Population Characteristics of Black Crappies in
South Dakota Waters: A Case for Ecosystem-
Specific Management
Christopher S. Guy & David W. Willis
To cite this article: Christopher S. Guy & David W. Willis (1995) Population
Characteristics of Black Crappies in South Dakota Waters: A Case for Ecosystem-Specific
Management, North American Journal of Fisheries Management, 15:4, 754-765, DOI:
10.1577/1548-8675(1995)015<0754:PCOBCI>2.3.CO;2


Black crappies commonly overpopulated small
South Dakota impoundments. Some authors have
suggested that crappies overpopulate small impoundments
because recruitment is relatively consistent
(Bums 1956; Jenkins 1958). Thus, growth,
size structure, and condition are poor in small impoundments
overpopulated with black crappies.
Gabelhouse (1984a) and Boxrucker (1987) found
that a high-density population of large mouth bass,
composed primarily of individuals less than 30 cm
long, could reduce crappie recruitment such that
surviving crappies reached sizes of interest to anglers.
Guy and Willis (1990, 1991b) documented
reduced recruitment of bluegills Lepomis macrochirus
and yellow perch in small South Dakota
impoundments with high-density largemouth bass
populations. They suggested that fisheries managers
could manage for quality bluegill and yellow
perch fisheries in small South Dakota impoundments
by maintaining a high-density largemouth
bass population, with most largemouth bass less
than 30 cm. We surmise that high-quality black
crappie populations could be developed in small
South Dakota impoundments containing a highdensity
largemouth bass population. However, the
habitat must be appropriate to establish a highdensity
largemouth bass population (Guy and Willis
1991c). Guy and Willis (1994) stated that crappie
populations in South Dakota's large reservoirs
and natural lakes were influenced primarily by environmental
factors.

Last edited by ewest; 02/05/19 05:02 PM.