Smallmouth Bass Long-Term Assessment

Overview

This project monitors Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu) populations in several Illinois rivers, with a focus on providing information needed to address population declines in the Mackinaw River that started in the early 2000s. The main objectives are to:

1. Assess the abundance and condition of wild and stocked populations in the Mackinaw River and Vermillion River (Illinois River Basin),
2. Provide detailed underwater habitat mapping from side-scan sonar imaging in both rivers, and
3. Assess Smallmouth Bass movement patterns and habitat utilization in the Mackinaw River.

Together, these analyses will identify potential factors limiting the Mackinaw River population. Results of this work will be shared with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to improve management of Smallmouth Bass populations in the rivers of Illinois.