Quality Of The Bass In Pomme

[conman]

I recently sent an email to the local Conservation Dept agent about the status of the bass population at Pomme, particularly asking about what I consider to be a very small average size. I thought some of you guys may be interested in his response. Very encouraging for the next few years.

Chris,

I’m glad to hear you were able to catch a lot of bass last year. What you experienced, is similar to what other bass anglers reported last year. First, let me tell you that I do not believe the bass population on Pomme de Terre (PDT) is stunted.

Like any large reservoir, fish population densities vary from year to year. Fish population density can be strongly related to spawning success and recruitment of these young fish into the population. I believe what we are seeing at PDT is related to a few consecutive years (2007 – 2009) of sustained high lake levels during spawning season that resulted in very successful spawning and recruitment of largemouth bass. Consequently, what this means for the population is that a large number of individuals in the population are young (small) fish.

I do expect to see these fish grow over the next couple of years and provide some outstanding bass fishing on the lake. Largemouth bass on PDT grow about two inches per year (at the size class you were catching last year). So, I would expect those fish you were catching at 10 – 13 inches last year, to be 12 – 15 inches this year. See average age/growth information for PDT largemouth bass below:

Age 1 = 6.0 inches

Age 2 = 11.0 inches

Age 3 = 13.0 inches

Age 4 = 15.0 inches

Age 5 = 16.5 inches

Age 6 = 18.5 inches

Age 7 = 19.5 inches

PDT lake does also have smallmouth bass. However, they make up a very small proportion of total black bass population. Higher numbers of smallmouth bass can be found in the very upper ends of the lake where the Pomme de Terre river and Lindley creek enter the lake.

I hope this information has provided answers to your questions.

Good luck and good fishing.

Craig Fuller

Fisheries Management Biologist

Missouri Department of Conservation

2350 S. Jefferson

Lebanon, MO 65536

417/532-7612 x224

craig.fuller@mdc.mo.gov

[Flysmallie]

Plus when you set the minimum length limit at 13" then you lose some of the quality.

But don't worry, there are some very nice fish in that lake. Yes you will catch a lot of small fish, I always have. But this time of year you can expect to catch some nicer fish if you can find them hiding amongst those young ones.

[solus_vero]

Very informative post Chris. Thank you.

(I had no Idea PDT had smallies)

[Jbrant]

Thanks for the info - certainly interesting. The majority of fish I caught there last year were certainly in the smaller class. Should make the next few years a lot better.

[shockley32]

Sounds great! I normally just crappie fish Pomme and bass fish very little, however I think I'll start bass fishing some more there.

Brad