A total of 108 largemouth bass were netted in 60 minutes of electrofishing. Bass ranged in size from 5.5 to 21 inches, with the majority of bass between 13 and 15.5 inches (Figure 1). Of the 108 bass captured, 75% were 12 inches and larger and 38% were 15 inches and larger. The number of fish collected per hour of electrofishing time (Catch Per Unit Effort) has increased 84% since 2006 (Figure 2). Under Big Bass Program Regulations, bass are managed with a 15-inch minimum size limit and a 4 fish per day creel limit. As part of the Early Season Trout Stocked Waters Program, the lake is closed completely to fishing from April 1st to the opening day of trout season and, under the Big Bass Regulations Program, bass harvest is managed with a “catch and immediate release, no harvest” season from the opening day of trout season to the opening day of bass (see page 7 of the 2008 summary handbook).

Along with a nice sample of largemouth bass, we observed numerous stocked trout and panfish while electrofishing.

Figure 1. Length frequency distribution of largemouth bass from our spring 2008 sample.

Figure 2. Catch per hour of electrofishing effort for largemouth bass greater than or equal to 12 and 15 inches
in Lower Hereford Manor Lake from 1990-2008.

Fisheries Biologist Aide Devin DeMario displaying a nice 20 inch bass

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