Assessing Urban–Rural Differences in Largemouth Bass Abundance In Minnesota

Authors

• Jonathan Gates

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Urbanization can significantly alter freshwater ecosystems and influence sport fish populations. This study examined differences in largemouth bass Micropterus nigricans catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) between urban and rural lakes in Minnesota and evaluated temporal changes between 2000–2010 and 2011–2021. Forty lakes (20 urban, 20 rural) were selected using Minnesota Department of Natural Resources fisheries survey data. Lakes were classified using NLCD 2019 land cover data, with ≥10% developed land designated as urban. Nonparametric analyses (Wilcoxon rank-sum and signed-rank tests) were used to assess spatial and temporal differences in CPUE. Results showed that rural lakes had consistently higher median CPUE than urban lakes in both periods. In the early period, median CPUE was 3.22 (0.99–39.30 IQR) in rural lakes and 1.00 (0.65–1.69 IQR) in urban lakes. In the late period, values were 2.63 (0.58–54.40 IQR) and 0.54 (0.21–1.44 IQR), respectively. Differences between urban and rural lakes were statistically significant in both periods (p < 0.05), while temporal differences within lake types were limited. These findings indicate that urbanization is associated with reduced largemouth bass abundance and that these effects have persisted over time. Protecting shoreline habitat and reducing nutrient inputs may help maintain sustainable bass populations in developed lake systems.

Publication Date

2026

Comments

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

Recommended Citation

Gates, Jonathan, "Assessing Urban–Rural Differences in Largemouth Bass Abundance In Minnesota" (2026). Journal of Earth and Life Science. 93.
https://pines.bemidjistate.edu/j-earth-life-sci/93