David L. Combs

Fish Population Changes In Keystone Reservoir Fourteen Years After Striped Bass Introductions

During the 14 years after initial introduction, a viable striped bass (Morone saxatilis) sport fishery developed on Keystone Reservoir. Natural reproduction, first identified in 1970, continued through 1979 in tributary rivers. Selected endemic fish species showed no significant changes in standing crop estimates from cove rotenone studies 1971-73, 1976-79. Available prey-predator ratios (AP/P) showed a fluctuating availability of forage for small predators and ample prey for large predators.

Striped Bass Spawning In The Arkansas River Tributary Of Keystone Reservoir, Oklahoma

Spawning locations of striped bass (Morone saxatilis) were identified over a 118 km reach of the Arkansas River from the collection of 8,828 striped bass eggs during 1976-78. Although certain spawning locations remain constant from year to year others vary significantly within the 118 km stretch of river. Spawning began between 7 and 14 April when water temperature reached 15.5 to 18.5C and had a duration of 27 to 51 days. Spawning peaks occurred annually, generally within a few days from one year to the next. Water temperature, discharge, velocity, total dissolved solids, specific...

Food Habits Of Adult Striped Bass From Keystone Reservoir And Its Tailwaters

During 1974, 1975 and 1976, stomachs of 467 adult striped bass (Morone saxatilis) from Keystone Reservoir and its tailwaters were collected and examined for content. Gizzard shad (f)orosol11a cepedianum) was the most abundant food item found in striped bass stomachs. The relationship between the length of striped bass and the length of gizzard shad consumed was not significant (.05%). Seasonal and habitat variations in the diet were not significant (.05%).