Movements and Site Fidelity of Black Bass in Three Harbors along the Illinois Shoreline of Lake Michigan

Abstract

ABSTRACT From 2000 through 2004, thirty-nine smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) and three largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) were tracked via sonic transmitters in three Lake Michigan harbors along the Illinois shoreline. In Calumet Harbor, eight smallmouth bass were tracked; there was no evidence that they ever left the harbor. In Jackson Park Harbor, twelve smallmouth bass were tracked. These fish moved out of the harbor as water temperature increased in May and June. Nineteen smallmouth bass and three largemouth bass were tracked in North Point Harbor. Smallmouth bass would move into and out of the harbor depending on water temperature within the harbor; as the temperature increased, fish would move from the harbor. Largemouth bass moved similarly, but their movements were at higher temperatures than those associated with movement of smallmouth bass. Both species moved when temperature increased rapidly.