Spatial and Temporal Movements of Striped Bass in the Upper Alabama River

A radio-telemetry study was conducted to determine spatial and temporal movements of adult striped bass (Morone saxatilis) in the Jones Bluff section of the Alabama River. Five fish were successfully implanted with radio transmitters during the summer of 1981 and the spring of 1982. These fish made extensive use of the Thurlow Dam tailwater on the Tallapoosa River. The fish arrived at Thurlow Dam in the spring when temperatures ranged from 16° to 17.5° C and left the tailwaters in late fall and early winter when water temperatures decreased to 19.5° and 18.5° C in 1981 and 1982 respectively. Study fish overwintered in the Alabama RiverlJones Bluff Reservoir 145 to 177 kIn downstream from Thurlow Dam. In Thurlow Dam tailwater, peak striped bass movement occurred at dawn and dusk. One major holding site was used during daylight hours when water was not being released and 3 additional sites were used when it was; movement between sites accounted for most daylight movement. At night, fish made continuous low speed movement, which was primarily oriented toward shallow areas in the tailwater basin.

Publication date
Starting page
266
Ending page
274
ID
17218