Shoal Bass The Shoal Bass – ’s Signature Bass

Shoal bass ( cataractae) are found in Georgia, eastern , and north , and are native to the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint (ACF) river system. As their name implies, shoal bass are typically found in the shoals, rapids, and riffles of streams. This fast-growing species commonly reaches 4 to 6 pounds and can live to be at least 12 years old. According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, while shoal bass are found in limited numbers in Alabama and Florida, Georgia offers the best shoal bass fishing in the world. A devoted group of anglers pursue these because of their sporting qualities, large size, and tendency to be Photo credit: Dr. Steven Sammons found in beautiful environments.

Conserving the Gem Of The Apalachicola, Chattahoochee and Basin

Threats To Shoal Bass Siltation, damage to stream buffers and riparian areas, declining water quality and flows due to watershed urbanization, and competition and hybridization with introduced, non-native bass species are threats to shoal bass populations. Dams pose another major threat to shoal bass by flooding valuable shoal habitat, altering flows downstream by power generation, and blocking spawning migrations by shoal bass to upstream shoal habitat. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that approximately 62% of the is impounded, and the Piedmont reach of the river from the headwaters of to Lake has only 3% remaining of the historical riverine habitats. Not surprisingly, shoal bass populations in this area are considered to be imperiled by both Georgia and Alabama.