Smallmouth Bass establishment is a dire threat to Grand Canyon’s native fishes, including Humpback Chub. Drought and low levels in Lake Powell have made dam releases warmer and increased the risk of nonnative fish pass-through. Smallmouth Bass start to spawn in water warmer than 61°F (16°C). They guard nests in calm water habitats like backwaters or tributary pools. Reproduction of Smallmouth Bass was documented in the Lees Ferry Reach for the first time in 2022. Smallmouth Bass pose a serious risk to the rainbow trout fishery in the Lees Ferry Reach and downstream native fish populations.
Watch for Smallmouth Bass in eddies, backwaters, and tributary mouths. If bass are captured while angling, please harvest; do not release them alive. If you see or capture any bass, please email Emily Omana (emily_omana@nps.gov) or Jeff Arnold(jeff_arnold@nps.gov) with location and date. Photos greatly appreciated!
Last updated: October 26, 2023
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Contact Info
Mailing Address:
PO Box 1507
Page,
AZ
86040
Phone:
928 608-6200
Receptionist available at Glen Canyon Headquarters from 7 am to 4 pm MST, Monday through Friday. The phone is not monitored when the building is closed. If you are having an emergency, call 911 or hail National Park Service on Marine Band 16.
