Regarding a largemouth problem at F. J. Sayers Lake in Centre County, biologist Lorantas had this to say:

"Largemouth bass virus was detected in at least one reservoir in the state: F. J. Sayers Lake. Largemouth bass virus can kill largemouth bass, and some mortality was reported at F. J. Sayers Lake by tournament anglers. However, agency personnel observed no dead fish.

"Samples of largemouths provided by anglers tested positive for the disease at that lake. The black bass population appears below average at the lake, but bass are available for capture. F.J. Sayers Lake is indeed a lake we will be focusing more attention on," Lorantas said.

Tournament catches above the mean catch per angler were reported at Kettle Creek, Raystown and Walker lakes.

SOUTHWEST REGION
In addition to the Susquehanna River, the decline of smallmouth bass fishing was also felt in the Ohio River system. One of the red flags was the poor showing of smallmouths during the 2005 Bassmasters Classic held on the Allegheny River. But was it the fish or the fishermen?

In July and September last year, the Area 8 staff conducted young-of-the-year smallmouth surveys in the lower Allegheny at Freeport.

"Results of these lower Allegheny surveys in 2006 were positive," said Rick Lorson, Area 8 fisheries manager. "One measure of the current status of the river smallmouth bass population comes from night shoreline electro-shocking. Valid comparisons can only be made for samples from similar seasons with data collected from July through October.

"The highest total catch-per-hour from four sample years (1989, 1993, 2005, and 2006) was recorded in 2006 at 70 fish per hour of electro-shocking. The catches-per-hour over 12 and 15 inches were second-highest in 2006 behind the numbers generated in 1989."

The decline in smallmouth fishing on the Susquehanna has been a source of worry for the Fish and Boat Commission over the last few years.

In 2006, all three of the measures of smallmouth bass abundance were higher than in 2005. Generally, angler reports from 2006 also suggest better smallmouth fishing in the rivers. This is likely from a combination of better fishing conditions and more bass available, Lorson added.

"Fish managers use a young-of-the-year smallmouth bass index to provide a prediction or perspective on how future years' density of older smallmouth bass may be affected," he said. "This section of the Allegheny River has been monitored for nine years. The number of young bass can give an idea of when a strong year-class has established that should lead to improved fishing for bass 3 to 5 years down the road.

"Young-of-the-year numbers were above-average for 2005 and 2006," Lorson added. "If our indices prove valid, we can expect improved smallmouth numbers and improved fishing, starting in 2008. This is not to suggest that anglers quit fishing until then. It simply means that if your fishing is good now, it may only get better."

In the Southwest Region, respectable largemouth catches were reported in Youghiogheny Lake and above the state average in Crook Creek Lake.

NORTHWEST REGION
Apparently, there's also good news for smallmouth anglers in the northwest region of the state. A biology team from Area 2 surveyed the upper Allegheny River in late August.

Three historic sites at East Brady, Kenerdell and East Brady were sampled over four kilometers of shoreline in four hours of electro-shocking.