Smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieui) introduced from 1945 to 1948 into four rocky, infertile northeastern Minnesota lakes with established walleye (Stizostedion vitreum vitreum) populations reached maximum abundance in 9–15 yr and then declined to low numbers within 2–4 yr. In three, walleyes declined as the bass increased and in the fourth there was a simultaneous rise of walleye and bass followed by increased abundance of walleye with the decline of bass. Interspecific competition for spawning sites, shoal habitat, or food did not appear to be factors in the fluctuations in abundance. Growth of both species was density-dependent implying that intraspecific competition may have been the main factor. Also, predation of young walleye by bass may have been a factor in failure of walleye year-classes. Key words: Percidae, species interrelations, Stizostedion, Micropterus, competition, diet, populations fluctuations, habitat use, density
Hydrologic Evaluation of Smallmouth Bass Spawning Sites in the Upper Green River Using LiDAR
