Growth And Population Assessment Of Spotted Bass (Micropterus Punctulatus) In Beaver, Table Rock, And Bull Shoals Lakes, Northern Arkansas-Southern Missouri

Little research has been conducted on spotted bass, Micropterus punctulatus, even though it is a popular recreational fish. Most previous research was on young-of-the-year fish and interactions among other species in reservoirs, with little research on adult spotted base in the Ozarks region or other regions of the United States. The objective of this study was to compare the growth and population characteristics of spotted bass within and among Beaver, Bull Shoals and Table Rock Lacks. Growth, abundance, and conditions within and among reservoirs were similar. However, spotted bass in Beaver Lake did not reach as great lengths as those in the other reservoirs and the condition of the larger spotted bass was lower than all the other sizes of spotted base. Competition and overcrowding could be causing the slower growth of the older spotted bass in Beaver Lake. The current regulations for spotted bass for the three reservoirs appear to be working; however Table Rock Lake length limit could be reduced the Bull Shoals Lake length limited could be increased to 13 inches (330 mm) or 14 inches (356 mm)