Relationship between Abundance of Largemouth Bass and Submerged Vegetation in Texas Reservoirs

Abstract

Survey data from 30 Texas reservoirs, collected between 1976 and 1978 as part of the Dingell-Johnson Reservoir Management Project, were analyzed to determine which factors affected largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) standing crops and their recruitment to harvestable size. A highly significant, positive relationship (P < 0.01) was found between percent submerged vegetation (up to 20%) and both the standing crop of largemouth bass and numbers being recruited to harvestable size. The relationship seemed to be linear within the range of values observed. Any reduction in submerged vegetation below 20% of the total lake coverage resulted in a decrease in recruitment and standing crop of largemouth bass. Conversely, to increase standing crop and recruitment of largemouth bass more than 10 in long in reservoirs having little or no cover, a program to increase submerged vegetation either through introductions or water-level manipulation should be implemented.