Effects of landlocked alewife introduction on white bass and walleye populations, Claytor Lake, Virginia

The effects of the landlocked alewife introduction on the white bass and walleye populations were evaluated. Only white bass in age classes III and IV clearly exhibited an increase in total length following the introduction of landlocked alewives. Age and growth analysis for walleye, white bass, and alewives are given. Condition factors for walleye and white bass are reported by sex, month, and twenty millimeter total length intervals. Alewives were found in the stomach contents of eight species of piscivorous fishes. The vertical distributions by season of alewives, channel catfish, white crappie, walleye, and white bass are given. Each of the predator fishes seem to be found in close proximity to the alewife.

Changes in the fish fauna of Claytor Lake between 1950 and 1971 are discussed. Based on the two rotenone samples taken during this study, the standing crop of fishes in Claytor Lake is below that of most other reservoirs.