Size Structure of Black Crappie and Bluegill in Northern, Eastern, Western, And Southern Minnesota

Authors

Ray Anderson

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Fish size structure is an important factor in a fishery population. Panfish such as black crappie Pomoxis nigromaculatus and bluegill Lepomis macrochirus play a major role in the health of fisheries. Five lakes from southern, northern, eastern, and western Minnesota were selected for analysis. Data were collected using standard sampling methods, including gill nets, electrofishing, and fyke nets. Length-frequency distributions were created to assess size structure in each region. Relative abundance was measured using catch per unit effort. Data analysis included a one-way ANOVA to compare Proportional Size Distribution (PSD) values and the distribution of fish sizes among regions. Chi-square tests revealed a significant regional difference in size distribution for both species (P < 0.001). Bluegill in the South region shows higher proportions of smaller fish, while black crappies in the West region showed higher proportions of larger individuals. The findings suggest regional variation in panfish population structure, which may influence fisheries management strategies in each individual region.

Publication Date

2025

Comments

Faculty sponsor: Dr. Andrew Hafs, Department of Biology, Aquatic Biology Program

Recommended Citation

Anderson, Ray, "Size Structure of Black Crappie and Bluegill in Northern, Eastern, Western, And Southern Minnesota" (2025). Journal of Earth and Life Science. 73.
https://pines.bemidjistate.edu/j-earth-life-sci/73