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BASIC INFORMATION:

River sampled:

Cape Fear

Fisheries Biologists conducting sampling:

Michael Fisk

Clint Morgeson

Madison Polera

Date of sample:

4/7/2016

4/11/2016

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

Lock and Dam 1     

Lock and Dam 2

Lock and Dam 3

Lillington

Buckhorn Dam

61-62 F

Boat ramp(s) used to access river:

Lock and Dam 1     

Lock and Dam 2

Lock and Dam 3

Howard’s BBQ in Lillington

Buckhorn tailrace primitive boat launch

Species (spp) information:

Numbers by spp:

American Shad              242

Striped Bass                  5

Size range by spp:

American Shad              14-21 in

Striped Bass                  16-27 in

Max size for spp:

American Shad        21 in, 3.9 lbs

Striped B                 27 in, 8 lbs

Sex ratio by spp:

American Shad        3.8:1

Striped Ba                1.5:1

Were the fish tagged?

Striped Bass were fin clipped for genetic analysis as part of an ongoing project to evaluate Striped Bass hatchery contribution in the Cape Fear River. Based on 2015 genetic results, 77% of the Striped Bass collected were age 5 or younger while 23% were age 6 and older. Striped Bass in the Cape Fear River rarely exceed age 10.

ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS:

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

The river was low and relatively clear during sampling on 4/11. The gage at Lock and Dam 1 was around 3,600 cfs.

Weather conditions on sampling date?

Sunny, breezy, warm 70’s

Your observations of other people fishing on the river:

Anglers were observed catching American Shad at all three lock and dams and anglers have reported catching Striped Bass at Lock and Dams 1, 2, and 3.

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

We caught our first American Shad at Buckhorn Dam and around Lillington indicating the shad are distributed throughout the river. Overall numbers of shad were much lower in this reach of river compared to the locks and dams but if you want to pursue them you will have the river to yourself. Our catch rates at the lock and dams were similar to last week where we continue to find more shad at Lock and Dam 2 and 3. Striped Bass are still being found in low numbers. The cold weather over the weekend has dropped the water temperature a few degrees but should bounce back with warmer weather in the forecast. 


2016 Cape Fear River Creel Survey Information: Between April 4 -April 10

Doug Mumford of the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) shared some creel survey information collected by creel clerks assigned to access areas on the Cape Fear River. The creel surveys are conducted during March, April, and May and extend in the upper portions of the Tar, Neuse, and Cape Fear rivers during this time of year. The surveys are administered by the Division of Marine Fisheries through Coastal Recreational Fishing License funding, and the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission assists with survey design and data interpretation in the upper portions of each river.

Shad fishing at Lock No. 1 was very slow last week. However, the American shad bite at Lock No. 2 improved a great deal. Plenty of time for one more trip. There are also anglers taking American shad at Lock No. 3. Striper fishing picked up at Lock No.1. Largemouth bass fishing was excellent last week.

Shad and Striped Bass Regulations for the Cape Fear River

 

The daily bag limit is 10 shad per angler, of which five (5) may be an American (white) shad on the Cape Fear River and its tributaries.

Striped Bass may not be possessed in the Cape Fear River or its tributaries.

 

 

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Bank anglers fishing for shad at Lock and Dam 2 on the Cape Fear River.