What benthic invertebrate is critical knowledge when targeting stunted yellow bass near the bottom?
Answer
Bloodworms (Diptera/tendipedids).
When yellow bass populations in systems like Clear Lake become stunted due to unchecked density and insufficient food resources to support rapid growth for all members, understanding their fallback diet becomes crucial for anglers. In such scenarios, where natural prey becomes scarce, the fish heavily rely on benthic invertebrates residing in mucky, low-oxygen bottoms. The text specifically notes that knowledge of their reliance on benthic invertebrates like bloodworms—which are identified as Diptera or tendipedids—is critical. Anglers seeking these stunted fish should focus their efforts near the bottom substrate to intercept this essential food source.

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