Smallmouth in Utah

[PBH]

[quote bassrods]

Smallies are slower growing then large..Large mouth will grow about as fast as trout 4 to 6" per year, SM about 2 to 4" per year.. [/quote]


Perfect! Back on track.

We'll use your numbers, whether they are correct or not.

SMB: 2 - 4" per year.

At Jordanelle, let's assume they are currently growing at 2" per year. Wouldn't it be better if they were growing 4" per year??

At 2" per year, a 4 year old fish would be 8". Sexual maturity is reached at 8"! They then spawn at 8"!

Compare that to the 4" per year growth. A 4 year old fish would be16" at sexual maturity!!

That's HUGE difference! And EXACTLY what we are talking about. Using YOUR numbers.

So, again, why wouldn't you want to get those fish in the fast growth rate (4" per year) zone vs. the slow (2" per year) zone???


A=B=C=D:
Reduce the overall population = more forage for the fish that are left = faster growth rates = bigger fish.
We can then assume: A=D
Reduce the overall population = bigger fish.

It's a simple formula Cliff.


[quote bassrods]
In lakes that have all sizes [#ff0000]with a good number of 19" and over SM bass[/#ff0000] [#008000]they seem to grow faster[/#008000] (or that is what other states say) and do not spawn till they are a bigger size.. [/quote]

Of course!! Exactly! Bingo! You got it!
Why? Because those fish are experiencing FAST growth rates! All of the fish, including the small fish, are growing FAST!
Why? Because population numbers are in check. They are NOT in check at Jordanelle (or Powell, for that matter!)
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