WARMWATER POPULATION ASSESSMENTS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE: BLACK BASS AGE APPENDIX (1997-2005)
Michael Racine Fisheries Biologist New Hampshire Fish & Game Department Region 4 Keene, NH 03431
1 INTRODUCTION
Black bass (Micropterus dolomieui, smallmouth and M. salmoides, largemouth) fishery resources in the State of New Hampshire have experienced increased pressure from anglers in recent years. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department (NHFGD) requires clubs and organizations to apply for permits to hold bass tournaments and a database which tracks these permits has shown an increase in tournament pressure over time (Gries and Racine 2006).
New Hampshire’s black bass fish populations are highly utilized by anglers, with smallmouth and largemouth bass ranking among the top four species fished for by anglers (Responsive Management 2004). Additionally, the state’s bass anglers are the most satisfied; 87% of smallmouth bass anglers and 81% of largemouth bass anglers were either very or somewhat satisfied with their fishing experiences for these species. Strong support for special black bass management regulations was also shown in the survey: 70% supported catch and release; 68% supported special length limits; 50% supported reduced bag limits; and 47% supported artificial lures and flies only (Responsive Management 1996).
According to the 2001 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife Associated Recreation, 116,000 anglers fished 1.4 million days for warmwater species in New Hampshire (panfish: 19,000 anglers fished 316,000 days; black bass: 97,000 anglers fished 1.084 million days) (U.S. Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Census Bureau 2003). The level of angler participation in black bass fishing represented 38% of New Hampshire’s freshwater anglers and 44% of the total days of fishing. Since the average trip expenditure for anglers fishing in New Hampshire is $24 per day, the total expenditures by anglers fishing for warmwater species equals approximately $33.6 million.
As black bass populations in the state are managed solely by natural reproduction, it is necessary to collect population assessments to monitor their status in response to existing or proposed management strategies and to ensure their continued health. Additionally, age analysis allows for growth comparisons among waterbodies and aids in making appropriate management decisions.
This report summarizes age analysis of black bass sampled in New Hampshire water bodies by the NHFGD from 1997 –2005.
METHODS
Fish Capture/Scale Collection
Fish were sampled by boat electrofishing (Smith-Root SR18 and SR12) and/or by fyke nets. Fyke nets were set for at least 2 nights before retrieval and fish were processed after capture and released. Boat electrofishing was conducted after sunset using two or three netters. Electrofishing equipment was adjusted according to water conductivity and observed fish behavior relative to their position in the electrode’s field. The study design incorporated timed
2 runs using the equipment’s “on” meter time when sampling for target species (black bass or other pre-determined species) and random or community runs, to assess the other fish species in the lake. Black bass were captured during both target and community runs. All fish were placed in a live well upon capture, processed and then released.
Fish were measured to the nearest millimeter, total length (TL), and weighed to the nearest gram. Scales were taken above the lateral line immediately behind the left pectoral fin (DeVries et al 1996).
Scale Processing
All non-regenerated black bass scales (i.e. complete and normal) were pressed on acetate slides. Each slide held images of scales from a single fish and efforts were made to fit as many scales on each slide as possible. Scale impressions were aged using a microfiche reader. Age, annuli lengths, and distance to scale edge (nearest millimeter) were recorded for each fish. Roughly one quarter of both largemouth bass and smallmouth bass were assigned a confidence rating, which acted to gauge a reader’s impression of his/her aging accuracy. They are defined as:
1 = very confident 2 = confident 3 = + 1 year 4 = + 2 years
Data were imported into MS-Access where the Fraser-Lee method of back-calculation was performed on all fish 8 years old or younger and then were exported to MS-Excel. The Fraser- Lee equation is:
Li = Lc –a Si + a; Sc
Li = back-calculated length of the fish when the ith increment was formed, Lc = total length of the fish at capture, Sc = radius of scale at capture, Si = radius of scale at capture, a = intercept parameter.
The intercept parameter (i.e. correction factor; fish length at which scales begin to form) used was 20 for largemouth bass and 35 for smallmouth bass as suggested by Carlander (1982). Data from all fish without confidence ratings and from fish with ageing confidence ratings of < 3 were used to generate average total length at age by waterbody and species. Year classes were combined due to small sample sizes. An equal weighting method was used for each mean when determining final growth rate averages. Total length versus age plots in MS-Excel used average length at age per species and plots were fitted with a logarithmic trendline. Only values for ages < 6 were used to create the trendline in order to standardize this comparison among waterbodies. The equation for this trendline was used to obtain age at quality size (11.8 inches (300 mm) for largemouth bass and 11.0 inches (280 mm) for smallmouth bass; Gablehouse 1984).
3 Corresponding growth per species was characterized as “slow”, “average” or “fast” using the 25th and 75th percentiles, as breakpoints, of age at quality size (11.8 inches (300 mm) for largemouth bass; 11.0 inches (280 mm) for smallmouth bass) from waterbodies using maximum back-calculations of fish aged to 5 and 6 years old. Age at quality size determination is of interest to fisheries managers as it is the age at which bass reach a size favorable to anglers and allows comparisons to be made among waterbodies.
RESULTS
Scales were aged from 2,394 largemouth bass, representing 80 water bodies, and 800 smallmouth bass, representing 28 water bodies.
Back-calculated Lengths at Age of Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass
Mean back-calculated length at age, number of fish aged, and age at quality size varied by waterbody and species (Tables 1a. –1c., 2 and Figures 1 –108). Average maximum aged used in determining age at quality size for largemouth bass was 5.6 (SD = 0.6, n = 79) and was 5.4 (SD = 0.8, n = 25) for smallmouth bass (Figure 109 and 110).
Statewide averages of back-calculated length at age (1997-2005) varied by species (Tables 3 and 4 and Figures 111 and 112).
Black Bass Growth Categorization
Back-calculated age at quality size and corresponding correlation coefficients of the logarithmic trendline for largemouth and smallmouth bass are presented in Tables 1a. –1c. Average age to reach quality size for largemouth bass was 3.74 (SD = 0.62, n = 79) and was 4.47 (SD = 1.66, n = 25) for smallmouth bass. All largemouth bass correlation coefficients were > 0.92 for all water bodies. Smallmouth bass correlation coefficients were > 0.90 for waterbodies having fish aged at > 4 years. The lowest correlation coefficient, 0.89 for Island Pond, only had back-calculations from age one through four.
Largemouth and smallmouth bass growth categories of “slow”, “average” or “fast” are presented in Tables 5 and 6. The distribution of largemouth bass age at quality size values (n = 72 water bodies) was normal (Shapiro-Wilk W test, P = 0.28; Figure 113). The distribution of smallmouth bass age at quality size values (n = 25 waterbodies) was not normal (Shapiro-Wilk W test, P < 0.0001, Figure 114). These growth characterizations may allow for identification of waters in need of alternative management regulations. The eight waterbodies with the fastest largemouth bass growth to 300 mm in order of increasing age were Turkey Pond, Concord (2.41), Pleasant Pond, Francestown (2.60), Crystal Lake, Gilmanton (2.70), Rainbow Lake, Derry (2.72), Bolster Pond, Sullivan (2.84), Bow Lake, Strafford (2.86), Sportsman Pond, Fitzwilliam (3.01) and Pawtuckaway Lake, Nottingham (3.06). The eight waterbodies with the slowest largemouth bass growth to 300 mm in order of decreasing age were Naticook Lake, Merrimack (5.48), Sandy Pond, Richmond (5.22), Otternick Pond, Hudson (4.99), Greenwood
4 Pond, Kingston (4.98), Willand Pond, Somersworth (4.94), Crooked Pond, Loudon (4.80), Lake Potanipo, Brookline (4.79) and Little Island Pond, Pelham (4.68).
