportional Stock Density (PSD), electrofishing catch data (number/hr) and catch curve analysis, length at age analysis using an age-length key, and relative weight determination.

Routine standardized sampling during the fall for multiple fish species will be conducted with electrofishing and gill netting. On a limited scale, specialized sampling techniques such as rotenone, will be implemented to evaluate specific management programs whenever necessary. Data collected from West Virginia reservoirs will be compiled into a brand new centralized data base.

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