Evaluation of a fall stocking of adult and intermediate largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) into two Ohio River embayments

On October 20, 1998 the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources stocked adult and intermediate size hatchery reared largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) into two Ohio River embayments in an attempt to supplement existing populations. Prior to stocking each fish was fitted with an anchor tag and a visible implant elastomer mark to help ensure recognition as a hatchery-origin fish. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of this stocking event for enhancing largemouth bass populations and improving angling opportunities in Ohio River embayment areas. A multifaceted sampling approach was incorporated to: (1) evaluate the persistence and return of stocked bass to anglers\u27 creel relative to that of wild largemouth bass, (2) estimate fidelity of stocked largemouth bass to embayment release sites, and (3) compare return rates and cost effectiveness of the two size classes used for stocking.;Data suggest that fall stocking of largemouth bass into Ohio River embayments in this manner only provided limited, short-term benefit to the Ohio River largemouth bass fishery. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)