2015 Impoundment Forecast and Largemouth Bass Lakes Report
Mar 4, 2015 15:33:57 GMT -5
Brian and widgeon3 like this
Post by mwardncsu on Mar 4, 2015 15:33:57 GMT -5
blog.wildlife.virginia.gov/outdoor-report/2015/03/2015-impoundment-forecast-and-largemouth-bass-lakes-report/
Specifically on SML....
The Smith Mountain Lake largemouth bass population was stable from 2007-2012 with general numbers remaining near all-time highs. Sampling in 2014 indicated an overall population decline of 15% since 2012. The number of bass over 15 inches declined 16% and bass over 20 inches dropped 55% in 2012, most likely due to Largemouth Bass Virus that was discovered at Smith Mountain Lake in 2011. Although overall bass numbers have had marginal declines since 2012, the percent of large fish in the population has improved to levels that are similar to years before the Largemouth Bass Virus was found. The smallmouth bass population makes up less than ten percent of the bass population at this lake but still contributes to the fishery. This species mirrors very closely the largemouth bass with overall numbers slightly declining but the percentage of larger fish in the population increasing after the bass virus was discovered in 2011.
Striped bass fishing overall success may decline some from 2014. While this decline will not be large, the management goal for the fishery is to reduce the number of striped bass in the 26-29 inch range. Growth of the striped bass 26-29 inches has been steadily declining since 2008 and is limiting the production of trophy fish. Forage has not been adequate to support healthy growth for these fish year around. However, growth for younger fish (less than 26 inches) is still good indicating the slower growth is only occurring for larger striped bass. There does seem to be some modest improvements in the number fish over 30 inches. The new striped bass slot limit (30-40 inches) that began on January 1, 2015 was designed to remove more of the slower growing and stunted striped bass with the goal of improving their growth and provide additional striped bass over 30 inches.
The crappie population has been very consistent for several years for both numbers and sizes. Anglers should also find a good distribution of fish between 8-13 inches. Channel and flathead catfish should be similar to the past few years with little change.
Striped bass fishing overall success may decline some from 2014. While this decline will not be large, the management goal for the fishery is to reduce the number of striped bass in the 26-29 inch range. Growth of the striped bass 26-29 inches has been steadily declining since 2008 and is limiting the production of trophy fish. Forage has not been adequate to support healthy growth for these fish year around. However, growth for younger fish (less than 26 inches) is still good indicating the slower growth is only occurring for larger striped bass. There does seem to be some modest improvements in the number fish over 30 inches. The new striped bass slot limit (30-40 inches) that began on January 1, 2015 was designed to remove more of the slower growing and stunted striped bass with the goal of improving their growth and provide additional striped bass over 30 inches.
The crappie population has been very consistent for several years for both numbers and sizes. Anglers should also find a good distribution of fish between 8-13 inches. Channel and flathead catfish should be similar to the past few years with little change.
