Fish Habitat Improvement

Bass Nesting Structures

Fish Habitat Improvement

Bass Nesting Structures

Bass Nesting Structures are another form of man-made fish habitat designed by Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC). The weighted base of this structure is identical to the lower section of a "Porcupine" Crib, with the addition of one more layer of four 2"x2" stakes. The top section consists of five 1"x8"x8' planks attached much like an overhead airplane wing ( click here for plans, courtesy of PFBC). These structures provide nesting (and pre- and post-spawn) bass with valuable overhead cover, allowing the bass to defend their nests much more efficiently. They also provide young-of-the-year bass with security cover after they are born. The structures are placed 20-25 feet apart, five feet below summer pool level. For a look at the dates and locations of Bass Nesting Structures, click here.

Twenty five structures were built on the east shore of Nelse Run about 5' below summer pool (~1320-23'). A group from Allegheny National Forest (ANF) had previously marked the individual nest sites and placed pre-counted "kits" of materials at each site. Thanks to their efforts, our 6-8 workers were able to finish building the structures by 11:00, in time to enjoy a magnificent fall day in "Kinzua Country"!

At left, two completed Bass Nesting Structures at Nelse Run await the return of high water in the Allegheny Reservoir.

At right, workers "bungee" a completed Bass Nesting Structure to the deck on PFBC's boat near Jackson Run. The base was pre-built on shore, placed on the rollers, and filled with blocks. The 8' planks were then nailed to the base, and a mylar strap was added for extra strength. Finally, the structures were shuttled to the site and pushed overboard at a depth of 5-10 feet.

We have now built and placed 64 of these structures in Kinzua.

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04/26/2007