Habitat of Adult Smallmouth Bass in a Tennessee River Reservoir

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Abstract
Over 4 seasons the movement and distribution of radio-tagged smallmouth bass (M. dolomieui) were evaluated relative to water temperature, current velocity, turbidity, surface light intensity, reservoir elevation, bottom contours, substrate and cover. Water temperatures were always within the range of tolerance by smallmouth bass, but late summer temperatures of 31.degree. C probably reduced movement. Fluctuations in water velocity and reservoir elevation influenced depth distribution and movement of individual fish. Bottom relief was a major variable governing distribution and movement patterns of smallmouth bass. Dropoffs of 30-45.degree. slope from the overbank into the original river channel or inundated creek channels were preferred. Bottom contours influenced both the shape of residence areas and movement pathways outside of residence areas. Smallmouth bass utilized all forms of submerged cover.sbd.rocks, stumps, sunken trees, and crevices in hard clay banks.sbd.without apparent preference for 1 type.