AGE AND GROWTH OF FISH FROM OREGON FARM PONDS
by
WAflIE CONRAD KLAVANO
A THESIS
submitted to
OREGON STATE COLLEGE
ir partial fulfillment of
the requirements for the
degree of
MASTER OF SCIENCE
June 1958
APPROVED:
Redacted for privacy
Asoeate ?rofeasox of Fish & Game Management
Redacted for privacy
Head of Department of Fish & Game Management
Redacted for privacy
Redacted for privacy
Dean of Graduate School
Date thesis te presented
Typed by Clis tie Stoddard
/':
c':
samples.
scale collecting in assistance his for Assistant, Research
Kerxdle, Earl to
convoyed are thanks Particular
analysis. for available samples scale
making in cooperation for Specialist, Wildlife Extension
Landforce, Andrew Mr. to extended are thanks Special
manuscript. this of preparatIon the in criticism helpful
and assistance invaluable his for Bond Carl Professor
Associate to extended is appreciation Sincere
KNOWLEDGEMENTS AC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
INTRODUCTION .
.
a
a
a
.
.
.
.
.
RVIEWOF LITERATURE a
a
a
a
a
asa. a a..
METHODS OF DATA ANALYSIS a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
*
a
FISH GROWTH AS RELATED TO CLIMATIC AREAS
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
OF OREGON
a
a
S
a
a
a
a
.
,
Scale Analysis
a
a
a
.
a
a
Climatic Areaa Investiated
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
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I
a
4
a
8
8
a
a
,
a
S
a
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5
a
S
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19
*
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20
a
a
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22
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*
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DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS
Discussion a
a
Cone lus IOnS
a
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B IBLIOGRAPRY a
APPENDICES a
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*
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*
s
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a
12
13
16
17
17
17
a
a
Largemouth Bass Growth a a a a a a a a a
a
a
S
a
a
a
Bluegill Sunfish Growth
a
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
a
Rainbow Trout Growth
a
White Crappie Growth
a
a
a
a
*
a
a
a
a
Growth of Miscellaneous Fishes
Coefficient of Condition, K, for
Largemouth Bass and B1uei1l Sunfish .
EFFECTS OF FERTILIZERS ON FISH GHOWTh
12
a
22
25
*
a
21
a
a
29
LIST OF TABLES
TABLE
1.
2.
.
4.
Growth rates of larernouth bass from
farm panda of four climatic areas in Oregon .
15
Growth rates of bluegill sunfish from
farm ponds of three climatic areas in Oregon
. 15
Growth rates of rainbow trout from farm
ponds of tvo climatic areas in Oregon
. 18
a
Growth rates of 44 white crappies from farm
.
.
.
.
.
.
ponds of western Oregon
. 18
LIST OF APPENDICES
Page
APPENDIX
A
B
C
D
Growth rates of 21 yellow perch from
farm ponds of western Oregon . .
.
.
Growth rates of 6 black crappies from
.
.
farm ponds of western Oregon . .
.
F
G
30
.
30
Coefficient of condition, K, for largeponds of Oregon
mouth bass from fa
31
Coefficient of condition, K, for bluegill
.
.
sunfish from farm ponds of Oregon .
.
E
,
Growth rates of largemouth bass oi1ected
from fertilized and unfertilized ponds of
.
Oregon
.
*
,
.
Growth rates of' bluegill sunfish collected
from fertilized and unfertilized ponds of
,
.
.
.
.
.
Oregon
.
.
31
.
32
32
Coefficient of condition, K, for bluegills
from fertilized and unfertilized farm ponds
ofOregon
.
.
1
*
.
I
33
LIST OF FIGURES
Page
FIGURE
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
Locationa of farm ponds sampled .
VIII.
IX.
.
.
.
.
Growth rates of largemouth black bass from
,
.
.
three climatic areas of Oregon
Growth rates of blue,i1l sunfish from
.
three climatic areas of Oregon
.
Growth rates of largemouth black bass
,
,
.
.
.
.
.
.
from four states
Growth rates of bluegill sunfish from
.
*
.
.
.
four states
,
,
.
.
,
,
.
.
2
.
34
.
35
36
.
.
.
,
.
37
.
38
Growth rates of largeniouth black bass from
fertilized and unfertilized farm ponds of
Ore6ori
VII.
.
.
.
,
.
,
,
,
,
.
,
.
.
.
Scale from largernouth bass
.
Scale from bluegill sunfish
.
.
Scale from rainbow trout
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
,
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
39
.
40
,
41
AGE AND GROWTH OF FISH FROM OREGON FARM PONDS
INTRODUCTION
This study was conducted as part of the Oregon State
College Agricultural Experiment Station Project 294,
Determination of Fish Species and Management Practices
Best Suited to Farm Fonda in Oregon,
The first phase of the project involved a survey
and evaluation of Oregon fari ponds. Emphasis was placed
on limnological surveys and the collection and analysis
This paper is concerned with the age and growth of
the important fishes found in Oregon farm ponds. The
important fishes studied were largemouth bass,
Micropterus salmoides (Lacepode), bluegill sunfish,
Lepomis macrochirus (Rafinesque), arid rainbow trout,
Salmo gairdneri Richardson. The fishes studied that were
considered of minor importance, and are briefly discussed,
were white crappie, Pomoxia annularis (Rafinesque), black
crappie, pomoxis nigro-maculatila (La Sueur), and yellow
perch, Perca flavsscen (Mitchill).