The five waterbodies with the fastest smallmouth bass growth to 280 mm in order of increasing age are Clement Pond, Hopkinton (3.00), Swains Lake, Barrington (3.14), Cunningham Pond, Peterborough (3.28), Pleasant Lake, Deerfield (3.37) and Pawtuckaway Lake, Nottingham (3.38). The five waterbodies with the slowest smallmouth bass growth to 280 mm in order of decreasing age are Goose Pond, Cannan (10.77), Laurel Lake, Fitzwilliam (7.31), Skatutakee Lake, Harrisville (5.68), Highland Lake, Stoddard (5.60) and Spofford Lake, Spofford (5.41).
DISCUSSION
This report summarizes age analysis of black bass sampled in New Hampshire waterbodies by the NHFGD from 1997 –2005 by listing individual water body’s length at age and age at length growth categorization by species and by also creating statewide averages by species. An important implication of this report is the potential to use the growth categorization as a screening tool to identify poor or exceptional growth waters that could benefit from alternative management strategies. There may be a need to perform more in depth studies and more detailed analyses in future years, including year class comparisons.
Attempts were made to obtain black bass back-calculated length at age from other New England states including Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, and Vermont. New Hampshire’s average back-calculated length at age for both largemouth bass (ages 1-6) and smallmouth bass (ages 1- 6) were remarkably similar to those of Connecticut (Table 3 and 4). Differences in averages by age never differed by more than 12 mm for largemouth bass and 10 mm for smallmouth bass. Massachusetts did not respond to data requests and both Maine and Vermont had average length at capture data. Therefore, no comparisons were made with these states.
Using age at length to categorize smallmouth bass growth may be premature at this time. Not only was the distribution of smallmouth bass age at quality size values not normal, but also the small sampling size of 20 waterbodies may not accurately depict the true range of bass growth in New Hampshire.
This document is intended to be a living document with updates of individual waterbody average length at age results. Statewide averages should be updated periodically as data becomes available and time permits.
5 LITERATURE CITED
Beamish, R.J. and G.A. McFarlane. 1983. The Forgotten Requirement for Age Validation in Fisheries Biology. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 112:735-743.
Boucher, David P. 1998. Precision and Relative Accuracy of Maine Black Bass Age Estimates from Scales and Otolith Sections. Fisheries Progress Report Series No. 98-1. Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Augusta, Maine.
Buckmeier, David L. 2002. Assessment of reader accuracy and recommendations to reduce subjectivity in age estimation. Fisheries 27, no 11: 10-14.
Campana, Steven E, Annand, M. Christina, McMillan, James I. 1995. Graphical and Statistical Methods for Determining the Consistency of Age Determinations. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 124: 131-138.
Carlander, K.D. 1982. Standard intercepts for calculating lengths from scale measurements for some centrarchid and percid fishes. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 111: 332-336.
DeVries, Dennis R. and Frie, Richard V. 1996. Determination of Age and Growth. Pages 483- 512 in B.R. Murphy and D.W. Willis, editors. Fisheries techniques, 2nd edition. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland.
Gablehouse, D. W. 1984. A length-categorization system to assess fish stocks. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 4:273-285.
Gries, G. and M. Racine. 2006. Warmwater population assessments in New Hampshire (2005). F-50-R-21 Project Segment Report. New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. Concord, NH.
Jacobs R.P. and E.B. O'Donnell. 1996. An Electrofishing Survey of Selected Connecticut Lakes. Final Report. Federal aid in Sport Fish Restoration. F57R. Conn. Dept. Environ. Protection, Hartford 190pp
Schneider, James C., P. W. Laarman, and H. Gowing. 2000. Age and growth methods and state averages. Chapter 9 in Schneider, James C. (ed.) 2000. Manual of fisheries survey methods II: with periodic updates. Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Fisheries Special Report 25, Ann Arbor.
Whitworth, Walter R. 1989. Management brief: Evaluation of Largemouth Bass Growth Estimates Obtained from Angler-Collected Scale Samples. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 9:116-119.
6 Table 1a. Mean back-calculated length at age, total number of fish aged, logarithmic trendline correlation coefficient, age at quality size, and growth categorization for largemouth bass by water body (sample year(s) combined for 1997 –2005).
Maximum Maximum Number of Age at quality Sample Age < 8 with age used for Mean back-calculated length (mm) at age fish aged size Growth Water body Town Year(s) Species CR < 4a back-calculations 1 2 3 4 5 6 >1 5-6 R2b 300 mm Categorization Angle Pond Sandown 2002 LMB 5 5 95 195 278 318 331 6 1 0.99 3.76 A Ashuelot Pond Washington 2005 LMB 7 6 81 229 313 349 383 417 7 3 0.99 3.10 F Beaver Pond Derry 2001 LMB 6 6 70 150 252 323 365 391 16 3 0.98 3.73 A Bellamy Reservoir Madbury 2000 LMB 8 6 91 168 233 296 348 397 19 7 0.97 3.89 A Bolster Pond Sullivan 2004 LMB 6 6 101 239 313 365 400 440 21 3 1.00 2.84 F Bow Lakee Strafford 1997 LMB 5 4 88 194 323 377 8 1 0.98 2.86 F Brindle Pond Barnstead 2001 LMB 8 5 76 211 291 351 382 20 5 1.00 3.17 F Center Pond Stoddard 2004 LMB 6 6 95 210 288 338 377 395 29 8 1.00 3.29 F Contoocook Lake Jaffrey 1997 LMB 7 5 73 184 263 308 339 18 1 1.00 3.88 A Country Pond Kingston/Newton 2001 LMB 7 6 81 184 240 315 351 4 2 0.99 3.85 A Crescent Lake Acworth 2003 LMB 8 6 100 194 261 309 344 361 24 5 1.00 3.87 A Crooked Pond Loudon 2000 LMB 7 5 77 162 230 273 312 33 17 0.99 4.80 S Crystal Lake Manchester 2001 LMB 8 6 86 176 280 325 360 381 13 3 0.99 3.61 A Crystal Lake Gilmanton 2005 LMB 5 5 108 226 299 383 447 3 1 0.98 2.70 F Connecticut River Hindsdale 1998, 2002 LMB 8 6 95 173 251 303 339 399 53 11 0.99 3.71 A Cunningham Pond Peterborough 1997 LMB 6 6 65 158 261 344 380 396 28 6 0.98 3.53 A Deering Lakee Deering 1997 LMB 4 4 79 198 265 298 40 0 1.00 3.87 A Dodge Pond Lempster 2004 LMB 8 6 84 187 259 316 353 391 28 12 1.00 3.67 A Dorrs Pond Manchester 2001 LMB 7 6 89 190 268 304 317 337 6 1 0.98 4.23 S Peterborough 2002 LMB 7 5 86 187 255 321 383 25 1 0.98 3.51 A McDowell LakeEdward Elm Brook Pool Hopkinton 1998 LMB 8 6 75 199 285 339 393 426 50 9 1.00 3.21 F Flints Pond Hollis 2001 LMB 8 5 82 149 235 309 333 8 1 0.97 4.33 S Forest Lake Winchester 2002 LMB 7 6 83 164 286 355 396 419 47 6 0.98 3.24 F Goose Pond Canaan 2004 LMB 7 5 97 187 289 335 357 6 1 0.98 3.43 A Gorham Pond Dunbarton 2002 LMB 7 6 86 184 256 307 340 360 23 8 1.00 3.98 A Great Pond Kingston 2001 LMB 8 6 74 163 260 315 345 374 9 3 0.99 3.87 A Greenwood Pond Kingston 2001 LMB 8 6 84 178 244 258 306 323 18 4 0.99 4.98 S Gregg Lake Antrim 2004 LMB 7 6 86 172 255 323 372 394 16 4 0.99 3.59 A Halfmoon Pond Barnstead 2005 LMB 7 6 80 197 289 342 389 415 8 3 1.00 3.23 F Harrisville Pond Harrisville 2005 LMB 6 6 72 185 277 323 353 359 15 4 0.99 3.76 A a Oldest fish aged with a confidence rating of 1 to 3. b Correlation coefficient for logarithmic trendline. c “S” represents “slow” growth, “A” represents “average” growth, and “F” represents “fast” growth. See Table 7 for age at quality size categories. d Age at quality size values not ascertained due to insufficient data. e Age at quality size values should be interpreted with caution as no fish over 4 years old were aged.
