Watauga Electrofishing 2008
Sampling date: April 29 - 30, 2008
Species collected in survey (20 runs, 5.0 hrs total effort):
Largemouth Bass = 106
Smallmouth Bass = 154
Spotted Bass = 81
Walleye = 31
The largemouth bass catch rates for Watauga Reservoir have continued to increase since 2003 with the highest rates in the last 10 years occurring in 2008. The size structure was also really good with 70% of the total largemouth catch over 15-inches. Watauga consistently has good size largemouth each year. There was a decline in the number of largemouth under 10-inches, but the fishery should remain stable. The relative weights for both largemouth and smallmouth bass were good.
Smallmouth bass catch rates were also above normal for 2008 but only just above normal. The smallmouth size structure improved again in 2008 and should continue to improve with the incremental size limit that went into effect in March, 2008. The percentage of smallmouth over 15-inches in Watauga is really good when compared to other reservoirs and this should also improve with the new regulations.
There were no crappie in the 2008 sample and the walleye population appears to be in good shape. Over 75% of the walleye sampled were 18-inches and bigger.
There is no indication that the 2007 drought had any negative impacts on the sportfish population of Watauga Reservoir.