Oregon has a wide variation of climate, therefore
the state was divided into four climatic areas for more
efficient enalysia. These areas were western Oregon,
southern Oregon, central Oregon, and northeastern Oregon
(Figure I). Scale samples were collected from fish of
FIGURE I
LOCATIONS OF FARM PONDS SAMPLED
each climatic area to determire any difference ui
growth.
Growth ratee of fiahea from both fertilized
and unfertilized ponds were studied to determine any
difference in growth.
L
n
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Age arid growth of pond fishes has been studied
throughout niost of the United States.
Most work on
largemouth bass and bluegill sunfish has been done in
the southeastern and northoentral states.
Trout as pond
fish, have not been studied as extensively as other
fishes.
Some work hae been done in New York on age and
growth of trout in ponds.
The growth of largomouth black bass appears to be
faster in the southern states than in other parts of the
country.
Eschmeyer (7, p. 333) reported that bass in
Norris Reservoir, Tennessee, grew to the length of 8.2
inches in the first year of life, 13
second, and 14.4 inches in the third.
ncbea in the
The 13-inch, two-
year-old fish were comparable in size with five-year-old
fish from southern Nisconsin or northern Michigan, fouryear-old fish from southern Wisconsin or from Nebraska,
and with two and one-half-year-old fish from Louisiana.
Largomouth bass from Kentucky farm ponds, according to
Smith et al. (18, p. 34), were b,8 inches long at age 1,
10 inches at age 2, 14 inches at age3, 15.7 inches at
age 4, and had reached 17.5 inches at the end of the
fifth year of hf.,
Bennett (3, p. 225) reported that bass growth in
Ridge Lake, Illinois was quite rapid in the first year
of life, but decreased in the second and third years.
He showed that the length of 8.1, 10.3 and 12.5 inches
were reached at the ends of the first, second and third
years of life respectively.
The same author (4, p. 116)
found that Wisconsin base reached only 3.3 inches in
their first year, grew to 7.4 inches in the second year,
10.4 inches in the third, 12.4 inches in the fourth, and
13.9 inches in the fifth year.
Bennett pointed out that
largemouth bass in Louisiana grew faster during their
first year (7.6 inches) than those in Wisconsin (3.3
inehes) or Nebraska (3,6 inches).
The growth of largernouth bass in Deep Lake, Michian
was found by Applegate (1, p. 218) to be quite rapid the
first year of life (5.9 inches), but decreased in the
second (9.5 inches) and third yeaxuof life (10.6 inches).
Lewis (14, p. 299) found the growth of largemouth bass
in East Lake, Iowa
as greatest the first (3.6 inches)
and decreased the second. (6.7 inches), third (8.9 inches)
and fourth (10.5 inches) years of life.
Moffett(15, p. 184) reported tat largemouth bass
in Nevada grew very rapidly their first year (10.3
inches) and decreased very rapidly in their second
(12.6 inches), and third (13.4 inches) years of life.
Lax'gemouth bass in Oregon has been reported by Oakley
(16, p. 50) to have comparable growth rates for the first
three years of life.
The growth rates calculated were
3.0 inches at age 1, 6.7 inches at age 2, and 9.7 inches
at ago 3.
Bluegill sunfish growth appears to be simIlar in
many states.
Smith and. his associates (18, p. 338) re
ported that blusgills in Kentucky farm ponds grew to the
length of 3.1 inches the first year, 4.7 inches the
second. year, arid 5.1 inches the third year of life.
In
Norris Reservoir, Tennessee, Eschmeyer (7, p. 338) found
bluegills to be 3.1 inches at age 1, 3,7 inches at age 2,
4.6 inches at age 3, and 5.0 inches at age 4.
Oakley
(16, p. 51) reports that bluegill growth in Oregon is
most rapid the first year (3.5 inches), but decreased the
second (4.8 inches) and third years of life (6,1 inches).
Lane (13, p. 260) reports that bluegilla from
Missouri grew faster during their first year (2.5 inches)
than in their second (4.2 inches) and third years (5.7
Inches).
In Michigan, Applegate (1, p. 208) found blue-
gills in Deep Lake to grow to the length of 2.5 inches
the first year, 4.2 inches the second year, arid 5.4 Inches
the third year of life.
Bluegill growth in Iowa (Lake Ahquabi) was reported
by Herrnemuth (9, p. 129) to be greater its first year of
life (1.9 inches) and then slowly decreases in their
second (3.6 inches) and third years of life (4.7 inches).
?unkett (17, p. 254) reportin
on the West Gallatin
River in Missouri, found the most rapid growth of rainbow
trout to be 3.4 inches at
nnu1ue 1, 7.4 inches at annulus
II, 11.5 inches at annulus III, 14,5 inches at annulus IV,
and 17,2 inches at anriu1u
V.
In New York farm ponds, Eipper (6, p. 1) reports
that trout reach 13 to 15 inches in their third year of
life.
