A Study Of The Largemouth Bass Spawning Conditions, Behavior, And Locations Of Spawning Areas At Spring Meadow Lake

Abstract

For two months lasting from the middle of May till mid-July of 1985, a set of early, middle, and late observations were made upon the spawning of largemouth bass (Micropterus sal mo ides) at Spring Meadow Lake. A shoreline total averaged count of 333 bass was initially made. In the early investigations, two suspected spawning areas were observed, both of which proved to be nesting areas in the late investigations. During the middle observations, one possible and five probable spawning areas were detected. In the late investigations, six nests, five probable spawning areas, and five unlikely spawning areas were observed. Behavior of guardian male bass as well as location and description of each of these areas is given in the results. This study helped to confirm some spawning behavior and locate spawning areas. It also called into question the reliability of some reports on spawning behavior and conditions. It is hoped that this thesis will play a part in the determination of future construction work at Spring Meadow Lake with the idea of sparing valuable spawning areas of the largemouth bass.