A comparison of fish catch rates among local, non-local, and non-resident anglers of three northern Wisconsin lakes

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Understanding influences of angler proximity on fisheries resources, in the distances anglers are willing to travel for angling opportunities and their success rates after they arrive, could influence fisheries resiliency and management applications. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Northern Highland Fishery Research Area (NHFRA), Vilas County, Wisconsin maintains a compulsory creel census that collects angler ZIP code information and species-specific angler catch rates from all visiting anglers. We used NHFRA angler ZIP code data from 2014 to 2019 on Escanaba, Nebish, and Pallette lakes to construct anglershed maps (i.e., highest density areas from which anglers traveled to fish the lakes) for muskellunge (Esox masquinongy), smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu), walleye (Sander vitreus), and yellow perch (Perca flavescens) to better understand angler travel patterns. We then tested for differences in species-specific catch rates among local (from counties surrounding or adjacent to the lakes, <100-km away), non-local (from counties in southern Wisconsin, >350-km away), and non-Wisconsin resident anglers. We hypothesized that local anglers would have higher overall species-specific catch rates due to proximity to the lakes and local knowledge than non-local or non-resident anglers. Anglersheds showed high use of the lakes by non-local anglers associated with major population centers in southern Wisconsin (Dane and Milwaukee counties) and adjacent states (Illinois and Minnesota). Species-specific catch rates did not differ appreciably among local, non-local, and non-resident anglers. Our results suggest that local knowledge may not be a good indicator of fishing trip success or elevated catch rates. Technology and angler information sources may level the playing field for anglers resulting in the homogenization of catch rates. Therefore, distance from a fishery may not aid in strengthening fisheries resilience.