METHODS OF DATA ANALYS IS
Scale
is
Scales from largemouth black bass, bluegill sunfish,
white crappies, black crappies, and yellow perch were
collected from the area below the lateral line and at the
end of the pectoral fin, herein called Area A,
Scales from 30 largemouth bass and 45 hluegills were
collected from the area between the origin of the dorsal
fin and the lateral line, heroin called Area B.
Accord-
ing to conclusions derived from this study, these scales
are formed later than the scales from Area A, and the
postulation was made that the calculated lengths from
these scales would be less than the calculated lengths
from scales of Area A.
Samples of bass and bluegills were obtained and.
scales were collected from both body areas. Lengths
calculated from scales collected from Area B averaged
loss than the lengths calculated for the same fiShOS from
scales collected from Area A. Correction factors were
determined empirically by dividing the average calculated
length at each annulus formation for area A, by the
average calculated lengths at e&ch annulus formation £ or
Area B. The correction factors for Area B on largemouth
bass were: 1.16 for bass 22-45 mm, standard 1enth,
1.06 for bass 45-120 mm., 1.07 for bass 120-170 mm., 1.0
for bass 170-185 mm., and. 1.02 for bass over 185 mm.
Correction faotor8 for Area B of bluegills were:
1.12 for
fish 10-28 mm,, 1.09 for fish 25-125 mm., and 1.08 for
fish over 125 mm.
Rainbow trout scales were collected from the area
between the dorsal fin and lateral line.
All scales were cleaned in a solution of ftpurex** and
water and mounted between glass slides, which were held
together by cellophane tape at each end.
Scales wore
then projected at a magnification of 14X by a Rayoscope
microprojector and scale radius and length at each annulus
formation wore recorded.
Plastic (cellulose acetate) impressions were made
from scales that were riot easily read with the projector.
Plastic impressions were made by dipping the scales in
acetone and placing them on a strip of plastic, which
was then placed between two steel plates and compressed
by parallel-jaw pliers.
The scales were removed from the
plastic strip and the impressions were read by the method
described previously.
The Lee method of body length to scale length relationships was used to determine the re'reasion line for
rainbow trout, white orappies, b1acc erappies, and. yellow
perch (12, p. 121).
10
The formula recommended by Laglez' (12, p. 125) was
used to back-calculate fish lengths at arinuli formation.
s1 (L2 - a) + a
Whore:
= length of fish at any annulus
length of scale at any co
.ength of fish at capture
L2
=
a
esponding annulue
ngth of scale (center of focus to scale
margin at capture)
a constant (length of fish at time of scale
formation)
Bass and bluegill fry were examined in order to
determine the length at which scales are formed.
This
"a" constant for bass was found to be 22 mm, and for
bluegills 12 mm.
The calculated "a" constants for the
other fishes studied were:
rainbow trout, 38 mm., white
crappies, 32 mm,, black crappios, 32 mm., and yellow
perch, 26 mm,
The coefficiept of condition, K, recommended by
Carlander (5, p. 8) was used to describe the condition
or plumpness of largemouth bass and bluegill sunfish.
K
Whore:
w
weight in grams
L
atandard lengths in millimeters and
factor to bring the value of K near unity
i
a
12
FISH GROWTH AS RELATED TO CLIMATIC AREAS OF OREGON
Climatic Areas Invea'ated.
The climate of western Oregon is greatly influenced.
by the Pacific Ocean. Predominant westerly winds carry
the modifying effect of the ocean over western Oregon, so
that in western Oregon valleys, hot spells are short.
The warmest weather in summer and coldest in wintez*
occurs when the ocean winds cease and the state Is
dominated by a mass of continental air, The average frost
free period of western Oregon ranges from about 139 days
in the valleys west of the coast range to about 24? days
along the coast. In western Oregon valleys, the average
temperature in the summer is about 640 F. and about 460 F.
in the winter (20, p. 1078-1086).
The climate of central Oregon is influenced mostly
by continental air masses, so that the averae frost free
period is about 150 days, and the average winter tempera-
ture is about
69
F.
3O
,
Summer temperature averages about
Annual temperature is around 50° F. (20, p. 1078-
1086).
The growing season of southern Oregon ranges from
126 to 180 days. Average summer temperature is about
670 F. Average winter temperature ranges from 4O F.
to 40 F. (20, p. 1075-1086).
Northeastern Oregon has a growing season of about
130 days,
The average summer temperature is about
660 F., and average winter temperature about
20 F. (2O
p. 1075-1O86).,
Largernouth Bass Growth
Growth rates were calculated for 48 largemouth bass
from southern Oregon.
These showed somewhat Laster
growth than did bass from other areas.
As 8hOWrI in
Table 1, the average growth of southern Oregon bass was
2.6 inches at the end of the first year of life, 5.8
inches at the second year, 9.9 inches at the end of the
third year.
Then the increment decreased markedly so
that the bass ware 11.9 inches long at the end of the
fourth year of lile.
