Microhabitat use by smallmouth bass in an Ozark stream

Microhabitat use by smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) versus availability was evaluated in Baron Fork Creek, Oklahoma, an Ozark stream, using resource selection function analysis. Use of water depth and velocity, substrate size, and cover was measured at fish locations marked during underwater observation, and habitat availability was measured along transects. Resource selection functions discriminated use versus availability at an intermediate level for individuals < 100 mm (receiver operating characteristic; c = 0.774) and a high level for those >= 100 tnm (c = 0.866). Smallmouth bass < 100 mm selected gravel and pebble substrates, intermediate water depths, and areas near large woody debris and rootwads (P < 0.15). Smallmouth bass >= 100 mm selected water depths that were related to water velocities, and they selected areas near large woody debris and overhanging vegetation (P < 0.15). Smallmouth bass selection of microhabitats in Baron Fork Creek differed to some degree from selection reported by other studies.