Effects of Gizzard Shad Introduction on a Small-impoundment Fishery

Gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) were introduced into an 83-ha public fishing lake in central Missouri in an attempt to improve populations of high density, slow growing largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), white crappie (Pomoxis annularis), and bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus). A 380-mm length limit on largemouth bass was introduced at the same time. Growth rates of both bass and crappie increased. The annual catch of largemouth bass increased from 80 per hectare to 212 per hectare after gizzard shad were introduced, and that of white crappie from < 5 kg per hectare to 27 kg per hectare. The growth rate, population structure, and condition of bluegills improved somewhat.