Water management of the Lewis and Clark Lake for flood control, hydroelectric power, navigation, and other purposes affected fish population levels. Fluctuating water levels in May and June affected fish spawning and survival of young. Suggested management measures may improve sport fish abundance, such as construction of spawning and nursery ponds near the reservoir or maintenance of higher water levels during May and June to enhance the reproduction opportunities for desirable species are either too costly or inconsistent with the primary flood-control function of the reservoir. Fish abundance with the present water management regimen will probably remain similar to that of the early 1970's.
Catch-effort data derived from gill net samples were used to estimate relative abundance, age composition, sex ratio, growth rate, survival rate, and relative year-class strength of northern pike, walleye, and sauger populations in Lake Sharpe, Missouri, S.D., during the first three years of impoundment (1964-1966.). Catches were generally highest in Oahe Dam tailwaters. Females were more numerous and larger at most ages than males.