Info

[BaitWrangler]

**Seven ponds and 12 stream stations were sampled in the Blackstone River, Narragansett Bay, and Atlantic coastal watersheds in 2002. Fish sampling was conducted primarily with boat and backpack electrofisher and secondarily with seine and trap nets. Physical and chemical measures were taken with all data entered into a database system. Black bass population data from 5 additional ponds brought the most recently surveyed data set up to 15 populations. Age and growth work shows that largemouth bass typically reach the 12 inch minimum size in their fourth year of life. Smallmouth bass typically require 5 years to attain the same size. The fastest growth rates for largemouth occurred in Turner and Watson Reservoirs and Easton and Stafford Ponds, where fish reached 12 inches by age-3. Overall, assessments conducted over the past five years have documented 70 fish species in 178 stream and ponds from 1998 - 2002. American eels were noted as being the most prevalent and abundant fish in stream samples. A wide range of water chemistry measures were documented translating to a diversity of habitat conditions and influencing existing fish communities.

In 2003, approximately 2,050 lbs of golden shiners (100 to the lb) and 2,000 largemouth bass (mean length 7 inches) were stocked into Tiogue Lake, Tucker Pond, Pascoag Reservoir (Echo Lake), Watchaug Pond, and Wilson Reservoir. Fish allocation was based upon the percentage of an individual water surface area relative to the total area of all targeted waters. This approach kept the number of fish stocked per acre at a consistent number among all waters. Largemouth bass were sampled from study waters by electrofishing and monitoring tournament weigh-ins. Analyses of the data gathered by both methods showed electrofishing to be more selective for bass < 12 inches where anglers were more selective for bass > 12 inches. The mean length of bass from tournament anglers ranged from 13 inches (Tiogue) to 15 inches (Pascoag). The mean length of bass sampled by electrofishing ranged from 9.5 inches (Watchaug) to 16.5 inches (Tucker). Tucker Pond was noted to continue its trend of a reduction in the proportion of bass < 12 inches compared to the other waterbodies. Catch rates (based upon tournament data) among the lakes for bass 12 - 15 inches ranged from 0.13 bass/hr (Watchaug) to 0.42 bass/hr (Wilson). Electrofishing catch rates for bass in the same size classes ranged from 1.0 bass/hr (Wachaug) to 8.0 bass/hr (Wilson and Echo). Electrofishing abundance for bass 8 - 12 inches varied considerably; Wilson (22.0 bass/hr), Echo (10.0 bass/hr), Watchaug (7.0 bass/hr), Tiogue (4.5 bass/hr), and Tucker (1.0 bass/hr).

Three ponds and three stream stations were surveyed in 2003 to add to the larger statewide assessment database. Survey data collected include a number of physical and chemical water quality measures in addition to fish population data. Fish data includes measures of relative abundance, size structure, indices of fish condition, and age and growth analysis. An analysis of the data from this survey, covering the period form 1993 - 2003, has produced some interesting and valuable results with management implications for the 83 ponds and 277 stream locations sampled. Many of the ponds surveyed were impoundments from older dams placed in streams that over time have become shallow from sediment deposition with associated abundant aquatic plant communities. Stream location varied from cool headwater reaches (1st order) to larger, slower, warmer (4th order) streams. A total of 71 fish species representing 31 families were collected across the 360 sample location. Five streams and one pond did not produce any fishes but at the time of sampling had adequate water quality parameters. The absence of fish was believed to be a result of lack of water in previous drought conditions. A total of 32 species of freshwater fish were collected, consisting of 21 native and 11 introduced species. American eel and largemouth bass were the most commonly collected species, occurring in half of the localities sampled and all the state's watersheds. Three species, rock bass, spotfin shiner, and channel catfish, collected in previous surveys were not encountered by this study. Bluegill, chain pickerel, golden shiner, and pumpkinseed were noted to be fairly abundant appearing in at least 30% of the localities and all the state's watersheds. Ten anadromous fish species were collected over the course of the survey. American shad, alewife, and blueback herring adults and juveniles were collected in the survey.

BR

[BaitWrangler]

Some additional stream survey work continued in 2004. Summary tables, figures, and the Introduction narrative for a final report were completed. Requests for data on fish species abundance and distribution were provided to a variety of agencies and entities. Largemouth bass and golden shiners were stocked into five waters which were sampled by electrofishing and monitoring of angler tournaments. Instream flow work continued in 2004 with participation on state working groups and the development of a report with objectives and protocols. Sampling in the Hunts River basin was undertaken to compare survey results from 1997 with 2004 based upon increased water withdrawls.

The Rhode Island Stream Flow Subcommittee meetings were attended in 2004 along with smaller more tasked focused meetings. A report outlining objectives and standards was produced for Rhode Island. Meetings on instream flow in the northeast were attended by staff. A study of the fish community in the Hunt River watershed was completed in 2004. Nine locations sampled in 1997 were sampled in 2004 to examine any changes that may be attributed to increased water use withdrawl in this area. Results were mixed, several sites showed similar species assembleges, some showed an increase in the proportion of generalists. Wild brook trout populations were noted in headwater areas of the watershed. A more thorough analyses of the data and continued sampling is planned.

