Age and growth of white bass, Roccus chrysops (Rafinesque), in Mud Lake, near Provo, Utah

This study was conducted to obtain information that could be used in the management of the Utah and Mud lake white bass fishery. It also provides data for evaluating the effect of the loss of Mud Lake on the white bass utilizing it. Determination of age, growth rate, and coefficient of condition of the Mud lake white bass were objectives in this study. The occurrence of organisms in the digestive tracts of 64 white bass as well as the movement of white bass into and out of Mud Lake were also studied. Hoop nets, a continuous mesh gill net, and an experimental gill net were used in the collection of fish. A tagging gun and plastic tags were employed in marking the captured fish. Results indicated that the Mud Lake white bass had one of the lowest growth rates and condition factors reported for white bass. This was probably due to the lack of a forage fish in their diet. Results also indicated that the Mud lake white bass was part of the Utah Lake white bass population.