Angling and Electrofishing for Removing Nonnative Rainbow Trout from a Stream in a National Park

Abstract

Abstract An experimental 9-week fishery was conducted in a Great Smoky Mountains National Park stream (Lynn Camp Prong) to evaluate the use of angling and electro fishing as techniques for reducing the density of a non-native rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) population. Most anglers were local residents in Tennessee. Angler visits were highest during the first 2 weeks and declined steadily thereafter. Anglers harvested 5,655 rainbow trout whose total lengths fell within the 80-and 280-mm size classes. The electrofishing crew caught fish in length classes between 30 and 280 mm. The adjusted preseason electrofishing catch per unit effort (CPUE) was 3.71 fish/h based on the time taken for daily preparation, travel, and electrofishing. When based on electrofishing time only, the CPUE was 5.90. The CPUE for one clerk at a creel station was projected to be substantially greater (6.70) than that for the electrofishing crew. In addition, total costs were far greater for the electrofishing crew because of equipment...