Exploitation, natural mortality, and survival of smallmouth bass and largemouth bass in Shasta Lake, California

van Woert, WF.

California Fish and Game 663: 163-171

1980


ISSN/ISBN: 0008-1078
Accession: 021012220

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Summary
To obtain information on mortality and survival of black bass in Shasta Lake, reward trailer tags were attached to smallmouth bass, M. dolomieui, in 1973 and 1975 and to largemouth bass, M. salmoides, in 1975. First-year exploitation of 203-356 mm smallmouth bass tagged in 1973 was 0.68, natural mortality was 0.24 and survival was 0.08. First-year exploitation of 254-305 mm smallmouth bass tagged in 1975 was 0.70, natural mortality was 0.28, and survival was 0.02. First year exploitation of 254-406 mm largemouth bass tagged in 1975 was 0.50, natural mortality 0.28 and survival 0.22. First year exploitation of both species probably was lower than that indicated by tag returns since anglers were known to release some bass after removing the tag. Survival of both species may have been underestimated since high turbidity levels in 1974 and the beginning of a 2 yr drought in 1976 may have reduced angler use and/or success. High exploitation of smallmouth bass in Shasta Lake is the result of heavy angling pressure and high vulnerability of young smallmouth bass to natural baits. This high exploitation may be responsible for the large population of small smallmouth bass in Shasta Lake.