Habitat Preferences of Introduced Smallmouth Bass in a Central Arizona Stream

Abstract

Abstract Smallmouth bass Micropterus dolmieu have been introduced and persist in Wet Beaver Creek in central Arizona. With a predominantly sand substrate, Wet Beaver Creek is not a typical smallmouth bass stream. Despite the atypical habitat, the smallmouth bass population is reproducing and individual fish are reaching total lengths in excess of 355 mm. In general, adult and juvenile smallmouth bass in Wet Beaver Creek preferred the same velocities and depths as has been reported for smallmouth bass in other geographic regions. However, adult fish from Wet Beaver Creek had a lower preference for deeper waters (between 1.5 and 3.0 m) than has previously been reported and preferred much finer substrates. Juvenile fish preferred gravel substrates and greater velocities than did adults.