VDGIF warning fishermen of invasive bass found in several lakes

RICHMOND, Va. (WSET) -- The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries is warning fishermen about an invasive species found in several local lakes.

Alabama Bass (a black bass species native to Alabama and parts of Georgia) have been detected at several locations in Virginia, including Claytor Lake, Philpott Lake, Martinsville Reservoir, and Lake Gaston.

VDGIF said Alabama Bass are highly invasive and threaten both Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass through competition and hybridization.

They said the further spread of Alabama Bass may jeopardize bass fisheries in systems such as Smith Mountain Lake, Lake Anna, Lake Moomaw, South Holston Reservoir, the upper James River, and the Shenandoah River. DGIF also said negative impacts to existing Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass populations have followed introductions of Alabama Bass in Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina.

Alabama Bass are nearly identical in appearance to the Spotted Bass, which is native to the southwestern portion of Virginia.

If you think you have caught an Alabama Bass, take a photo of the fish, clip off a thumbnail-sized portion of one of the pelvic fins, and store the fin clip dry in an envelope. The pelvic fins are located on the bottom of the fish, just under the head.

Then, they ask you to contact DGIF at fisheries@dgif.virginia.gov or at 804 367-1293.

They also warn that it's illegal to stock any fish, such as Alabama Bass, into public bodies of water without an authorization from the DGIF. Violations of this regulation are a Class III misdemeanor and are subject to a fine of up to $500.