Largemouth Bass
Electrofishing Results, 2004

2004 Spring Electrofishing Bass Survey Results

Spring surveys and summertime fishing

A slight breeze, a secluded cove and a few casts into some first-rate bass water - you’d be hardpressed to find a better way to spend a weekend morning. But before you hit the water, you may want to check out the 2004 spring electrofishing data recently released by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

In reservoirs over 1,000 acres, Konawa Lake earned the top spot in number of bass surveyed per hour. Covering 1,300 acres in Seminole County, Konawa produced 170 bass per hour of electrofishing during this year's surveys. That is up to par with its reputation as a first-rate bass lake.

But large reservoirs aren’t the only bass fishing hotspots. Lake Schooler near Hugo produced 191 bass per hour of electrofishing, placing in the number one spot for lakes under 1,000 acres. This small Wildlife Department-owned lake covers only 35 acres and was built in the 1930’s.

If all this talk about bass fishing has you itching to go, then Gene Gilliland, senior fisheries biologist for the Wildlife Department, has a few tips for you.

“Fishing in mid-summer can be great, but you have to approach it just a little differently than other seasons,” Gilliland said.

First, anglers may want to try fishing at night. The decreased boat traffic and cooler temperatures can add up to a memorable night of fishing.

“Try using a 10-inch black plastic worm,” Gilliland said. “The dark color offers a better silhouette under a moonlit sky.”

Ask any seasoned angler about summertime bass fishing and they will probably mention topwater lures.

“Using topwaters first thing in the morning is certainly an exciting way to find bass,” Gilliland said.

Gilliland also suggested looking for bass in submerged weedbeds in the mid-afternoon. Bass will often hang out in these shady areas waiting for their next meal.

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Editor Note: Spring electrofishing survey explanation

            Data from the springtime bass survey is divided between that collected from lakes larger than 1,000 acres, and lakes smaller than 1,000 acres. The data is used to determine the health of individual bass fisheries and how bass populations change over time. Regional fisheries management personnel capture bass using electrofishing equipment, then they weigh and measure each fish before releasing them back into the water unharmed. The information helps biologists determine which lakes benefit from specialized management techniques such as length and slot limits.

            If you're interested in big bass, the survey is also a great place to determine which lake may hold the highest number of big bass. Biologists keep track of the number of bass over 14 inches recorded for each hour of electrofishing.

            The Department rates a lake as high quality when it produces more than 15 bass over 14 inches per hour of electrofishing. Quality lakes yield more than 10 bass over 14 inches per hour of electrofishing, and those which produce fewer than 10 per hour are considered below average.

            In terms of total numbers of bass per hour, lakes that yield more than 60 bass of any size per hour are rated as “high quality.” Those producing 40 bass or more per hour are considered "quality" lakes, and less than 40 per hour are considered below average.

            Variations in electrofishing catch rates can result from lake conditions at the time of sampling or from changes in reproduction, recruitment, growth and mortality caused by habitat alteration, environmental impacts, food fish production, disease or angling pressure. All fish collected by biologists through electrofishing are weighed, measured and released unharmed. Not all lakes are surveyed each year.

            For the complete 2004 Spring Electrofishing Survey Results, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.

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2004 Spring Electrofishing Bass Survey Results

* DENOTES LAKES LESS THAN 1000 ACRES