Observations on Factors Affecting Smallmouth Bass Production in Iowa

Abstract

Many states in the range of the northern smallmouth bass ( Micropterus d. dolomieui) have in recent years conducted, or are at present conducting, studies on various factors in the life history of this species. Fleener (1952) in Missouri, and Larimore (1954) in Illinois, worked on the effect of artificial stocking; Gerking (1953) in Indiana, and Larimore (1952) in Illinois showed evidence of the homing instinct or behavior; and Webster (1953) worked out the patterns of dispersions and movement of the smallmouth bass in Cayuga Lake, New York. In the streams of northeast Iowa, the smallmouth bass is considered a major fisheries resource. With the accelerated fishing tempo directed against this species in the last decade, the characteristic instability of stream populations of the smallmouth bass has become increasingly apparent. In 1949, a study of factors that could potentially influence natural reproduction and survival was begun. In addition, efforts were directed toward developing a simple method of censusing both the adult and the young-ofthe-year segment of a stream population. In 1949, a series of 17 representative smallmouth bass streams were chosen and annual