7 Table 1b. Mean back-calculated length at age, total number of fish aged, logarithmic trendline correlation coefficient, age at quality size, and growth categorization for largemouth bass by water body (sample year(s) combined for 1997 –2005).
Maximum Maximum Number of Age at quality Sample Age < 8 with age used for Mean back-calculated length (mm) at age fish aged size Growth Water body Year(s) Species CR < 4a back-calculations 1 2 3 4 5 6 >1 5-6 R2b 300 mm Categorization Harvey Lake Northwood 2001 LMB 8 6 81 159 231 287 350 414 10 3 0.96 3.86 A Heads Pond Hooksett 2001 LMB 8 6 72 161 253 331 378 413 22 9 0.98 3.52 A Highland Lake Stoddard 1997, 2005 LMB 7 6 78 191 267 317 343 368 44 9 1.00 3.80 A Hopkinton Lake Hopkinton 2005 LMB 8 6 92 185 259 303 340 411 23 10 0.98 3.67 A Kimball Pond Hopkinton 2005 LMB 2 2 128 298 22 0 0.97 - S Laurel Lake Fitzwilliam 2003 LMB 6 6 66 147 226 277 316 371 49 11 0.98 4.44 S Little Island Pond Pelham 2003 LMB 7 5 75 149 226 263 333 9 4 0.97 4.68 S Long Pond Danville/Kingston 2001 LMB 8 6 72 177 265 306 334 343 11 4 0.99 4.12 S Massabessic Lake Auburn 1997, 1999 LMB 8 6 71 172 263 319 359 406 137 79 0.99 3.61 A Massasecum Lake Bradford 1997 LMB 7 6 66 173 270 340 373 428 41 7 0.99 3.39 A Merrimack River - 1997 LMB 6 6 64 168 248 330 389 444 5 1 0.98 3.38 A Monomonac Lake Rindge 2005 LMB 8 5 102 237 309 341 374 6 2 0.99 3.07 F Jaffrey 2004 LMB 5 5 79 195 269 348 393 27 1 0.99 3.24 F Brook Res. Mountain Nashua River - 2003 LMB 5 6 84 141 216 289 348 13 8 0.94 4.38 S Naticook Lake Merrimack 2004 LMB 5 6 76 178 237 264 273 44 2 0.98 5.48 S Northwood Lake Northwood 1997, 1999 LMB 5 5 82 187 281 349 419 22 3 0.98 3.11 F Norway Pond Hancock 2005 LMB 6 6 77 188 274 320 346 365 43 6 0.99 3.77 A Nutts Pond Manchester 2001 LMB 6 6 83 179 242 275 306 345 9 2 1.00 4.61 S Onway Lake Raymond 2004 LMB 8 6 90 222 301 341 365 380 21 8 0.99 3.32 F Otter Lake Greenfield 2005 LMB 6 6 72 156 234 290 322 343 58 19 0.99 4.49 S Otternick Ponde Hudson 2003 LMB 4 4 81 160 221 280 11 0 0.98 4.99 S uckaway Lake Nottingham 1997 LMB 6 6 92 193 277 342 407 460 16 7 0.98 3.06 F Pawt Phillips Pond Sandown 2002 LMB 7 6 84 174 245 292 338 348 16 2 0.99 4.24 S Pine Island Pond Manchester 2001 LMB 7 6 87 174 253 324 403 434 15 3 0.97 3.32 F Pleasant Lakee Deerfield 1999 LMB 4 4 61 120 225 313 3 0 0.92 4.35 S Pleasant Ponde Francestown 2002 LMB 4 4 113 231 342 384 7 0 0.99 2.60 F Poole Pond Rindge 2005 LMB 5 6 72 206 278 319 355 32 2 1.00 3.54 A Potanipo Lake Brookline 2005 LMB 6 6 75 162 234 285 311 322 38 3 0.99 4.79 S Rainbow Lake Derry 2001 LMB 6 6 91 247 335 387 412 440 5 1 0.99 2.72 F
a Oldest fish aged with a confidence rating of 1 to 3. b Correlation coefficient for logarithmic trendline. c “S” represents “slow” growth, “A” represents “average” growth, and “F” represents “fast” growth. See Table 7 for age at quality size categories. d Age at quality size values not ascertained due to insufficient data. e Age at quality size values should be interpreted with caution as no fish over 4 years old were aged.
8 Table 1c. Mean back-calculated length at age, total number of fish aged, logarithmic trendline correlation coefficient, age at quality size, and growth categorization for largemouth bass by water body (sample year(s) combined for 1997 –2005).
Maximum Number of Age at quality Age < 8 Maximum Mean back-calculated length (mm) at age fish aged size Sample with CR < age used for Growth Water body Year(s) Species 4a back-calculations 1 2 3 4 5 6 >1 5-6 R2b 300 mm Categorization Robinson Pond Hudson 2003 LMB 5 5 81 186 251 300 348 29 0 1.00 3.92 A Sandy Pond Richmond 2002 LMB 8 6 79 142 197 250 314 331 39 1 0.96 5.22 S Scobie Pond Londonderry 2001 LMB 8 6 84 162 251 292 319 363 4 4 0.99 4.25 S Scott Pond Fitzwilliam 2003 LMB 5 5 82 172 266 310 332 23 2 0.99 3.95 A Sip Pond Fitzwilliam 2003 LMB 7 6 85 199 246 303 341 372 27 5 1.00 3.91 A Skatutakee Lakee Harrisville 1997 LMB 4 4 73 201 298 357 13 0 1.00 3.08 F Spofford Lake Spofford 1998 LMB 8 6 64 168 270 330 359 381 10 3 0.99 3.68 A Sportsman Pond Fitzwilliam 2002 LMB 8 5 83 222 304 359 390 25 2 1.00 3.01 F Spruce Pond Deerfield 2001 LMB 8 6 80 149 253 312 361 396 13 4 0.97 3.75 A Stevens Pond Manchester 2000 LMB 6 6 113 193 253 277 323 359 4 1 0.99 4.25 S Stone Pond Marlow 2004 LMB 7 5 89 195 277 343 359 17 2 0.99 3.41 A Suncook Lake Barnstead 1997 LMB 7 6 80 182 272 337 379 416 9 2 0.99 3.36 A Swains Lake Barrington 1997 LMB 6 6 71 174 282 351 392 426 21 3 0.99 3.26 F Turee Pond Bow 2000 LMB 7 6 76 154 244 316 354 387 44 14 0.98 3.83 A Turkey Pond Concord 2000 LMB 6 6 140 250 346 399 445 463 19 6 0.99 2.41 F Turtletown Pond Concord 1997,99-02 LMB 8 6 79 195 278 328 362 401 169 44 1.00 3.47 A Walker Pond Webster 2002 LMB 7 6 70 155 220 296 327 364 14 1 0.98 4.32 S Warren Lake Alstead 1997, 2003 LMB 8 6 89 197 279 317 337 356 141 24 0.99 3.83 A Wash Pond Hampstead 2002 LMB 7 5 73 183 270 312 362 17 2 1.00 3.64 A Willand Pond Somersworth 2000 LMB 8 6 76 159 220 270 304 334 14 3 0.99 4.94 S inpsue Lake, Winnipesaukee Lees Millse Moultonboro 2004 LMB 4 4 80 210 270 351 25 0 0.99 3.25 F a Oldest fish aged with a confidence rating of 1 to 3. b Correlation coefficient for logarithmic trendline. c “S” represents “slow” growth, “A” represents “average” growth, and “F” represents “fast” growth. See Table 7 for age at quality size categories. d Age at quality size values not ascertained due to insufficient data. e Age at quality size values should be interpreted with caution as no fish over 4 years old were aged..
