M. G. Wood

Development of a Trophy Largemouth Bass Fishery in Louisiana

The management objective at Caney Creek Reservoir, a Louisiana lake impounded in 1986, was to produce trophy-size largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Management actions included introduction of Florida bass (M s. floridanus), supplemental forage stocking, and initiation of length limit regulations. Prior to impoundment, the reservoir basin contained northern largemouth bass (M. s. salmoides) and intergrades between the northern and Florida subspecies. Eight years after the initial stocking of Florida bass in 1986, 49% of the population were northern bass, 23% were Florida bass, and 28...