Largemouth Bass Influence on Size Structure of Crappie Populations in Small Oklahoma Impoundments

Abstract

Populations of largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides and crappies Pomoxis spp. were sampled by spring electrofishing and fall trap-netting, respectively, in 11 small impoundments in Oklahoma during 1984. The proportional stock density (PSD) of the crappie populations was inversely related to the largemouth bass PSD and directly related to the density of largemouth bass. Mean lengths of crappies at age 2 were directly related to largemouth bass density. It was postulated that reduction in crappie numbers through predation by largemouth bass is the determining factor in establishing a favorable population structure of crappies in small impoundments. If desirable crappie populations are to be established in small impoundments, however, anglers may have to accept a greater proportion of small largemouth bass.