Fish populations from four borrow pit lakes were evaluated for growth, condition, and composition. Information obtained from this study was used to formulate management possibilities to improve the sport fishery in these lakes. This study was conducted on four borrow pit lakes in Delaware and Grant Counties along Interstate 69 in eastcentral Indiana from April, 1976 to October, 1976.Growth data revealed that largemouth bass from Cardinal, Dumpert's, and Walter's Lakes did not reach harvestable size (12 in.) until they were 4 or 5 years old. Bass from all three lakes averaged approximately 62 mm for the yearly increment of growth. Bluegill from Cardinal and Walter's Lakes reached harvestable size (5 in.) by age four while bluegill from Dumpert's Lake were 3 years old when they reached harvestable size. Bluegill averaged 26 mm and 28 mm respectively for Cardinal and Walter's Lakes while Dumpert's Lake averaged 42 mm for the yearly increment.Condition data revealed that only the age five bluegill from Dumpert's Lake were classified in good condition. There were no largemouth bass classified in good condition whereas only age five through seven bass in Walter's Lake were classified in average condition.Growth rates for bass and bluegill were less than most values given in the literature with Dumpert's Lake having the fastest growing bass and bluegill. Bluegill was the dominant species captured from all lakes except Cardinal Lake where gizzard shad was the dominant species. Bluegill and largemouth bass averaged 65% and 12% of the population respectively when young-of-the-year fish were included. This study revealed that these lakes should be able to support a warm-water sport fishery with proper management techniques.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:BSU/oai:cardinalscholar.bsu.edu:handle/182334 |
| Date | January 1980 |
| Creators | Kirby, Edward B. |
| Contributors | McComish, Thomas S. |
| Source Sets | Ball State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Format | x, 96 leaves : ill. ; 28 cm. |
| Source | Virtual Press |
| Coverage | n-us-in |
Page generated in 0.0019 seconds