Evaluation of Supplemental Stocking of Largemouth Bass as a Management Tool in Small Impoundments

Abstract

Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) fingerlings (35-64 mm total length) were supplementally stocked into two small Oklahoma impoundments, Liberty Lake and Wiley Post Lake, in July 1980 at a density of 450/hectare to enhance year-class strength. Stocked fish constituted 76 and 72% of the 1980 year class in Liberty and Wiley Post lakes, respectively, for two growing seasons following stocking. Natural mortality at age 1 + appeared to drastically reduce the numbers of stocked fish. The stocked largemouth bass reached quality length (300 mm) toward the end of the third growing season and made up 3 and 17% of the quality-length fish in the 1983 electrofishing samples from Liberty and Wiley Post lakes, respectively. Creel data indicated that angler catches and harvest rates were unaffected by the stocking program.