COMPARISON OF SPOTTED BASS POPULATIONS AMONG THREE NORTH GEORGIA RESERVOIRS**

Spotted bass Micropterus punctatus have been introduced into multiple reservoirs in the southeastern United States, including deep, highland reservoirs of north Georgia. In most of these reservoirs, spotted bass represent the most abundant black bass species, accounting for most angler-caught bass. However, the quality of the fishery can vary substantially among reservoirs. This study compared the spotted bass population, in terms of age structure, growth rate, mortality rate, size structure, and condition among Chatuge, Nottely, and Lanier Reservoirs. Data were collected from each reservoir during spring electrofishing surveys by Georgia DNR biologists. Otoliths were removed and sent to Young Harris College for processing and analysis. Data analysis is ongoing, and research is in progress. It is hypothesized that differences between populations might occur due to a mixed introduction of Alabama spotted bass and Kentucky spotted bass among reservoirs