Movement of smallmouth bass in Elkhorn Creek, Kentucky

Movement patterns of 305-406-mm small-mouth bass Micropterus dolomieu were observed by use of radiotelemetry in main-stem Elkhorn Creek and the Kentucky River, Kentucky, in 2000 and 2001 to determine impacts of movement and homing ability on a special regulation area within the open-river system. Small-mouth bass are protected from harvest in main-stem Elkhorn Creek by a 305-406-mm protective slot limit, but can be harvested in the Kentucky River under a 305-mm minimum length limit. In 2000, 39 smallmouth bass radio-tagged in May and June after spawning were composed of migratory (69%) and sedentary (31%) groups, with 13% utilizing the Kentucky River. In 2001, 15 smallmouth bass radio-tagged in late March prior to spawning were year-round sedentary residents; 20% made limited movements out of their original capture pool. In addition, we displaced 15 smallmouth bass from Elkhorn Creek into the Kentucky River in March 2001 to observe and quantify homing; 60% of the fish returned to the creek from their displacement locations. Managers should consider movement patterns when developing special regulation areas, particularly as seasonal movements may affect the size and scope of the area necessary for adequate protection.