Spatial and Temporal Patterns in Stream Habitat and Smallmouth Bass Populations in Eastern Oklahoma

Abstract

AbstractThe spatial and temporal dynamics of stream habitat and fish populations are important considerations for the conservation and management of stream fishes. We determined how stream habitat and populations of smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu varied among third‐order to fifth‐order stream reaches in two regional streams in eastern Oklahoma from 2003 to 2005. Eastern Oklahoma represents the southwestern edge of the species' range and is where the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation focuses its stream habitat management efforts. Water temperature, streamflow, and habitat differed between Baron Fork Creek (northeast) and the Glover River (southeast) and changed longitudinally within each stream. Smallmouth bass abundance was highest downstream in Baron Fork Creek and lowest downstream in the Glover River. Recruitment was poor and variable in the upstream reaches of both streams and was strong and stable downstream in Baron Fork Creek. The survival of age‐1 and older smallmouth bass was higher in Baron Fork Creek than in the Glover River. The relative weights of smallmouth bass were higher in Baron Fork Creek than in the Glover River upstream, and they decreased downstream in Baron Fork Creek. Growth was highest from summer to fall, and relative weights were lowest in spring and highest in summer. Survival was typically lowest from summer to fall. Movement among channel units was highest from fall to winter, and there was evidence that older individuals moved more often. Smallmouth bass used different habitats for overwintering versus spring spawning, and they used most deep habitats in summer and fall. Integrating population dynamics with stream habitat helped to identify habitat management strategies that can best enhance smallmouth bass populations at the edge of their native distribution, where they provide important recreational fishing opportunities to anglers.