9 Table 2. Mean back-calculated length at age, total number of fish aged, logarithmic trendline correlation coefficient, age at quality size, and growth categorization for smallmouth bass by water body (sample year(s) combined for 1997 –2005).
Maximum Maximum Number of Age at Quality Sample Age < 8 age used for Mean back-calculated length (mm) at age fish aged Length Growth Waterbody Town Year(s) Species with CR < 4 back-calculations 1 2 3 4 5 6 >1 5-6 R2b 280 mm Categorization Angle Pond Sandown 2002 SMB 6 6 88 154 233 284 338 393 11 4 0.96 3.61 A Bow Lake Strafford 1997 SMB 5 5 87 140 200 240 335 10 2 0.90 4.57 A Center Pond Stoddard 2004 SMB 5 5 80 153 222 279 329 21 4 0.97 4.04 A Clement Pond Hopkinton 2001 SMB 6 6 90 173 259 328 389 437 9 1 0.97 3.00 F Crescent Lakef Acworth 2003 SMB 7 6 82 161 219 276 318 339 20 0 0.99 4.13 A Crystal Lake Gilmanton 2005 SMB 7 5 92 131 226 307 359 4 1 0.91 3.64 A Connecticut River Claremont 1998, 2005 SMB 7 6 82 165 241 304 359 389 42 13 0.98 3.42 F Cunningham Pond Peterborough 1997 SMB 7 6 109 170 230 302 363 412 3 2 0.94 3.28 F Goose Pond Canaan 2004 SMB 5 5 95 142 174 197 227 18 2 0.99 10.77 S Gregg Lakee Antrim 2004 SMB 4 4 89 161 237 325 28 0 0.94 3.55 A Halfmoon Pond Barnstead 2005 SMB 6 6 88 135 208 299 330 392 15 2 0.93 3.73 A Highland Lake Stoddard 1997 SMB 7 6 81 129 179 232 283 298 10 6 0.95 5.60 S Island Ponde Washington 2002 SMB 4 4 77 137 187 292 29 0 0.89 5.37 S Laurel Lake Fitzwilliam 2003 SMB 7 5 89 133 187 215 254 24 3 0.97 7.31 S Little Island Pond Pelham 2003 SMB 6 6 79 134 195 248 291 314 8 2 0.97 5.01 A Massabessic Lake Auburn 1997, 1999 SMB 7 6 86 132 191 254 312 360 41 24 0.93 4.35 A Massasecum Laked Bradford 1997 SMB 3 3 70 152 222 4 0 - - - Merrimack River - 1997, 1999 SMB 7 6 88 152 225 283 325 358 88 48 0.98 3.91 A Monomonac Laked Rindge 2005 SMB 3 3 88 173 266 3 0 - - - Northwood Lakee Northwood 1997, 1999 SMB 4 4 78 139 218 252 43 0 0.92 3.72 A Otter Lakee Greenfield 2005 SMB 4 4 87 140 231 295 6 0 0.95 4.04 A Pawtuckaway Lakee Nottingham 1997 SMB 4 4 88 159 257 326 11 0 0.95 3.38 F Pleasant Lake Deerfield 1998, 1999 SMB 7 6 86 149 228 311 364 400 102 67 0.94 3.37 F Skatutakee Lake Harrisville 1997 SMB 7 6 80 134 185 231 268 303 41 13 0.97 5.68 S Spofford Lake Spofford 1998, 2000 SMB 9 6 80 131 182 232 277 314 125 60 0.95 5.41 S Suncook Lake Barnstead 1997 SMB 6 6 66 117 190 290 354 387 13 1 0.93 3.82 A Swains Lake Barrington 1997 SMB 7 5 91 178 281 327 361 9 1 0.99 3.14 F Warren Laked Alstead 2003 SMB 2 2 88 160 3 0 - - - a Oldest fish aged with a confidence rating of 1 to 3. b Correlation coefficient for logarithmic trendline. c “S” represents “slow” growth, “A” represents “average” growth, and “F” represents “fast” growth. See Table 8 for age at quality size categories. d Age at quality size values not ascertained due to insufficient data. e Age at quality size values should be interpreted with caution. f 13 fish aged at age 1, 5fish aged atage 5, and2 fishaged at age 7.
