The spotted bass occurs in Kansas only in the southeastern part of the
state--in southern tributaries of the Osage system, in Spring River
drainage, and in relatively clear streams of the Flint Hills. At my
stations on the Neosho River, this fish was more abundant in 1957 than
in 1958 or 1959.
Spotted bass were taken most frequently over rubble bottom or near
boulders in moderate current. Collections made in the evening or early
morning more often contained spotted bass than collections made at other
times of day (Table 9). Data from a few specimens that were marked,
released, and recaptured indicated that the species is relatively
sedentary; therefore, the greater abundance in the morning and evening
collections probably indicates increased activity during these periods,
possibly in connection with feeding. The spawning season in 1957 may
have continued as late as 10 July when a ripe female 11.3 inches T. L.
was taken. Young-of-the-year were taken on 24 June in moderate current
over gravel bottom and in quiet water over mud bottom.
Spotted bass normally form a small part of the game-fish fauna in the
lower Neosho River. The species attains greater abundance in smaller,
clear streams of the Arkansas River Basin in Kansas (Cross, 1954, and
unpublished data of State Biological Survey of Kansas). During the
drought, the lower Neosho probably assumed many characteristics of a
smaller stream in normal times. Flow was reduced or entirely interrupted
and turbidity was lessened. These conditions resulted in faunal changes
in which spotted bass were more prominent than in years of normal flow.
During this period of reduced flow, some fishermen turned from
catfishing to bass-fishing; I think this constitutes evidence for an
increase in numbers of bass, accompanied by a decrease in numbers of
channel catfish. With the return of continuous flow and a consequent
rise in turbidity, bass declined in abundance in the mainstream.
#Micropteras salmoides salmoides# (Lacepede)