Michael R. Dewey

Seasonal biomass estimates of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus ), and longear sunfish (L. megalotis ) were made during 3 growing seasons (1977 - 79) by cove rotenone sampling in May, June, August and September. Substantial mortality of young-of-the-year (YOY) largemouth bass during late summer suggests that this period was critical in determining year-class strength. Overwinter mortality was 88, 87, and 71%for the 1977-, 1978and 1979-year classes, respectively. Biomass of bluegill increased from May to August and decreased in September, probably as a...

Estimates of abundance, production, growth, survival, and mortality of largemouth bass were derived from spring electrofishing samples in the upper, middle, and lower sections of DeGray Lake from 1975 to 1979. Mean population estimates ranged from 86 to 163 bass per hectare; the populations were dominated by bass of ages I and IT (73% to 96%). Population estimates of the 3 coves based on surface area were biased because there were large differences in the ratio of shoreline length to surface area. Population estimates were adjusted to correct for this bias. Production was highest in the...