10 Table 3. New Hampshire statewide average of Fraser-Lee back-calculated length at age (mm) for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (n = 81) and Connecticut statewide average of Fraser- Lee back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass in exploited lakes (allow fishing) from 1988-1995 (n = 72). AGE 1 2 3 4 5 6 n ave std n ave std n ave std n ave std n ave std n ave std
NH 80 83 13 80 185 29 79 265 29 79 320 31 72 357 33 52 387 36 CT 94 192 267 322 364 399
Table 4. Statewide average of back-calculated length at age (mm) for smallmouth bass from 1997-2005 (n = 27) and Connecticut statewide average of Fraser-Lee back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass in exploited lakes (allow fishing) from 1988-1995 (n = 30). AGE 1 2 3 4 5 6 n ave std n ave std n ave std n ave std n ave std n ave std NH 28 85 8 28 148 16 27 217 29 25 277 38 20 322 43 14 364 44 CT 92 158 222 280 318 360
11 Table 5. Largemouth bass growth categorization based on 25th and 75th percentiles of mean age at quality size (300 mm) for waterbodies using maximum back-calculations of fish aged to 5 and 6 years old. Number of waterbodies used in analysis was 72. Growth Category Mean Age at Length Fast < 3.33 Average 3.33 - 4.08 Slow > 4.08
Table 6. Smallmouth bass growth categorization based on 25th and 75th percentiles of mean age at quality size (280 mm) for waterbodies using maximum age back-calculations of fish aged to 5 and 6 years old. Number of waterbodies used in analysis was 20. Growth Category Mean Age at Length Fast < 3.47 Average 3.47 –5.31 Slow > 5.31
12 Angle Pond 2002 y = 154.43Ln(x) + 95.569 2 LMB length at age R = 0.9877 400
350
300
250
200
150
100 Angle Pond 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Angle Pond) 0 1 2 3 4 5
Figure 1. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Angle Pond (Sandown) sampled in 2002 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
Ashuelot Lake 2005 y = 184.17Ln(x) + 91.579 2 LMB length at age R = 0.9916 450 400 350 300 250 200
150 Ashuelot Pond 100 1997-2005 Average 50 Log. (Ashuelot Pond) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 2. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Ashuelot Lake (Washington) sampled in 2005 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
13 Beaver Pond 2001 y = 189.76Ln(x) + 50.388 LMB length at age R2 = 0.98 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 Beaver Pond 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Beaver Pond) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Figure 3. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Beaver Pond (Derry) sampled in 2001 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
Bellamy Reservoir 2000 y = 169.86Ln(x) + 69.414 2 LMB length at age R = 0.9691 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 Bellamy Reservoir 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Bellamy Reservoir) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 4. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Bellamy Reservoir (Madbury) sampled in 2000 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
14 Bolster Pond 2004 y = 186.91Ln(x) + 104.61 LMB length at age R2 = 0.999 500 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 Bolster Pond 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Bolster Pond) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 5. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Bolster Pond (Sullivan) sampled in 2004 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
Bow Lake 1997 y = 213.54Ln(x) + 75.856 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9759 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 Bow Lake 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Bow Lake) 0 1 2 3 4
Figure 6. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Bow Lake (Strafford) sampled in 1997 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
15 Brindle Pond 2001 y = 193.12Ln(x) + 77.269 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9987 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 Brindle Pond 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Brindle Pond) 0 1 2 3 4 5
Figure 7. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Brindle Pond (Barnstead) sampled in 2001 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
y = 171.93Ln(x) + 95.465 Center Pond 2004 R2 = 0.9976 LMB length at age 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 Center Pond 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Center Pond) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 8. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Center Pond (Stoddard) sampled in 2004 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
16 Contoocook Lake 1997 y = 168.33Ln(x) + 71.973 2 LMB length at age R = 0.9982 400 350 300 250 200 150 Contoocook Lake 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Contoocook Lake) 0 1 2 3 4 5
Figure 9. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Contoocook Lake (Jaffrey) sampled in 1997 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
Country Pond 2001 y = 168.04Ln(x) + 73.414 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9884 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 Country Pond 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Country Pond) 0 1 2 3 4 5
Figure 10. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Country Pond (Kingston/Newton) sampled in 2001 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
17 Crescent Lake 2003y = 150.2Ln(x) + 96.877 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9975 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 Crescent Lake 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Crescent Lake) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 11. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Crescent Lake (Acworth) sampled in 2003 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
Crooked Pond 2000 y = 146.01Ln(x) + 71.092 2 LMB length at age R = 0.9947 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 Crooked Pond 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Crooked Pond) 0 1 2 3 4 5
Figure 12. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Crooked Pond (Loudon) sampled in 2000 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
18 Crystal Lake 2001 y = 172.17Ln(x) + 79.118 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9878 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 Cyrstal Lake 1997-2005 50 Log. (Cyrstal Lake) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 13. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Crystal Lake (Manchester) sampled in 2001 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
Crystal Lake 2005 y = 207.05Ln(x) + 94.348 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9825 500 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 Crystal Lake 100 1997-2005 Average 50 Log. (Crystal Lake) 0 1 2 3 4 5
Figure 14. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Crystal Lake (Gilmanton) sampled in 2005 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
19 Ct River Setbacks - Hindsdale y = 166.59Ln(x) + 77.482 (1998 & 2002) R2 = 0.9774 500 LMB length at age 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 CT R., Hindsdale 100 1997-2005 50 Log. (CT R., Hindsdale) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 15. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Connecticut River (Hindsdale) sampled in 1998 & 2002 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
Cunningham Pond 1997 y = 197.97Ln(x) + 50.459 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9808 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 Cunningham Pond 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Cunningham Pond) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 16. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Cunningham Pond (Peterborough) sampled in 1997 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
20 Deering Lake 1997 y = 160.9Ln(x) + 82.421 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9959 350
300
250
200
150
100 Deering Lake 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Deering Lake) 0 1 2 3 4
Figure 17. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Deering Lake (Deering) sampled in 1997 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
Dodge Pond 2004 y = 171.6Ln(x) + 76.83 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9969 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 Dodge Pond 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Dodge Pond) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 18. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Dodge Pond (Lempster) sampled in 2004 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
21 Dorrs Pond 2001 y = 141.93Ln(x) + 95.149 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9847 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 Dorrs Pond 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Dorrs Pond) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 19. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Dorrs Pond (Manchester) sampled in 2001 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
Edward McDowell Lake 2002 y = 180.24Ln(x) + 73.883 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9819 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 Edward MacDowell Lake 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Edward MacDowell Lake) 0 1 2 3 4 5
Figure 20. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Edward McDowell Lake (Peterborough) sampled in 2002 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
22 Elm Brook Pool 1998 y = 197.75Ln(x) + 69.225 2 LMB length at age R = 0.9984 500 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 Elm Brook Pool 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Elm Brook Pool) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 21. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Elm Brook Pool (Hopkinton) sampled in 1998 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
Flints Pond 2001 y = 157.78Ln(x) + 68.826 LMB length at age 2 400 R = 0.9712 350 300 250
200 150
100 Flints Pond 50 1997-2005 Ave Log. (Flints Pond) 0 1 2 3 4 5
Figure 22. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Flints Pond (Hollis) sampled in 2001 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
23 Forest Lake 2002 y = 200.68Ln(x) + 63.853 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9762 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 Forest Lake 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Forest Lake) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 23. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Forest Lake (Winchester) sampled in 2002 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
y = 170.14Ln(x) + 90.436 Goose Pond 2004 R2 = 0.9838 LMB length at age 400
350
300
250
200
150
100 Goose Pond 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Goose Pond) 0 1 2 3 4 5
Figure 24. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Goose Pond (Canaan) sampled in 2004 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
24 Gorham Pond 2002 y = 157.38Ln(x) + 82.774 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9975 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 Gorham Pond 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Gorham Pond) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 25. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Gorham Pond (Dunbarton) sampled in 2002 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
Great Pond 2001 y = 174.1Ln(x) + 64.242 LMB length at age R2 = 0.99 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 Great Pond 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Great Pond) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 26. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Great Pond (Kingston) sampled in 2001 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
25 Greenwood Pond 2001 y = 133.53Ln(x) + 85.698 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9913 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 Greenwood Pond 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Greenwood Pond) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 27. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Greenwood Pond (Kingston) sampled in 2001 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
Gregg Lake 2004 y = 180.25Ln(x) + 69.542 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9851 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 Gregg Lake 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Gregg Lake) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 28. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Gregg Lake (Antrim) sampled in 2004 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
