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In 2025, harvest regulations for black bass (Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass) changed at Prairie Queen, Prairie View, and Duck Creek Reservoirs from a 21 inch minimum length limit to a 15 to 18 inch protected slot with a five fish bag limit, with one fish allowed over 18 inches. Graduate students Mike Pugh (pictured to the right) and Logan Walters are leading a study designed to evaluate the population characteristics of Largemouth Bass and understand the predicted effects of this regulation change on both the Largemouth Bass population and the anglers who fish in these reservoirs.
To evaluate the bass populations, we use night-time boat electrofishing to capture, tag, and release largemouth bass while collecting length, weight, tag ID, and age data. Over time, recapturing tagged fish allows the team to estimate growth, age, and other population characteristics. The project has currently tagged approximately 1,600 largemouth bass at Prairie Queen Lake, 1000 at Prairie View Lake, and 700 at Duck Creek Lake. Largemouth Bass tagging will continue in the spring and fall of 2026.
In addition to population sampling, on site creel surveys (angler surveys) are conducted to gather information on angler awareness and support for the new 15 to 18 inch protected slot regulation at these waterbodies, as well as fishing effort, catch rates, harvest, angler satisfaction, and more. This data helps fisheries managers make informed decisions about population trends, habitat needs, and regulatory strategies.
If you catch a tagged largemouth bass, please report each tagged catch incident using one reporting method (QR code online survey, drop box card, or phone call). An example of an on-site drop box is pictured to the left.
We ask that you report each tag incident only once, and you may report multiple tagged fish catches throughout the year.
Shown below are two example tags. On one side of the tag is a tag identification number (e.g. UNL 1945). On the other is a phone number (402-472-4330) to call-in and report your catch of a tagged fish. Tags are inserted near the dorsal fin of Largemouth Bass.
