The Influence of Differing Flow Regimes on the Tailwater Fishery Below Jordan Dam, Alabama

Few significant differences could be detected between a high flow year and a low flow year with respect to catch, effort, catch per unit effort, or the functional composition of the multi-species tailwater fishery below Jordan Dam on the Coosa River, Alabama. Additionally, no significant or consistent correlations were evident between mean daily discharge and daily catch during the 2 surveys. Correlations between daily effort and daily catch per unit effort with mean daily flow were few, inconsistent, and restricted to winter and late summer months when fishing effort was minimal. Angler responses during interviews indicated diverse preferences relative to flow regime.