Boone Electrofishing 2008
Sampling date: April 16 – 17, 2008
Species collected in survey (14 runs, 3.5 hrs total effort):
Black Crappie = 46
Blacknose Crappie = 4
Largemouth Bass = 378
Smallmouth Bass = 103
Spotted Bass = 7
White Crappie = 1
Catch rates in 2008 for both largemouth and smallmouth bass were nearly double the normal catch rates for Boone and were also the highest recorded in the last 10 years. The largemouth size structure was really good. About 56% of the fish were between 12 and 18-inches with good numbers (22% of sample) of largemouth below 8-inches. These smaller fish in the population are what helps ensure a sustainable and stable fishery. Like always, the relative weights for largemouth were really good. Overall, this was a great sample for Boone Reservoir.
Smallmouth bass catch rates were also the highest recorded during the last 10 years. About 53% of the smallmouth were between 12 and 18-inches. The number of fish in this size range should continue to increase with the new incremental smallmouth size limits taking effect this year. About 26% of the smallmouth in the sample were under 8-inches, which will keep the fishery stable for the next few years. The relative weights for smallmouth bass were a little below normal, indicating the smallmouth had already spawned.
The lower than average rainfall in 2007, seemed to have no effect on the largemouth and smallmouth populations in Boone Reservoir. So far, the gamefish populations appear normal, but more information will be collected this fall and winter during gill net sampling.
