White Bass Population Differences in Nebraska Reservoirs with Gizzard Shad or Alewife Prey Bases

Abstract

White bass Morone chrysops are an important sport fish for Nebraska anglers. In a statewide mail survey of licensed anglers during 1994–1995, 38% reported seeking white bass. White bass have been found in at least 20 flood control and irrigation reservoirs, ranging from less than 40.5 ha to 12,146 ha. The fish communities in these reservoirs comprised walleyes Stizostedion vitreum, channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus, crappies Pomoxis spp., and hybrids of white bass and striped bass M. saxatilis in addition to white bass. In reservoirs where gizzard shad Dorosoma cepedianum were the most abundant prey fish, white bass populations were characterized by stable, high recruitment, with a majority of the white bass being less than 300 mm in total length. In contrast, reservoirs with alewives Alosa pseudoharengus produced white bass populations with lower, less stable recruitment and a larger proportion of fish greater than 300 mm. Management efforts directed toward enhancing white bass populations have been limited, with liberal bag limits and no length limit restrictions. White bass have been stocked in some waters, but the effectiveness of those stockings has been marginal. Management efforts directed at white bass on Nebraska reservoirs need to consider the prey base. Further evaluations of white bass regulations, angler desires, and stocking strategies are needed.