Influence of a Saugeye (Sauger × Walleye) Introduction Program on the Black Crappie Population in Richmond Lake, South Dakota

Abstract Saugeyes, a purposeful hybrid between walleye Stizostedion vitreum and sauger S. canadense, were introduced into 336-ha Richmond Lake, South Dakota, with a management objective of improving the size structure of the population of black crappies Pomoxis nigromaculatus. The objectives of this study were to determine (1) the influence of stocking size on the relative survival of saugeyes, (2) changes in the black crappie population that were potentially associated with the saugeye introduction, and (3) the incidence of black crappies in the diet of saugeyes. Saugeyes were stocked at a total length of 3–4 cm in 1992 and 1993; survival was low. Larger, 14–25-cm saugeyes were stocked annually from 1994 to 1998, and survival was significantly greater. The larger fingerlings were able to survive and establish a population in the face of predation by and competition with black crappies. Black crappie growth rates increased significantly after the saugeye population was established. Before the saugeye intr...

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