LAKE SARA STATUS REPORT SUMMARY
LARGEMOUTH BASS: LAKE SARA The fall 2003 fish population survey indicated mixed results relative to improvements in the bass population size structure since the 1999 mortality. The proportional stock density was down slightly to 45.5% but remained within the preferred range. The relative stock density at 14.0 inches fell significantly to 10.9% from 20.5%. Bass densities appear to be high as indicated by the catch per unit of effort of 137 fish per hour of sampling and reproductive success was very good as indicated by the young/adult ratio of 3.7/1. Reproduction by gizzard shad appeared to be poor in 2003 and bass are stock piling. Flesh condition was below average for fish ranging from 7.0 to 12.0 inches in length. There were no very large bass collected in the sample and the biggest bass of the survey was 17.9 inches in length at 3.05 pounds.
