Diet Overlap Between Saugeye and Largemouth Bass in Thunderbird Reservoir, Oklahoma

Walleye (Stizostedion vitreum vitreum) x sauger (S. canadense) hybrids (saugeye) and largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) ≥350 mm total length were sampled in 1988 and 1989 to determine food habits and diet overlap. Shad (Dorosoma spp.) were the most important prey of both largemouth bass and saugeye. Both predators were opportunistic, eating a variety of prey items. Although diet overlap was high, competition for food was not apparent and would not be likely to occur unless forage became limited.