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BASIC INFO:

River sampled:

Tar River

 

Fisheries Biologists conducting sampling:

Kirk Rundle and Tom Fox

 

Date of sample:

3/24/2015 and 3/25/2015   

 

Area(s) of river sampled, and water temps:

From Swift Creek downstream to Fishing Creek on March 24

From dam at Battle Park to Route 64 on March 25

 

Water temps were approximately 12 C on both days, or approximately 55 F.

 

Boat ramp(s) used to access river:

Bell’s Bridge WRC ramp; Battle Park ramp

 

Species (spp) information:

·         Spp. captured:

American Shad and Hickory Shad

 

·         Numbers by spp:

45 American Shad, 20 Hickory Shad

 

·         Size range by spp:

American Shad 15-23”; Hickory Shad 13-19”

 

·         Max size for spp:

American Shad – Female ~4 pounds; Hickory Shad – Female ~2 pounds

 

·         Sex ratio by spp:

American Shad and Hickory Shad approximately 70% Females

 

·         Were the fish tagged? No

 

 

ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS:

River level and other water quality observations (turbity, etc.):

 

At time of sampling, Tar River was at optimal levels for sampling and fairly turbid.

 

Weather conditions on sampling date?

 

Warm and clear.

 

Your observations of other people fishing on the river:

 

There were a moderate number of boat anglers fishing in the vicinity of Battle Park and near Swift Creek, with a large number of bank anglers fishing at the Battle Park area.

 

Comments to anglers about your sampling results, and fishing-related conclusions that can be drawn from your data:

 

The American Shad should increase in number over the next several weeks, while Hickory Shad may decrease in numbers.  The majority of American Shad were caught in the Battle Park area, while the majority of Hickory Shad were caught in the Swift Creek area.  Shad sampled were returned to the river in good condition.  Rain in the forecast could cause the river to rise considerably over the weekend.


     
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NCWRC Fisheries Biologist Tom Fox with an American Shad captured from the Tar River about a mile downstream of Battle Park on March 25, 2015.