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Oklahoma’s Management Strategy

Although it may be debated by some, black bass (largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass) are the state’s most popular sport fish, with largemouths the most pursued by anglers. Because of this species’ popularity and the varied angling opportunities throughout the state, the Department developed an official Largemouth Bass Management Plan.

Under the plan, which has been utilized for several years, biologists strive to match each lake's bass populations with appropriate regulations to maximize largemouth angling opportunities. Some lakes are suited for producing many bass, while others have the potential to become trophy bass fisheries.

Fisheries managers use a variety of biological information in determining management recommendations, but some of the most important pieces of information come from springtime electrofishing surveys. Information on population health, average fish size and habitat and forage conditions can be obtained from survey results.

The accompanying bass electrofishing chart lists the two most important sets of data: "Number of Bass Per Hour," and "Number of Bass Over 14 Inches Per Hour." While anglers can use these indicators to help determine where to fish for bass, biologists use the data to rate each lakes and, subsequently, formulate management strategies for them.

Lakes are classified as "Quality" if they can produce good numbers of catchable bass (indicated by at least 40 bass per hour of electrofishing, with at least 10 of those bass 14 inches or longer). "High Quality" lakes produce excellent numbers of catchable bass (at least 60 bass per hour, with 15 or more of those fish 14 inches or longer). Lakes that have trophy potential (capable of producing two fish over 21 inches in length per hour of electrofishing) are rated as "Trophy Quality."

Largemouth Bass Virus