an electrofishing survey on the lower Monocacy River

Type: Nontidal
Region: Western
Location: Monocacy River

Inland Fishery staff recently spent a beautiful fall day conducting an electrofishing survey on the lower Monocacy River to evaluate the smallmouth bass population. Because of the Monocacy�s small size and the low flows, sampling was conducted using a 14� light weight boat floating between access points. The results of the survey were encouraging. The overall smallmouth bass catch rate has increased 36% since last year. Thirty three percent of the smallmouths collected were between 11� and 14� in length and in excellent physical condition. Anglers should find good bass fishing this fall and better fishing next year as some of these fish move into the larger size classes. The Monocacy River also provides excellent fishing for channel catfish, carp, and redbreast sunfish.