Lengths calculated by Becker (2) were considerably
less for southern Oregon being 1.3 inches at the end of
the first year of life, 4.0 inches at the end of the
second year, 5.9
nchea at the end of the third year,
and 9,0 inches at the end of the fourth year of life,
Oaleulated growth rates of 12 largemouth bass from
northeastern Oregon show faster growth than bass from
southern Oregon.
Since the northeastern Oregon samples
are from one pond, no general conclusions can be made on
growth for this region, but the results may reflect the
potential growth for bass in this area.
These bass were
found to grow rapidly their first year of life (.$
inches), then more slowly second year of life (8.2 inches)
(Table 1).
Calculated growth rates of $5 largemouth bass from
central Oregon were somewhat slower than growth rates
calculated for bass from southern and northeastern
Oregon.
Table I shows bass growth to be greatest at ages
one (2.5 inches), two (5.8 inches), and three (8.4 inches),
Growth rates for 111 largemouth bass were calculated
from western Oregon,
As shown in Table 1, the average
western Oregon bass growth was 2,
inches at the end of
the first year of life, 6.1 inches at the second year,
5.8 inches at the end of the third year, then the inore
nient decreased, limiting the length to 8.4 inches at the
and of the fourth year and 10.9 inches at the end of the
fifth year of life.
Lengths calculated by Becker (2) were similar, but
those estimated by Oakley (16,
were slightly greater.
,
50) and Jierrmann (10)
Oakley's estimations were 3.0
inches at the end of the first year of life, 6.0 inches
at the end of the second year, 8.2 inches at the end of
the third year, and 9,2 inches at the end of the fourth
year of life.
Bermmanri estimated the growth to be 3.2
inches at the end of the first year of life, 4,8 inches
TABLE 1
GROWTH RATES OF LARGEMOUTH BASS FROM FARM PONDS
OF FOUR CLIMATIC AREAS IN OREGON
Ca1cu1r.ted standard length
(millimeters) at time of
annulus formation
Total
IV
III
V
II
number
Climatic Area
I
Southern Oregon
48
35
Central Oregon
111
Western 0reon
Northeastern Oregon* 12
Average
th (millimeters)
Average length (inches)
*Only one pond Sampled
67
152
253
303
65
58
147
129
215
23].
244
277
137
207
205
184
66
141
214
250
260
2.6
5.5
8.4
9.8 10.2
.
TABLE 2
GROWTH RATES OF BLUEGILL SUNFISH FROM FAL:M PONDS
OF THREE CLIMATIC AREAS IN OREGON
Climatic Area
Central Oregon
Southern Oregon
western Oregon
Total
number
99
Calculated standard len&'th
(millimeters) at time of
annulus formation
IV
V
11111
I
27
27
92
67
150
105
77296498
53
Average length (millimeters)
Average length (inches)
28
1.1
75
2.9
120
4.7
16
116130
124
4.9
130
5.1
at the end of the second year, 7.6 inches at the end of
the third year, and 8.7 inches at the end of the fourth
year,
Bluegill Sunfish Growth
Growth rates calculated for 99 bluegill sunfish from
central Oregon indicated that growth of the species was
faster here than in any other area of the state,
As
shown in Table 2, bluegill growth was 1.1 inches at the
end of the first year of life, 3.6 inches at the end of
the second year, and 5,9 inches at the end of the third
year,
Calculated growth rates for 53 bluegill sunfish from
nourthern Oregon were somewhat less than the calculated
growth rates for bluegills from central Oregon.
As
shown in Table 2, the average annual growth of bluegilla
from southern Oregon was 1.1 inches at the end of the
first year, 2.5 inches at the end of the second year,
3,8 inches at the end of the third year, and b.4 inches
at the end of the fourth year.
Calculated growth rates of 77 bluegill sunfish from
western Oregon showed that growth was slightly slower
than bluegill growth in southern Oregon.
The average
annual growth in western Oregon was 1,2 inches at the
and of the first year, 2.5 inches at the end of the
17
second year, 4,2 inches at the end of the third. year.
Then a rapid decrease in increment limited the length
to 4.6 inches at the end of the fourth year, and
,1
inches at the end of the fifth year (Table 2),
Rainbow Trout Growth
A study was made of 41 rainbow trout from western
Oregon and 76 rainbow trout from central Oregon.
Oregon trout were found to have grown faster, a
:fes tern
they
reached 3.8 inches at the end of the firet year, 9.1
inches at the end of the second year, and 10.8 inches at
the end of the their third year of life (Table
)S
Average lengths for central Oregon trout were calculated.
to be 4.3 inches at the end of their firat year, 8.0
inches at age 2, and 8,3 inches at age 3 (Table 3),
White Crappie Growth
AveraLe annual growth for 44 white crappies from
western Oregon was calculated to be 2.4 inches at the
end of the first year and 5.2 inches at the end of the
second year (Table 4).
Growth of Miscellaneous Fishe8
Growth rates of twenty-one yellow perch and eight
black crappies were calculated, but the samples were too
GROWTH RATES OF RAINBOW TROUT FROM FARM PONDS
OF TWO CLIMATIC AREAS_IN OREGON
Calculated standard length
(millimeters) at time of
annulus formation
IV
III
V
II
I
Total
number
Climatic Area
Western Oregon
Central Oregon
41
16
Average length (nhillimeter5)
Average length (inches)
96
109
230
203
375
212
443
99
3.9
222
8.7
329
12.9
385
15.1
236
TABLE 4
GROWTH RATES OF 44 1MHITE CRAPPIES FROM FARM PONDS
OF WESTERN OREGON
Calculated standard length
Average
(millimeters) at time of
standard
annulu.s Thrmation
Age
Total
length
VI.
