The Development of the Fish Population in a New Flood-Control Reservoir in Missouri, 1948 to 1954

Abstract

Abstract Changes in the fish population in Clearwater Lake during the first 7 years after impoundment, 1948 through 1954, are described. This flood-control reservoir of 1,650 acres on Black River in the Ozark Highland of Missouri was completed by the Corps of Engineers, U. S. Army, in 1948. It is mostly shallower than 30 feet, and the water is moderately hard (M. O. alkalinity 97–106 p.p.m.) and clear (turbidity usually less than 7 p.p.m.). Fish samples were obtained by the use of nets, seines and rotenone, and from anglers' catches. Relative numbers, growth rates, and abundance in the anglers' catches are discussed for crappies, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, bluegills, longear sunfish, rock bass, warmouth, green sunfish, redhorse suckers, gizzard shad, bullheads, channel catfish, and carp. All fish species numerically important in the population by 1954 had spawned successfully at least once by 1952, so it is assumed that the carrying capacity of Clearwater Lake for the species complex present was re...