26 Halfmoon Pond 2005 y = 191.48Ln(x) + 75.344 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9977 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 Halfmoon Pond 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Halfmoon Pond) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 29. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Halfmoon Pond (Barnstead) sampled in 2005 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
Harrisville Pond 2005 y = 169.62Ln(x) + 75.527 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9859 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 Harrisville Pond 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Harrisville Pond) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 30. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Harrisville Pond (Harrisville) sampled in 2005 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
27 Harvey Lake 2001 y = 181.44Ln(x) + 54.722 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9568 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 Harvey Lake 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Harvey Lake) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 31. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Harvey Lake (Northwood) sampled in 2001 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
Heads Pond 2001 y = 197.34Ln(x) + 51.613 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9817 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 Heads Pond 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Heads Pond) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 32. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Heads Pond (Hooksett) sampled in 2001 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
28 Highland Lake 1997 & 2005y = 165.06Ln(x) + 79.747 2 LMB length at age R = 0.9971 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 Highland Lake 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Highland Lake) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 33. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Highland Lake (Stoddard) sampled in 1997 and 2005 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
Hopkinton Lake 2005 y = 169.94Ln(x) + 78.936 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9785 500 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 Hopkinton Lake 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Hopkinton Lake) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 34. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Hopkinton Lake (Hopkinton) sampled in 2005 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
29 Kimball Lake 2005 y = 244.34Ln(x) + 128.48 LMB length at age R2 = 1 350
300
250
200
150
100 Kimball Pond 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Kimball Pond) 0 1 2 Figure 35. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Kimball Lake (Hopkinton) sampled in 2005 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
Laurel Lake 2003 y = 168.21Ln(x) + 49.342 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9821 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 Laurel Lake 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Laurel Lake) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 36. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Laurel Lake (Fitzwilliam) sampled in 2003 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
30 Little Island Pond 2003 y = 155.08Ln(x) + 60.585 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9687 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 Little Island Pond 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Little Island Pond) 0 1 2 3 4 5
Figure 37. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Little Island Pond (Pelham) sampled in 2003 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
Long Pond 2001 y = 158.51Ln(x) + 75.558 2 LMB length at age R = 0.9869 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 Long Pond 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Long Pond) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 38. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Long Pond (Danville/Kingston) sampled in 2001 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
31 Massabesic Lake 1997 & 1999 y = 187.72Ln(x) + 59.058 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9925 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 Massabesic Lake 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Massabesic Lake) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 39. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Massabesic Lake (Auburn) sampled in 1997 and 1999 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
y = 202.87Ln(x) + 52.45 Massasecum Lake 1997 2 LMB length at age R = 0.9909 500 450
400
350
300
250
200 150 Massassecum Lake 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Massassecum Lake)
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 40. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Massasecum Lake (Bradford) sampled in 1997 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
32 Merrimack River 1997 y = 212.53Ln(x) + 40.999 LMB length at age R2 = 0.978 500 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 Merrimack River 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Merrimack River) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 41. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Merrimack River sampled in 1997 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
Monomonac Lake 2005 y = 169.33Ln(x) + 110.07 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9913 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 Monomonac Lake 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Monomonac Lake) 0 1 2 3 4 5
Figure 42. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Monomonac Lake (Rindge) sampled in 2005 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
33 Mountain Brook Reservoir 2004 y = 195.98Ln(x) + 69.32 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9911 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 Mtn Bk Res 100 1997-2005 50 Log. (Mtn Bk Res) 0 1 2 3 4 5
Figure 43. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Mountain Brook Reservoir (Jaffrey) sampled in 2004 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
Nashua River 2003 y = 163.05Ln(x) + 59.191 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9389 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 Nashua River 1997-2005 50 Log. (Nashua River) 0 1 2 3 4 5
Figure 44. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Nashua River sampled in 2003 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
34 Naticook Lake 2004 y = 126.69Ln(x) + 84.505 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9805 400 350 300 250 200 150 Naticook Lake 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Naticook Lake) 0 1 2 3 4 5
Figure 45. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Naticook Lake (Merrimack) sampled in 2004 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
Northwood Lake 1997 & 1999 y = 206.79Ln(x) + 65.363 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9816 500 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 Northwood Lake 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Northwood Lake) 0 1 2 3 4 5
Figure 46. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Northwood Lake (Northwood) sampled in 1997 and 1999 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
35 Norway Pond 2005 y = 165.96Ln(x) + 79.589 2 LMB length at age R = 0.9925 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 Norway Pond 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Norway Pond) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 47. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Norway Pond (Hancock) sampled in 2005 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
Nutts Pond 2001 y = 142.98Ln(x) + 81.339 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9975 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 Nutts Pond 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Nutts Pond) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 48. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Nutts Pond (Manchester) sampled in 2001 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
36 OnwayLake 2004 y = 165.33Ln(x) + 101.83 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9853 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 Onway lake 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Onway lake) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 49. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Onway Lake (Raymond) sampled in 2004 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
Otter Lake 2005 y = 157.76Ln(x) + 63.115 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9919 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 Otter Lake 1997-2005 50 Log. (Otter Lake) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 50. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Otter Lake (Greenfield) sampled in 2005 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
37 Otternick Pond 2003 y = 140.79Ln(x) + 73.801 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9832 350
300
250
200
150
100 Otternick Pond 50 1997-2005 Ave Log. (Otternick Pond) 0 1 2 3 4
Figure 51. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Otternick Pond (Hudson) sampled in 2003 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
Pawtuckaway Lake 1997 y = 204.76Ln(x) + 70.795 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9798 600
500
400
300
200 Patuckaway Lake 1997-2005 Ave 100 Log. (Patuckaway Lake) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 52. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Pawtuckaway Lake (Nottingham) sampled in 1997 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
38 Phillips Pond 2002 y = 153.66Ln(x) + 78.174 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9934 450.0 400.0 350.0 300.0 250.0 200.0 150.0 Philips Pond 100.0 1997-2005 50.0 Log. (Philips Pond) 0.0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 53. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Philips Pond (Sandown) sampled in 2002 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
Pine Island Pond 2001 y = 199.15Ln(x) + 60.764 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9674 600
500
400
300
200 Pine Island Pond 100 1997-2005 Ave Log. (Pine Island Pond) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 54. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Pine Island Pond (Manchester) sampled in 2001 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
39 Pleasant Lake 1999 y = 177.95Ln(x) + 38.221 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9185 350
300
250
200
150
100 Pleasant Lake 50 1997-2005 Ave Log. (Pleasant Lake) 0 1 2 3 4
Figure 55. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Pleasant Lake (Deerfield) sampled in 1999 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
Pleasant Pond 2002 y = 200.95Ln(x) + 107.83 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9898 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 Pleasant Pond 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Pleasant Pond) 0 1 2 3 4
Figure 56. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Pleasant Pond (Francestown) sampled in 2002 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
40 Pool Pond 2005 y = 176.02Ln(x) + 77.373 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9968 400 350 300 250 200 150 Pool Pond 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Pool Pond) 0 1 2 3 4 5
Figure 57. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Pool Pond (Rindge) sampled in 2005 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
Potanipo Lake 2005 y = 145.16Ln(x) + 72.585 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9917 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 Potanipo Lake 100 1997-2005 50 Log. (Potanipo Lake) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 58. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Potanipo Lake (Brookline) sampled in 2005 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
41 Rainbow Lake 2001 y = 195.9Ln(x) + 103.84 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9898 500 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 Rainbow Lake 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Rainbow Lake) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 59. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Rainbow Lake (Derry) sampled in 2001 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
