Environmental Effects of Western Coal Surface Mining. Part VI: Smallmouth Bass and Largemouth Bass in the Tongue River Reservoir, Montana, 1975-76

摘要

Population parameters of smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieui) and largemouth bass (M. salmoides) were studied during 1975 and 1976, before expansion of surface coal mining adjacent to the Tongue River Reservoir in southeastern Montana. Reproductive success, as determined by alongshore seining, varied in different areas of the reservoir and may be correlated to turbidity. Population estimates were obtained at night during spring and fall 1976 with boat electrofishing gear. For yearling and older smallmouth bass the fall population of 13.0 fish/ha and the standing crop of 2.03 kg/ha represented 80 and 84 percent of the totals for basses in the reservoir. The largemouth bass population and standing crop during fall 1976 was 3.2 fish/ha and 0.32 kg/ha.