IV
V
II
(mm,)
III
Group number
I
30
11
I
II
III
136
147
56
68
*
a
1
2
267
284
72
Av. length (mm.) 208
60
2.4
60
44
-
128
-
-
159
137
204
183
227
224
253
252
269
132
6.2
190
7.5
58
225
8.8
252
9.9
27
3
269
10.6
17
-
IV-
V
VI
Ày. length (inhea)
Increment of growth
Total number
V
7].
72
14
3
31
3
1
small to warrent discussion.
Their growth rates appear
in Appendices A and B.
Coefficient of Condition, K, for Largemol
11 Sunfish
Bass and
Coefficient of condition, ic, was calculated for
largernouth bass and bluegill sunfish from Oreon farm
ponds.
Sprugel (19, p. 61) points out that the coeffi-
ctents of condition for b1ueil1s during May, Juno, and
July were hih.er than at other seasons, probably due to
sexual development,
for largemouth bass.
The same assumption could he made
Since the samples were ten over
a twoyear period and during all seasons of the year,
little reliance can be placed on the results (Appendices--C and D).
EFFECTS OF FERTILIZERS ON FISH GROWTH
Growth analysis was rnade to determine any differences
in growth of largemouth bass arid bluegill sunfish from
fertilized and unfertilized ponds.
Largemouth bass were
found to grow faster in fertilized ponds, but bluegill
growth was essentially the same in fertilized and un
fertilized ponds.
Growth rates of 45 largemouth bass from fertilized
ponds and 136 largomouth bass from unfertilized ponds
were studied.
The results indicate that bass growth slows
dowri after the third year of lIfe in unfertilized ponds,
while in fertilized ponds bass ;rowth does not decrease
until after the fourth year of life (appendix E),
The scales of 114 bluegill sunfish from fertilized
ponds and 101 bluegilla from unfertilized ponds were
analyzed.
Growth rates were compar8ble for bluegills
from fertilized ponds.
Bluegilla from fertilized ponds
were 1.3 inches at the end of the fiit year, 2.5 inches
at the end of the second year, 3.8 inches at the end of
the third year, 4,4 inches at the end of the fourth year,
and 5.1 inches at the end of the fifth year of life.
Average growth rate for bluegills from unfertilized ponds
was 1.1 inches at the end of the first year, 3.0 inches
at the end of the second year, 3.8 inches at the end of
21
the fourth year, and
.1 inches at the end of the fifth
year of life (Appendix ?).
Coefficient of condition, K, was calculated for
bluegilla from fertilized and unfertilized pn.s
(Appendix G),
The K values for bluegills, 44 to 80 mm.
standard length, from fertilized ponds appear to be
greater than the K for fi$h of similar size from unfertilized ponds.
The K values for bluegilla from
fertilized ponds was 2.993, 4.145, and 4.875 for fish
44, 61, and. 84 mm. long, while the K values for bluegills
from unfertilized ponds wore 2.897, 4.120, and 4.290 for
fish
60, and 80 mm. in length.
Bluegills over 100 mm. from unfertilized ponds
appear to have larger K values than bluegills over 100 mm.
from fertilized ponds.
The K values for bluegills from
unfertilized ponds were 4.455, 4.681, 4.653 for fish
101 mm., 121 mm., and 139 mm., while K values for blue-
gills over 100 mm. from fertilized ponds were 4.00,
4.139, and 3,973 for fish 103 mm., 124 mm., and 140 mm.
in length.
22
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS
Discussion
Although largemouth bass growth was found to be
faster in southern Oregon than
n other climatic areas
of Oregon, climate does not appear to be an independent
factor in growth,
Studies of growth in individual ponds
indicates that the amount of available food seems to be
an important factor.
For instance the largest one-year-
old bass collected in southern Oregon was 4.3 inches
whIle in northeastern Oregon, where the climate 15 thought
to be less favorable for bass because of a shorter growing
season, the largest one-year-old bass collected was 5.5
inches,
This sample ;ias from a new pond that was stocked
with bass only.
The sample, mentioned above from
southern Oregon was from a 1.38-acre pond that had a
large population ol' bass, with bass being the only fish
present.
Soveral schools of 40-50 adult bass (10-16
inches) were observed in the pond.
The øample from
northeastern Oregon was from an 8-acre pond that was
planted with an unknown nwnber of bass in 1955.
The greatest growth of bass in western Oregon was
found to be 6,0 inches in 17 months.
This rapid growth
was also from a 0.7-acre pond stocked with
75 bass, with
a population of native cyprinids being present at time
of stocking,
Bluegill sunfish growth was found to be greater in
central Oregon than in other climatic areas of Oregon.
Again, climate does not appear to limit bluegill growth
in Oregon because bluegilla tend to overpopulate ponds
rapidly.
