Striped Bass Distribution, Movements, and Site Fidelity in Robert S. Kerr Reservoir, Oklahoma

We used telemetry to determine the seasonal and summer diel distributions and movement patterns of small (≤2.4 kg) and large (≥2.9 kg) striped bass Morone saxatilis in Robert S. Kerr Reservoir. Oklahoma. Throughout all seasons striped bass exhibited limited distribution and movements. Rates of movement for all fish in spring 1993 were significantly greater than those in summer 1993, but were similar to those in winter 1993, autumn 1993, or winter 1994. In August 1993, large fish moved farther and were more active during diel tracking than small fish. Striped bass displayed strong fidelity to the Illinois River throughout the study, with 65% of all fish locations occurring in this tributary. Because of their limited movements and distribution, and fidelity to the Illinois River, this population is potentially susceptible to overfishing.