Spawning Behavior And Age And Growth Of White Bass In Center Hill Reservoir, Tennessee

The spawning behavior, age and growth and food habits of white bass, Roccus chrysops (Rafinesque), were studied in Center Hill Reservoir, Tennessee, from October, 1965 until March, 1967. White bass began to move toward the headwaters in late February and early March when water temperatures rose above 45° F. Spawning started in mid-March at a water temperature of 53° F. and appeared to stop if water temperature dropped below 53° F. The duration of the spawning season was one and one-half to two months. The growth rate of white bass was more rapid than in other waters. The maximum age of white bass in Center Hill Reservoir is eight years. The primary forage species for adu1t white bass were shad, Dorosoma spp.