A reduction of available food for each fish
results and a decrease in growth is observed.
The
assumption is that within a reasonable range of growing
conditions proper population balance is more important to
bluegill growth than climate,
Rainbow trout wore found to grow as much as 5 inches
in one year or reach a total length of 11.8 inches in two
years in western Oregon farm ponds.
Rainbows from central
Oregon were found to grow 5.3 inches in one year and roach
a total length of 13.1 inches at the end of the third year
of life,
A 13-inch rainbow trout that is grown in $ years pro-
vides more unable meat than a 13-inch largemouth bass that
is grown in 4 or 5 years.
The ability of trout to pro-
vide more usable meat in a short period of time makes it
a very desirable pond fish.
Trout can be raised in ponds that are properly constructed,
Ponds must be of proper depth to provide a
layer of water cool enough (below 700 F.) and with
sufficient dissolved oxygen (5 parts per xnillion) to
24
maintain trout through the summer months.
A complete
trout kill occurred during extremely hot weather in 1957
in a pond that had a maximum depth of 8 feet.
During the
time the kill occurred, observed temperatures on the sur
face were 76
F. on Juxie 25 and 85
F, Ot July 18.
Ob-
served temperatures for the pond during the suimer of
1957 were 7$0 F. on the surface and 71° F, off the
bottom (6 feet),
The highest observed temperatures during the suw2er
of 1957 from a successful trout pond were 780 F. on the
surface and temperatures over 700 F. were observed to
depth of,8 feet,
Temperatures below 70° F. were found
at depths over 8 feet, but sufficient dissolved oxygeA
(5 parts per million) waS not found at depths below 11
feet.
Probably ponds over 12 feet in depth should
support trout in western Oregon lowlands.
Trout as a pond fish have a few shortcomings.
The
most important is their inability to reproduce in panda
that do not have sufficient flows of water coming into
the pond or suitable substrate for successful spawning.
Trout do not overpopulate ponds and require popu1a
tion manipulation as do warm water fishes.
stocked every 3 years
Ponds must be
here there is no reproduction to
provide maximum return to the angler.
Rainbow trout are relatively expensive to purchase
for stocking, being about
3 inches and
.50.O0 per 1000 for fi$h 2 to
15O.00 per 1000 for fish
to 6 inches.
There is usually a charge for delivery of approximately
.2O per mile.
Growth rates of largeraouth bass were found to be
faster in fertilized than in unfertilized ponds (AppendLz
In fertilized ponds, where there was probably more
E ).
insects and crustaceans present, young bass grew faster
and were able to begin feeding on forage fish sooner
than young bass from unfertilized ponds.
There appears to be no significant difference in
growth of bluegills from fertilized and unfertilized
ponds, as ponds were usually overpopulated with blue
gills.
Fertilization probably had more effect on blue
gill population size (Appendix F).
Conclusions
1.
Available food supply appears to be
iore criti
cal than climate for growth of largemouth bass, bluei1l
sunfish, and rainbow trout in Oregon farm ponds.
2.
Largemouth bass grow faster in fertilized than
in unfert1ized ponds.
3.
Only balanced bluegill sunfish population will
benefit from fertilization.
4.
Laremouth bass from southern Ore-'on appear to
crow faster than bass from other areas of Oroon.
5.
Bluegill sunfish from central Oregon appear to
grow faster than bluegills from other areas of Oregon.
6.
Rainbow trout appear to be more de8irable than
other pond fishes because they provide more usable meat
in a short time, they are easy to catch, and can be
taught during most months of the year.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1.
Appiegate, Vernon C. and W, F. Carbine. The fish
population of Deep Lake, Michigan. Transactions
of the American Fisheries Society 75:200-227. 1945.
2.
Becker, Clarence D.
Unpublished research on growth
studIes of the largemouth bass, MIcrus salmoides
CorvalliOregon St
(Lacepede), in Oregon.
College, Dept. of Fish and Game Management, 1954.
3.
Bennett, George w. Largemouth base in Ridge Lake,
Coles county, Illinois. Illinois Natural History
Survey Bulletin 26(2):217-276. 1954.
4.
Bennett, George W. The growth of the largomouth
black bass, Huro salmoides, in the waters of
Wisconsin. CopeiIT7o. 2:104-118.
5.
Carlander, Kenneth D. Handbook of freshwater fishery
biology. Dubuque, Iowa, William C. Brown, 1950. 281p.
6.
Eippor, Alfred W, Fish production in New York.
Abstract of a talk given at the seventh annual meeting of the Empire State chapter, Soi]. Conservation
Society of America, Ithaca, Now York, January 19,
1953. 3p.
7.
Eschmeyer, H. W. Growth of fishes in Norris Lake,
Tennessee. Tennessee Academy of Science 15(3):
329-341. 1939,
8.
Eschmeyer, H. W. The growth of game fishes in Norris
Reservoir during the first five years of impoundment.
Transactions of the North American wi1d1ite Conference
6:222-240. 1941.
9.
Hennemuth, Richard C. Growth of erappies, bluegilla,
and warmouth in Lake Ahquabi, Iowa. Iowa State
College Journal of Science 30(1):119-137. 1955,
10.
