Southern Tier Fishing
Smallmouth bass problems


Outbreaks of a bacterial disease have killed 80% of smallmouth bass in premier rivers in Virgina and Pennsylvania. The causative agent is present all the time, the disease occurs when the fish are over-stressed by a combination of environmental factors. This could happen on the Chemung River also. If you catch bass with lesions similar to what is shown here, please notify the local DEC office. For more information, see the articles and presentations listed below.

Susquehanna and Juniata Rivers - Pennsylvania 2005

Disease takes toll on lower Susquehanna smallmouth. July 2005

Stress causes bacterial disease in Juniata River smallmouth. July 2005

PFBC Symposium on Susquehanna Smallmouth - presentations. January 2006

Chesapeake Bay Foundation article on Susquehanna smallmouth kill. February 2006

Shenandoah, Potomac Rivers - Virginia 2004 and 2005

Virginia DEQ presentation on the Shenandoah River smallmouth kill. January 2006

Virginia DEQ update on the Shenandoah River smallmouth kill. February 2006

Pure Waters website on Virgina fish kills. Ongoing (Has many photos of lesions on bass and sunfish.)

General Overview of fish kills across the US being caused by environmental stress. January 2006


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Copyright 1997-2006 by John S. Lively. Unauthorized duplication or publication is prohibited.