Striped Bass Management in Lakes with Emphasis on Management Problems

Abstract The number of fisheries for striped bass Morone saxatilis in freshwater impoundments in the United States has increased dramatically over the last decade. A survey of fisheries agencies throughout the country was conducted to evaluate accomplishments and problems associated with management of striped bass and hybrid striped bass (male white bass Morone chrysops x female striped bass). Through 1981, fisheries for striped bass, hybrid striped bass, or both had been established in at least 279 lakes in 34 states. Mean annual harvest rates from striped bass, hybrid striped bass, and mixed (both fish in same lake) fisheries were 1.1, 0.7, and 3.0 kg/hectare, respectively. In reservoirs where they are established, these fisheries contribute an average of 13.6% to the total harvest by weight; their maximum contribution is 66.2%. Improvements in management have been limited by the lack of good objectives and of quantitative evaluations of stocking success. The most frequently cited management problem was...