During 2004, approximately 2,000 pound of golden shiners and 2,000 largemouth bass were stocked into Tiogue Lake, Tucker Pond, Pascoag Reservoir, Watchaug Pond, and Wilson Reservoir. Through the summer and fall these waters were sampled by electrofishing and monitoring of tournaments. Catch rates for largemouth bass in Echo, Tiogue, Watchaug, and Wilson Pond were determined for tournament caught fish by size categories. Echo Pond had the highest catch rates (0.27 fish/hr) for fish in the 12 to 15 inch size class followed by Wilson (0.26 fish/hour), Tiogue (0.25 fish/hour), and Watchaug (0.15 fish/hour). Electrofishing largemouth bass catch rates for the same ponds showed more variable and apparently uncorrelated results with the tournament catch rates. Electrofishing catch rates for fish in the same length category ranged from a high of 11 fish/hour in Wilson Pond to 2.5 fish/hour in Watchaug Pond. Fish in the 8-10 inch range were sampled at approximately 10 fish/hour in Echo, Watchaug, and Wilson ponds and 2-3 fish/hour in Tiogue and Tuckers ponds. In addition, an annotated bibliography on largemouth bass virus was produced.

[BaitWrangler]

The pond and stream survey continued to gather data on fish species occurrence, relative abundance, size distribution, and a variety of water quality and habitat parameters adding to an extensive database. Data from these surveys were requested and provided to private companies, government agencies, NGOs and the public. Five lakes and ponds continued to be stocked with both golden shiners and largemouth bass. Bass tournaments in these waters were monitored to obtain data on catch and effort. Electrofishing surveys were also conducted to provide population and assessment data on bass and other fish species. Work on instream flow issues continued with staff involvement on the state's multiagency team. Sampling efforts to better quantify flows with fish species occurrence and related effects continued with long term monitoring sites. Staff also participated in a National instream flow organization that includes coordination with neighboring New England states.

The RI Water Allocation Program Advisory Committee's Streamflow subcommittee meetings were attended by a RIDFW fish biologist. The results of these meetings were in part a report outlining goals and objectives toward developing instream flow standards. A continuation of the target fish community in the Hunt River watershed was conducted in August and September 2005 to determine if changes in the fish community have occurred since data in 1997 was gathered. Water withdrawls in this system have increased in that time period. All nine sample sites on the Hunt River were surveyed. It was discovered that a large development was being placed adjacent to an important coldwater tributary that supports brook trout. Storm water plans were subsquently modified to afford greater protection to water quality and reduce thermal impacts that would have occurred under the original plans. Survey data showed the greatest number of fluvial dependent species occurring in the Hunt River Davisville site followed by Fry Brook and Frechtown Brook Davisvile. The fluvial specialists abundances were more widely distributed occurring at all nine sites but varying in abundance substantially. The greatest number of fish species occurred at the Hunt River Davisville site (10 species) with the fewest species observed at South County Trail and Frenchtown Brook sites (2 species).

During the 2005 season, approximately 2,000 pounds of golden shiners and 2,000 largemouth bass were stocked into Tiogue Lake, Tucker Pond, Pascoag Reservoir (Echo Lake), Watchaug Pond and Wilson reservoir. The number of fish stocked was based on the percentage of surface area relative to the all waters surface area (ie, Watchaug Pond received 33% or 660 largemouth and 800 lbs of shiners). Throughout the summer and fall of 2005, the largemouth bass populations and fish community were monitored by electrofishing and tournament data. The mean length of bass caught by anglers ranged between 13 inches (Wilson) to 15 inches (Watchaug). The mean length of bass sampled by electrofish surveys ranged between 7 inches (Tiogue) to 14.5 inches (Watchaug). Catch rates for tournament anglers was highest at Echo Lake (0.5 fish/hr) and lowest at Tuckers (0.23 fish/hr). Data summaries and results were presented for each water in the report.

Five localities, three ponds and two stream locations were surveyed in 2005. No new fish species were collected in 2005. Overall,largemouth bass have been the most abundant species collected since 2003. The pumpkinseed was the most widely distributed species collected, occurring at ten of the twelve sites sampled. Four streams (Dry Arm Brook, Mt Hope Farm Pond Stream, Borden Brook, and Dundery Brook) that had previously been surveyed were visually inspected to assess the effects of the drought. The streams had no flowing water but did have standing pools of water. A number of private firms, federal agencies, NGO's and universities requested information from the survey database which was provided. Tillinghast Pond in West Greenwich was surveyed in August 2005. Water temperature was very warm at 33C but dissolved oxygen was very good at 8.12ppm. Water pH was neutral at 7.09. The aquatic substrate was dominated by rooted vegetation. The most adundant species sampled was tied between golden shiner and yellow perch, followed in decending order by, chain pickerel, largemouth bass, pumpkinseed, American eel, and brown bullhead. Largemouth bass ranged in length between 2 - 18 inches with a mean of 14 inches.

[BaitWrangler]

I have a little more if anyone finds it interesting.

Seems like they either really like those ponds - or they are trying to make trophy lakes out of them.  Seems they aren't getting there quite yet though.