Douglas Electrofishing 2008
Sampling dates: April 7 - 10, 2008
Species collected in survey (14 runs, 3.5 hrs total effort):
Walleye = 1
Sauger = 0
Black Crappie = 82
White Crappie = 2
Smallmouth Bass = 76
Largemouth Bass = 538
In 2008, smallmouth bass catch rates were more than double the catch rates of any other sample year since the sample started in 2004 and were the highest recorded so far. The sample also included a good size range of smallmouth with plenty of smallmouth under 10-inches. There was also a big increase from last year in smallmouth over 15-inches. Smallmouth fishing on the lower end of the reservoir should be good for 2008 and with the good numbers of fish under 10-inches the last two years, fishing should continue to improve over the next few years. The relative weights for smallmouth bass were a little below normal, which indicated the smallmouth had already spawned.
The 2008 largemouth sample was good. There was an increase in the catch rate and the percentage of quality size fish (>12-inches) in the sample, when compared to last year. Also, there were good numbers of largemouth below 10-inches for the second year in a row, which should help ensure the fishery to remain stable over the next few years. As usual, the largemouth relative weights were good for Douglas Reservoir.
The lower than average pool levels in the reservoir due to the 2007 drought conditions in the southeast, seemed to have no effect on the largemouth and smallmouth populations. So far, the gamefish populations appear normal, but we will know more during our fall and winter gill net and trap net sampling.
