Growth of Eight Species of Fishes in Quabbin Reservoir, Massachusetts, in Relation to Age of Reservoir and Introduction of Smelt

Abstract

Growth rates of eight species of fish taken by angling from Quabbin Reservoir, a 25,000-acre impoundment in Massachusetts, were determined for all or two of the following three periods of the reservoirˈs history: A—while the reservoir was filling; B—during the first 7 years after it had filled; and C—after the smelt had been introduced. Growth of yellow perch (Perca flavescens) showed little change over the three periods; that of white perch (Morone americana) declined. Growth of smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieui) and chain pickerel (Esox niger) increased somewhat after introduction of smelt but that of black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) and largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) remained essentially unchanged. There was a marked increase in growth rates of lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) and brown trout (Salmo trutta) after smelt had become abundant (1954-1958). The proportion of game fishes (black basses, pickerel, and trouts) in the total angling catch increased from 2.1 to 5.4 percent by numbers and 11.0 to 23.0 percent by weight after introduction of smelt. Average angling yield in this deep, soft-water reservoir is 2.5 pounds per acre per year.