Intensive Production of Smallmouth Bass Fry

Abstract

We describe the procedures used for the intensive spawning, egg incubation, and production of smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu fry. These techniques have evolved over a 5-year period and culminated in a mean annual production rate of 1,812 fry/kg female, a rate that compares favorably with the 1,093 fry/kg female rate obtained using previous methods. This intensive method allows high broodfish stocking rates (e.g., 247 pairs/ha) and requires small pond space. The drawbacks of the method are identified and ways to improve them are discussed.