Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Semester of Degree Completion
1983
Thesis Director
Leonard Durham
Abstract
Lake Charleston, Illinois was electrofished to determine the status of the largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides, Lacepede) population after its reconstruction into a pump storage reservoir. The changes observed were an increased rate of growth of the initial year class, increased average growth increment of older bass, and a more abundant bass population. Factors which may have influenced increased growth were decreased turbidity, alkalinity, and increased water level. There is a possibility the increase in water level led to an increase in terrestrial invertebrates as a food source, and increased spawning substrate and cover due to submerged terrestrial vegetation. In addition, the greater availability of utilizable forage fish (gizzard shad) may have affected increased growth.
Recommended Citation
Durham, Lawrence B., "Observed Changes in the Largemouth Bass Population Since Construction of a New Pump Storage Reservoir at Charleston, Illinois" (1983). Masters Theses. 2887.
https://thekeep.eiu.edu/theses/2887
