NPSpecies

Data Source: Britt, 1993

Introduced along the Atlantic Slope and elsewhere from the Mississippi Drainage; Data Source: Britt, 1993 Legacy NPSpecies information may no longer be applicable, please remove if it is not applicable. In legacy NPSpecies Cultivation value was Not cultivated with comment: By definition, this species was not introduced as part of the park's mission. Rather, they occur there naturally having been introduced elswhere in the drainage at some point in the past.; Data Source: Britt, 1993

Park Species Detail: Britt, 1993: Mictopterus dolomieui, smallmouth bass (resident, introduced). Originally, the smallmouth bass ranged from the Great Lakes south to northern Georgia and Alabama, east to the Appalachian range, and west to eastern Oklahoma. Introduction of this Species has broadened the current distribution to include the northeast and areas west of the Mississippi drainage. Smallmouth bass tend to grow faster in lakes and reservoirs. The ideal lacustrine habitat for this species tends to be clear lakes and reservoirs with average depths greater than 9 meters. Smallmouth bass seek cover near large boulders and rocks, stumps, roots, and trees. The optimum riverine habitat for this species is a cool, clear stream that provides adequate shade and cover. Deep pools, moderate current, and a gravel or rubble substrate are also important requirements,. This species can tolerate occasional turbidity, but the optimum environment has low dissolved solids. Optimum pH range for smallmouth bass is 7.9 to 8.1, and optimum dissolved oxygen is greater than 6 mg/I. Adult smallmouth bass prefer water temperatures in the range of 21 to 27°C in the summer. As water temperature drops, smallmouth bass tend to move to deep dark waters. Adult length is usually 20-56 cm. It is uncommon to fmd a smallmouth bass older than 7 years. The diet of fry consists mainly of microcrustaceans. Juveniles feed on larger insects, crayfish and fish. Adults eat fish and crayfish. The spawning season begins in mid¬April, depending on water temperature and geography, and can extend to July. Nest building and spawning begins when water temperatures reach 12.8 to 21.0°C. The greatest spawning activity takes place at water temperatures above 15°C. The species spawns on rocky lake shoals, river shallows, or backwaters. Smallmouth bass also move into creeks and tributaries for the purpose of spawning. Nests are built in depths of 0.3 to 0.9 meters, but have been found in water up to 7 meters deep. Nests are found in gravel and broken rock., Park Species Data Source: Britt, 1993