Robinson Pond 2003 y = 163.45Ln(x) + 76.542 LMB length at age R2 = 0.997 400 350 300 250 200 150
100 Robinson Pond 50 1997-2005 Ave Log. (Robinson Pond) 0 1 2 3 4 5
Figure 60. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Robinson Pond (Hudson) sampled in 2003 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
42 Sandy Pond 2002 y = 145.66Ln(x) + 59.311 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9613 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 Sandy Pond 100 1997-2005 50 Log. (Sandy Pond) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 61. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Sandy Pond (Richmond) sampled in 2002 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
Scobie Pond 2001 y = 156.41Ln(x) + 73.811 LMB length at age R2 = 0.988 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 Scobie Pond 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Scobie Pond) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 62. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Scobie Pond (Londonderry) sampled in 2001 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
43 Scott Pond 2003 y = 162.43Ln(x) + 76.757 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9869 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 Scott Pond 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Scott Pond) 0 1 2 3 4 5
Figure 63. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Scott Pond (Fitzwilliam) sampled in 2003 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
Sip Pond 2003 y = 158.76Ln(x) + 83.64 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9963 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 Sip Pond 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Sip Pond) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 64. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Sip Pond (Fitzwilliam) sampled in 2003 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
44 Skatutakee Lake 1997 y = 206.14Ln(x) + 68.372 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9968 400 350 300 250 200 150 Skatutakee Lake 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Skatutakee Lake) 0 1 2 3 4
Figure 65. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Skatutakee Lake (Harrisville) sampled in 1997 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
Spofford Lake 1998 y = 185.22Ln(x) + 58.802 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9899 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 Spofford Lake 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Spofford Lake) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 66. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Spofford Lake (Spofford) sampled in 1998 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
45 Sportsman Pond 2002 y = 193.69Ln(x) + 86.269 LMB length at age R2 = 0.998 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 Sportman's Pond 100 1997-2005 50 Log. (Sportman's Pond) 0 1 2 3 4 5
Figure 67. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Sportsman Pond (Fitzwilliam) sampled in 2002 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
y = 183.53Ln(x) + 57.203 Spruce Pond 2001 2 LMB length at age R = 0.9736 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 Spruce Pond 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Spruce Pond) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 68. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Spruce Pond (Deerfield) sampled in 2001 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
46 Stevens Pond 2000 y = 134.04Ln(x) + 106.17 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9882 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 Stevens Pond 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Stevens Pond) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 69. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Stevens Pond (Manchester) sampled in 2000 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
Stone Pond 2004 y = 175.79Ln(x) + 84.211 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9916 400
350 300 250 200 150 100 Stone Pond 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Stone Pond) 0 1 2 3 4 5
Figure 70. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Stone Pond (Marlow) sampled in 2004 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
47 Suncook Lake 1997 y = 191.76Ln(x) + 67.453 2 LMB length at age R = 0.9927 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 Suncook Lake 100 1997-2005 50 Log. (Suncook Lake) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 71. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Suncook Lake (Barnstead) sampled in 1997 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
Swains Lake 1997 y = 205.76Ln(x) + 56.936 LMB length at age R2 = 0.99 500 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 Swains Lake 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Swains Lake) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 72. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Swains Lake (Barrington) sampled in 1997 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
48 Turee Pond 2000 y = 181.02Ln(x) + 56.706 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9803 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 Turee Pond 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Turee Pond) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 73. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Turee Pond (Bow) sampled in 2000 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
y = 187.69Ln(x) + 134.62 Turkey Pond 2000 2 LMB length at age R = 0.9948 500 450 400 350 300 250 200
150 Turkey Pond 100 1997-2005 50 Log. (Turkey Pond) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 74. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Turkey Pond (Concord) sampled in 2000 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
49 Turtletown Pond 1997, 1999-2002 y = 179.48Ln(x) + 76.917 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9988 500 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 Turtletown Pond 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Turtletown Pond) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 75. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Turtletown Pond (Concord) sampled in 1997 and 1999-2002 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
Walker Pond 2002 y = 167.5Ln(x) + 54.945 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9839 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 Walker Pond 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Walker Pond) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 76. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Walker Pond (Webster) sampled in 2002 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
50 Warren Lake 1997 & 2003 y = 152.91Ln(x) + 94.657 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9882 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 Warren 1997, 2003 100 1997-2005 Trend 50 Log. (Warren 1997, 2003) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 77. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Warren Lake (Alstead) sampled in 1997 and 2003 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
Wash Pond 2002 y = 179.36Ln(x) + 68.353 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9965 400
350 300
250
200 150
100 Wash Pond 50 1997-2005 Ave Log. (Wash Pond) 0 1 2 3 4 5
Figure 78. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Wash Pond (Hampstead) sampled in 2002 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
51 Willand Pond 2000 y = 145.43Ln(x) + 67.663 LMB length at age R2 = 0.9948 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 Willand Pond 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Willand Pond) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 79. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Willand Pond (Somersworth) sampled in 2000 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
Lees Mills, Winnipesaukee Lake 2004 y = 188.85Ln(x) + 77.641 LMB length at age R2 = 0.991 400 350 300 250 200 150 Lees Mills, Winni 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Lees Mills, Winni) 0 1 2 3 4
Figure 80. Average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from Lees Mills, Winnipesaukee Lake (Moultonborough) sampled in 2004 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 111).
52 Angle Pond 2002 y = 169.1Ln(x) + 62.725 SMB length at age R2 = 0.9618 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 Angle Pond 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Angle Pond) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 81. Average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from Angle Pond (Sandown) sampled in 2002 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 112).
Bow Lake 1997 y = 141.54Ln(x) + 65.042 SMB length at age R2 = 0.8984 400 350
300 250
200 150
100 Bow Lake 50 1997-2005 Ave Log. (Bow Lake) 0 1 2 3 4 5
Figure 82. Average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from Bow Lake (Strafford) sampled in 1997 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 112).
53 Center Pond 2004 y = 153.35Ln(x) + 65.851 2 SMB length at age R = 0.9748 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 Center Pond 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Center Pond) 0 1 2 3 4 5
Figure 83. Average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from Center Pond (Stoddard) sampled in 2004 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 112).
Clement Pond 2001 y = 196.21Ln(x) + 64.152 SMB length at age R2 = 0.9723 500 450 400 350 300 250 200
150 Clement Pond 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Clement Pond) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 84. Average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from Clement Pond (Hopkinton) sampled in 2001 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 112).
54 Crescent Lake 2003 y = 147.67Ln(x) + 70.63 SMB length at age R2 = 0.9881 400 350 300 250 200 150 Crescent Lake 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Crescent Lake) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 85. Average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from Crescent Lake (Acworth) sampled in 2003 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 112).
Crystal Lake 2005 y = 169.87Ln(x) + 60.333 2 SMB length at age R = 0.9128 400 350 300 250 200 150 Crystal Lake 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Crystal Lake) 0 1 2 3 4 5
Figure 86. Average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from Crystal Lake (Gilmanton) sampled in 2005 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 112).
55 Ct River, Claremont 1998 & 2005 y = 176.23Ln(x) + 63.471 2 SMB length at age R = 0.9819 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 CT River, Claremont 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (CT River, Claremont) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 87. Average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from Connecticut River (Claremont) sampled in 1998 and 2005 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 112).
Cunningham Pond 1997 y = 169.79Ln(x) + 78.271 SMB length at age R2 = 0.9409 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 Cunningham Pond 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Cunningham Pond) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 88. Average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from Cunningham Pond (Peterborough) sampled in 1997 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 112).
56 Goose Pond 2004 y = 79.489Ln(x) + 91.088 SMB length at age R2 = 0.9874 350
300
250
200
150
100 Goose Pond 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Goose Pond) 0 1 2 3 4 5
Figure 89. Average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from Goose Pond (Canaan) sampled in 2004 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 112).
Gregg Lake 2004 y = 163.47Ln(x) + 73.061 SMB length at age R2 = 0.9423 350
300
250
200
150
100 Gregg Lake 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Gregg Lake) 0 1 2 3 4
Figure 90. Average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from Gregg Lake (Antrim) sampled in 2004 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 112).
57 Halfmoon Pond 2005 y = 172.23Ln(x) + 53.056 SMB length at age R2 = 0.9324 450 400 350 300 250 200
150 Halfmoon Pond 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Halfmoon Pond) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 91. Average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from Halfmoon Pond (Barnstead) sampled in 2005 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 112).
