Midwest Fish & Wildlife Conference 2018

AUTHORS: Sabina Berry, Western Illinois University; Jim Lamer, Western Illinois University; Jason DeBoer, Illinois River Biological Station/Natural History Survey; Andrya Whitten, Illinois River Biological Station/Natural History Survey; Ben Lubinski, Illinois Natural History Survey; Cassi Carpenter, Eastern Illinois University; Robert Columbo, Eastern Illinois University; Neil Rude, Southern Illinois University; Jerrod Parker, Southern Illinois University; Greg Whitledge, Southern Illinois University

ABSTRACT: Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) and freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens) are two common North American sportfishes occupying a similar ecological niche/role in many river systems across the Midwestern United States.  Comparison of historically validated ageing structures and length frequency data can reveal demographics of fish populations, including their recruitment, mortality, and individual growth patterns. While many studies focus on a single region, this collaborative project covers reaches of six major rivers and tributaries spanning Illinois, including the Wabash, Kankakee, Iroquois, Illinois, Ohio, and Pools 19, 20, 21, and 25 of the upper Mississippi river. All fish were caught in June through October of 2017 using DC electrofishing gear at randomized sites as part of a long term survey for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Otoliths from freshwater drum and pectoral spines from channel catfish were removed, sectioned, and aged from up to 250 individuals in each region from each species and mean length at age and growth was characterized and compared between all locations. Comparing and understanding population dynamics of two predatory fish commonly found in Illinois waterways are essential for creating potential management strategies.