Eerrmann, Robert. Unpublished research on growth of
largemouth black bass in Oregon. Corvallis, Oregon
State College, Dept. of Fish and Game Management,
1955.
1248p, 1941. yearbook, Agriculture
man. and Climate Agriculture. of Department S. U. 20.
1953. 83:58.'15, Society
Fisheries American the of Transactions annuli.
false a to reference particular with lake, new
a in bluegill the of Growth
Jr. George Sprugel,
19.
16.) no. Bulletin Fisheries Fisheries, of Division
Resources, Wildlife and Fish of Dept. (Kentucky.
42p. 1955. Kentucky, Frankfort, ponds. farm
Kentucky in bluegill and bass of ratios and rates
stocking various of success the of survey A Hall. F.
John end Kirkwood, B. James Jr., k. William Smith, 18.
1945. 80:251259. Society Fisheries American
the of Transactions temperature. and elevation to
relation in trout of rate Growth A. Charles Purkett, 1?.
leaves.
numb1 89 1958. College, State Oregon Corvallis,
thesia. Master's conditions. climatic by influenced
as production pond fish Farm t. Arthur Oakley, 16.
1943. 8:179-186. Conference Wildlife American
North the of Transactions Moad. Lake of fishery
the on report preliminary A W. Jamo8 Moffett, 15.
1950. 24(3):187-324. Science of Journal College
State Iowa Iowa. southern in lakes artificial
investigation Fisheries M. William Lewis, 14.
two on
1954. 258265.
18(3): Management Wildlife of Jouxal impoundment.
Missouri now a in (Rafinesque), macrochirus Lopomia
and Age Jr. E. Charles Lane,
bluegill, of growth
260p.
1952. Brown, C.
illiam Iowa,
biology. fishery Freshwater
numb.
of
?
Dubuque,
F. Karl Lagler,
13.
12.
leaves.
selected
1958. College, State Oregon Corvallis,
thesis. Master's ponds. farm
characteristics Limnological
Oregon
R.
Earl Kendle, 11.
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A
GROWTH RATES OF 21 YELLO PRCH FROM FARM PONDS
OF WESTERN OREGON
Age
Group
1
Ii
III
Total
number
17
2
2
Average
standard
length
Calculated standard length
(millimeters) at time of
aflflUlU!
(mm.)
144
201
240
57
67
62
Average length (millimeters)
Average length (Inches)
Increment of growth
Total number
formaon
II
JII
146
133
205
205
8.1
66
139
5.5
7?
4
62
2.4
62
21
2
APPENDIX B
GROWTH HATES OF 8 BLACK CRAPPIES FROM FARM PONDS
OF
Age
Group
I
II
III
IV
Total
number
6
1
2
ES TERN OREGON
Average
standard
length
Calculated standard length
(millimeters) at time of
lus formation
(mm.)
I
-
-
126
184
168
Average length (millimeters)
Average length (inches)
Increment of growth
Total number
Il
II
75
75
59
118
138
130
170
148
161
70
2,8
70
124
4.9
54
156
6.1
6.3
8
8
31
3
161
8
6.48?
5.248
4.504
4,400
4.089
4.680
4,167
5.032
-
,--tI:LJ
-.
..
,r.:rr
179
160
372
215
121
80
139
122
104
80
46
24
9
4
60
43
(millimeters)
capture at
length Mean
(grams)
Mean
capture at
weight Mean
3
6
34
28
46
38
39
18
sampled
Number
OREGON OF PONDS
FROM
SUNFISH BLUEGILL FOR K, CONDITION, OF COEFFICIENT
D APPENDIX
J___
2.731
2.980
2.125
2.185
2.310
2.692
2.574
2.580
2.377
2.432
2.556
2.848
---F
1406
1368
723
620
440
372
358
324
305
267
231
206
171
144
118
226
129
7].
40
18
89
56
5
3
4
8
10
6
20
26
30
27
18
25
14
K
(grams)
(millimeters)
sampled
iean
capture at
capture at
Number
w6iht Mean
length Mean
OREGON OF PONDS FAhM FROi
BASS LARGEMOUTh FOR K, CONDITION, OF COEFFICIENT
C APPENDIX
APPENDIX E
GROWTH RATES OF LkRGEMOUTH BASS COLLECTED FROM
FERTILIZED AND UNFERTILIZED PONDS OF OREGON
Classifi.