Highland Lake 1997 y = 127.05Ln(x) + 61.076 SMB length at age R2 = 0.9537 400 350 300 250 200 150 Highland Lake 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Highland Lake) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 92. Average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from Highland Lake (Stoddard) sampled in 1997 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 112).
58 Island Pond 2002 y = 143.17Ln(x) + 59.474 SMB length at age R2 = 0.8864 350
300
250
200
150
100 Island Pond 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Island Pond) 0 1 2 3 4
Figure 93. Average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from Island Pond (Washington) sampled in 2002 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 112).
Laurel Lake 2003 y = 101.27Ln(x) + 78.616 SMB length at age 2 R = 0.9673 350
300
250
200
150
100 Laurel Lake 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Laurel Lake)
0 1 2 3 4 5
Figure 94. Average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from Laurel Lake (Fitzwilliam) sampled in 2003 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 112).
59 Little Island Pond 2003 y = 135.87Ln(x) + 61.103 SMB length at age R2 = 0.9712 400 350 300 250 200 150
100 Little Island Pond 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Little Island Pond) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 95. Average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from Little Island Pond (Pelham) sampled in 2003 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 112).
Massabesic Lake 1997 & 1999 y = 153.35Ln(x) + 54.453 SMB length at age R2 = 0.926 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 Massabesic Lake 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Massabesic Lake) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 96. Average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from Massabesic Lake (Auburn) sampled in 1997 and 1999 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 112).
60 Massasecum Lake 1997 y = 136.43Ln(x) + 66.446 2 SMB length at age R = 0.9902 250
200
150
100 Massesecum Lake 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Massesecum Lake) 0 1 2 3
Figure 97. Average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from Massasecum Lake (Bradford) sampled in 1997 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 112).
Merrimack River 1997 & 1999 y = 155.14Ln(x) + 68.369 SMB length at age R2 = 0.9752 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 Merrimack River 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Merrimack River) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 98. Average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from Merrimack River sampled in 1997 and 1999 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 112).
61 Monomonac Lake 2005 y = 158.17Ln(x) + 81.112 SMB length at age R2 = 0.9697 350 300 250 200
150 Monomonac Lake 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Monomonac Lake) 0 1 2 3
Figure 99. Average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from Monomonac Lake (Rindge) sampled in 2005 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 112).
Northwood Lake 1997 & 1999 y = 168.69Ln(x) + 58.364 SMB length at age R2 = 0.9225 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 Northwood Lake 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Northwood Lake) 0 1 2 3 4
Figure 100. Average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from Northwood Lake (Northwood) sampled in 1997 and 1999 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 112).
62 Otter Lake 2005 y = 158.16Ln(x) + 59.349 SMB length at age R2 = 0.9528 350 300
250 200 150 100 Otter Lake 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Otter Lake) 0 1 2 3 4
Figure 101. Average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from Otter Lake (Greenfield) sampled in 2005 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 112).
Pawtuckaway Lake 1997 y = 171.03Ln(x) + 71.574 R2 = 0.9538 SMB length at age 350
300
250
200
150
100 Pawtuckaway Lake 50 1997-2005 Ave Log. (Pawtuckaway Lake) 0 1 2 3 4
Figure 102. Average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from Pawtuckaway Lake (Nottingham) sampled in 1997 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 112).
63 Pleasant Lake 1998 & 1999 y = 174.56Ln(x) + 67.688 SMB length at age R2 = 0.9393 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 Pleasant Lake 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Pleasant Lake) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 103. Average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from Pleasant Lake (Deerfield) sampled in 1998 and 1999 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 112).
Skatutakee Lake 1997 y = 124.63Ln(x) + 63.46 SMB length at age R2 = 0.9698 400 350 300 250 200 150 Skatutakee 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Skatutakee) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 104. Average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from Skatutakee Lake (Harrisville) sampled in 1997 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 112).
64 Spofford Lake 1998 & 2000 y = 130.72Ln(x) + 59.313 SMB length at age R2 = 0.954 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 Spofford Lake 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Spofford Lake) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 105. Average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from Spofford Lake (Spofford) sampled in 1998 & 2000 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 112).
Suncook Lake 1997 y = 189.15Ln(x) + 26.506 SMB length at age R2 = 0.9267 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 Suncook Lake 100 1997-2005 Ave 50 Log. (Suncook Lake) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 106. Average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from Suncook Lake (Barnstead) sampled in 1997 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 112).
65 Swains Lake 1997 y = 174.02Ln(x) + 80.948 SMB length at age R2 = 0.9851 400
350
300
250
200
150
100 Swains Lake 50 1997-2005 Log. (Swains Lake) 0 1 2 3 4 5
Figure 107. Average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from Swains Lake (Barrington) sampled in 1997 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 112).
Warren Lake 2003 y = 103.22Ln(x) + 88.043 SMB length at age R2 = 1 180 160 140 120 100 80 60 Warren Lake 40 1997-2005 Ave Log. (Warren Lake) 20 0 1 2
Figure 108. Average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from Warren Lake (Alstead) sampled in 2003 (+ 1 SD), corresponding logarithmic trendline and equation, and statewide average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass from 1997-2005 (from Figure 112).
66 60 Maximum Age w ith CR < 4 50 Maximum Age used for back- 40 calculations r e b 30 m u
N 20
10
0 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Maximum Age
Figure 109. Length frequency histogram of water bodies having maximum aged largemouth bass with a confidence rating less than 4 and maximum age used for back- calculations (n = 80).
16 Maximum Age w ith CR < 4
12 Maximum Age used for back- calculations r e b 8 m u N 4
0 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Maximum Age
Figure 110. Length frequency histogram of water bodies having maximum aged smallmouth bass with a confidence rating < 4 and maximum age used for back- calculations (n = 28).
67 450 400 350 300 )
m 250 m (
l 200 T 150
100 Statewide Average 50 Log. (Statewide Average) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Age logarithmic trendline y = 173Ln(x) + 76.388 R2 = 0.997
Figure 111. Statewide average back-calculated length at age for largemouth bass for water bodies sampled from 1997 through 2005 (+ 1 SD). Number of water bodies used in analysis was 81.
450 400 350 300 )
m 250 m (
l 200 T 150 100 Statewide Average 50 Log. (Statewide Average) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Age logarithmic trendline y = 157.59Ln(x) + 62.741 R2 = 0.9674
Figure 112. Statewide average back-calculated length at age for smallmouth bass for water bodies sampled from 1997 through 2005 (+ 1 SD). Number of water bodies used in analysis was 27.
68 15 d
e 12 r u t p
a 9 C
r e 6 b m u
N 3
0
.2 .4 .6 .8 3 .2 .4 .6 .8 4 .2 .4 .6 .8 5 .2 .4 .6 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 Age at Quality Size (Years)
Figure 113. The length-frequency distribution of age at quality size largemouth bass populations sampled during 1997 –2005. n = 79.
15 d e
r 12 u t p
a 9 C
r
e 6 b m
u 3 N
0
.6 .8 .2 .6 4 .4 .8 .2 .6 6 .4 .8 .2 .6 8 .4 .8 .2 .6 0 .4 .8 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 1 0 0 1 1 Age at Quality Size (Years)
Figure 114. The length-frequency distribution of age at quality size smallmouth bass populations sampled during 1997 –2005. n = 25.
69 Acknowledgements
Travis Drudi, Stephanie Westcott, and Andy Schaefermeyer provided assistance in the field and laboratory. Gratitude is also expressed to Steve Wheeler for his aging efforts. I would also like to express my appreciation to the dozens of volunteers who assisted in our warmwater sampling efforts.
70