Hydrologic Impacts on a Natural Reproducing Population of Striped Bass: Lake Texoma Case History

Successful natural reproduction of inland striped bass generally coincides with systems providing suitable riverine characteristics and flow.  Juvenile striped bass were introduced into Lake Texoma from 1965-1974 with natural reproduction first documented in 1973.  Both the Red and Washita Rivers provide suitable spawning criteria which awards the lake with consistent but variable recruitment among years.   Previous research has documented the connection between hydrologic patterns and early life history.  Hydrology appears to be the single most important influence on year class strength.  Long term climatic history describes much of the 1980’s, 1990’s, and 2000’s as above average precipitation across Oklahoma and produced fairly consistent recruitment anglers and managers grew accustomed to. With exception, recent years of drought have yielded sub-optimal spawning opportunities and have produced several weak year classes.  Future climatic patterns will likely determine if status quo management is sufficient for the continuation of this recreational and economically valuable fishery.