Number
cation
Calculated standard length
(millimeters) at time of
annulus formation
IV
III_
VI VII
II
sampled
I
130
47
65
57
145
134
195
191
223
260
238
255
Ày. length (millimeters) 63
Av. length (inches)
2,5
63
increment of growth
Total number
177
142
5.6
194
7.6
52
77
233
242 282 300
9.5 11.1 11.8
9
40
18
47
177 177
ids
Unfertilized
Fertilized
79
177
9.2
39
177
282
300
APPENDIX F
GROWTH RATES OF BLUEGILL SUNFISH COLLECTED FROM
FERTILIZED ANI) UNFERTILIZED PONDS OF OREGON
Calculated standard length
(millimeters) at time of
Classifi
Number
annulus formation
cation of
of fish
V
VI
IV
II III
ppnda
sampAed
Unfertilized
Fertilized
69
114
A. length (millimeters)
Av. length (inches)
Increment of growth
Total number
27
32
30
1.2
30
183
76
65
91
69
93
3.7
24
183
2.7
39
183
95
109
112
130
130
113
135
111
130
$.1
19
127
5.0
- 3
183
4.4
18
183 13
APPENDIX G
COEFFICIENT OF CONDITION, K, FOR BLUEGILLS FROM
E'RTILIZED AN.D UNFERTILIZED FARM PONDS OF OREGON
Number
sampled
Mean 1enjth
at capture
(millimeters)
Mean eiht
at capture
(grams)
'ean
K
FERTILIZED PONDS
13
25
27
23
13
10
1
44
61
80
103
124
140
161
4.5
9.4
25,0
47.0
79.0
109.0
172.0
2,993
4.145
4.875
4.300
4.139
3.973
4.111
1.6
8.9
22,0
46.0
83.0
125,0
202.0
2.697
4.120
4.290
4.466
4.681
4.653
4.579
'UNFERTILIZED PONDS
5
14
11
22
16
25
4
39
60
80
101
121
139
162
FIGURE
GROWTH RATES OF LARGEMOUTH BLACK BASS
FROM THREE CLIMATIC AREAS OF OREGON
WESTERN OREGON
SOUTHERN OREGON
CENTRAL OREGON
15
4
350
'3
12
/
/
C/)
/
IJJ
H
'I
/
C')
Ir
I
250
/
Lu
I,.'
/
C-)
9-2z
z
8
200
I-
C,
I-
C,
7
2
w
z
Li.i
-j
-J
150
z
6
ID
cr
5
z
U)
C/)
4
100
3
2
50
i
it
I
iii
AGE IN
YEARS
FiGURE
GROWTH RATES OF BLUEGILL SUNFiSH
FROM THREE CLIMATIC AREAS OF OREGON
WESTERN OREGON
SOUTHERN OREGON
CENTRAL OREGON
150
6
/
140
'I
/
/
130
/
1
Cl)
120
/
a:
w
Iw
_J
-J
5
/
(I)
LU
I-
ii;
iI
100
90
I,
1
z
I,
80
1
/ ///1'
II1/
1/
C-)
z
4
F-
z
3
I-
/1'
z
w
-J
a:
0
z
a:
o
z
I/i
50
LU
-J
0
/1
60
z
=
2
IC')
I.
40
30
20
I
AGE
IN
YEARS
FIGURE
GROWTH RATES OF LARGEMOUTH BLACK BASS
FROM FOUR STATES
--
OREGON
KENTUCKY
IOWA
MICHIGAN
19
4
18
17
4
16
'5
(1)
W3
a::
'4
I-
(I)
LU
LU
13
-J
=
0
12
II
z
2
I(9
0
z
FC,
Z
LU
LU
J2
-J
B
CD
7
a
z
I
6
d
z
I-
F(I)
5
4
3
2
I
21
Ifl
21
AGE IN
E
I
YEARS
2X I
(1)
FIGURE
GROWTH RATES OF BLUEGILL SUNFISH
FROM FOUR STATES
OREGON
KENTUCKY
IOWA ---- MICHIGAN
8
200
7
1'
U)
U
U
I,
I-
cri
6
//
1.1']
u-i
0
-j
-j
z
I
I
5
/ -"--2
I
/.-:2'/
/,'
:i:
Iz
/// /
7,', /
/
Fa,
4
I/i /
LU
I,
I, /
I
3
///
z
4
z
Lii
-J
/1 1/
-J
z
0
4
0
z
4
I(I,
I-
I,, i,'
C')
50
III
2
IlI
II I,
I, I'
f/li,'
I,
i
n
i
AGE IN
r
YEARS
tr
m
t
FIGURE
GROWTH RATES OF LARGEMOUTH BLACK
BASS FROM FERTILIZED AND UNFERTILIZED
FARM PONDS OF OREGON
o
FERTILIZED PONDS (NUMBER OF SAMPLES INCLOSED)
UNFERTILIZED PONDS (NUMBER OF SAMPLES INCLOSED)
o
MEAN GROWTH IN FERTILIZED PONDS
MEAN GROWTH IN UNFERTILIZED PONDS
4
350
0
0
©
00
300
0
12
0
_-6
----I0
250
00
'Ii
Iii
9
0
-I
-I
z
U)
/
0i
©
200
'©
C.,
z
0
0
0
0
I
,
I-
0
z
IC,
z
w
-j
Iii
I50
a
6a
!®
?:
0
4
a
4
a
z
4
U)
4
'Do
3
0
50
2
i
x
AGE IN YEARS
I
'J
Point of stocking
in pond
Annu1u
Data:
Total length - 5.7 inches
Date collected - June 26, 1957
Figure VII.
I.
False Annulu::
Scale from largernouth bass.
Data:
Total length - 4.4 inches
Date collected - June 14, 1957
Figure VIII.
Scale from bluegill sunfish.
41
Arrnt
in pond
Data:
Total length - 16.9 inches
Date collected - September 20, 1957
Figure IX,
Scale from rainbow trout,