Biotelemetry of White Bass in a South Dakota Glacial Lake

Abstract

ABSTRACT Biotelemetry was used to track daily and monthly distributions of white bass (Morone chrysops) in Lake Poinsett, a South Dakota glacial lake. Ultrasonic transmitters were implanted into 30 adult white bass (332–450 mm, total length) during May 1997. White bass distribution was monitored from June to October 1997, January and February 1998, and April and May 1998. Distributions were quantified using depth and distance from shore at fish location. Fish distance from shore was significantly different among dates and diel periods (P<0.05), and the interaction term was also significant. White bass in Lake Poinsett were offshore during the summer and winter. During the spring and fall, white bass were near shore in shallow waters, which may be related to spawning and feeding activities. White bass tended to be nearer the shore during the evening crepuscular period across seasons. Significant (P≤0.05) but weak (r≤0.50) correlations were found between white bass distance from shore and environmental parameters. Temperature, cloud cover, precipitation, and moon phase were significant contributors to multiple regression models, but no model explained more than 26% of the white bass distribution.