Rockin' Rock Bass: An Age and Growth Study

Document Type

Presentation

Publication Date

2026

Abstract

Rock Bass (Ambloplites rupestris) are a warm-water centrarchid found in freshwaters across east-central North America. The Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) team at Trout Lake Station in Boulder Junction, WI, has been collecting data on this species as well as all other species found in 7 study lakes for over 40 years. In order to collect this data fyke nets, trammel nets, gill nets, and electrofishing methods are used by the LTER’s fish crew in the summer months. Using this data and Rock Bass scales LTER collected, an age and growth study was conducted by looking at the ages of fish indicated by the scales viewed. This study encompassed all 40 years of data, focusing on 5-year intervals beginning in 1984 on four lakes where the species is prevalent. The lakes included Trout, Allequash, Big Muskellunge, and Sparkling Lakes in Vilas County. Water temperatures throughout this time period were studied and compared to the change in Rock Bass growth patterns. Rock Bass are growing larger and reaching their theoretical maximum average length faster than previously seen as water temperatures are rising.

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