Semester

Fall

Date of Graduation

2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

College

Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design

Department

Division of Forestry and Natural Resources

Committee Chair

Kyle Hartman

Committee Co-Chair

Donald Brown

Committee Member

Dave Wellman

Abstract

Black bass Micropterus spp. are popular sport fish in West Virginia’s navigable rivers. In recent years, anglers have expressed concerns about a potential decline in fishery quality. To investigate these claims, we evaluated whether fishery quality has declined compared to earlier periods and whether population trends correspond to angler catch rates. Specifically, we aimed to (1) examine changes in species catch over time and during key periods, such as tournament and spawning seasons; (2) describe the distribution of black bass species across pools and habitat types; and (3) assess the outcomes of previous stocking efforts. To address these objectives, we analyzed historical tournament records and fisheries-independent survey data to identify trends in angler catch rates and the relative abundance of black bass species.

Tournament angler catch rates for black bass varied between rivers and species, but after 2001, these rates were consistently higher than in earlier periods across all study areas (β1 = 0.01–0.03; χ2 = 14.78–59.75; p < 0.001). Angler catch per unit effort (CPUE) remained stable in the Monongahela and Kanawha Rivers. In contrast, changes in species composition were evident in two sections of the Ohio River. Largemouth Bass M. nigricans catch rates declined, while Smallmouth Bass M. dolomieu increased. Large tournaments (≥70 anglers), particularly during the spawning season, exert significant pressure on black bass populations. In both Ohio River sections, the annual catch of dominant black bass species during large tournaments is comparable to the total annual catch in medium and small tournaments. This high fishing pressure during spawning may be a major driver of the observed declines in Largemouth Bass catch rates. Additionally, the degradation of tributary and embayment habitats preferred by Largemouth Bass, likely due to sedimentation, may further contribute to these declines.

Electrofishing surveys revealed considerable variability in CPUE for fishery-sized individuals (total length ≥305 mm) and age-1 black bass in the Ohio River between 2001 and 2022. The relative abundance of fishery-sized Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass declined after 2010 and 2013, respectively. However, age-1 individuals of both species showed increased abundance toward the end of the study period, reaching levels at or above the 2001–2022 average. These trends suggest potential improvement in fishery quality in subsequent years.

Weak to moderate correlations were identified between tournament angler CPUE and survey CPUE for most black bass species, except for Spotted Bass M. punctulatus in the lower Ohio River. This disparity may indicate hyperstability in angler catch rates, where catch rates remain high despite declines in population abundance. Stocking efforts demonstrated mixed effectiveness. Largemouth Bass stocking significantly improved tournament angler CPUE, while the stocking of 37,790 Smallmouth Bass from 2005 to 2009 showed no significant effect. The shift in angler catches from Largemouth Bass to Smallmouth Bass reflects corresponding changes in their relative abundance, potentially explaining anglers’ perceptions of declining fishery quality.

Our findings indicate that spawning season angler activity and habitat degradation from sedimentation are likely key factors contributing to Largemouth Bass declines in the Ohio River. To address these issues, future studies should evaluate the extent to which angler exploitation during spawning affects vital rates such as recruitment and adult survival. Investigations into the availability and quality of spawning habitat for Largemouth Bass are also necessary, alongside efforts to improve and protect these critical areas.

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