Abstract
Abstract Muskellunge Esox masquinongy fisheries have increased in abundance and popularity in numerous southern and mid-Atlantic rivers. However, the paucity of information for these fisheries has limited biologists’ ability to effectively manage these resources. We utilized data from simultaneously conducted fishery-dependent tag return and fishery-independent capture–recapture studies to estimate catch-and-release exploitation and abundance of Muskellunge in the James River, Virginia. During winter electrofishing surveys in 2016–2019, we tagged 747 individual Muskellunge with dart tags and PIT tags. Thirty-seven percent of tags were returned by anglers, and 33% of tagged Muskellunge were recaptured at least once during subsequent electrofishing surveys. Eighty-eight percent of angled fish were caught by individuals targeting Muskellunge, and only 1.1% of returned tags were from fish that were harvested. Catch-and-release exploitation (u) estimates obtained using a Brownie dead recovery model differed between the upriver (mean u ± SE = 0.57 ± 0.09) and downriver (1.00 ± 0.10) reaches of our study area. Similarly, densities of adult (≥762-mm) Muskellunge differed between the two areas (upriver: 0.80 fish/ha; downriver: 0.50 fish/ha) but were comparable to densities observed in lakes and at least one other river. The greatest site-specific density (4.69 fish/ha) was observed at a 1.6-km reach below the lowest dam, which concentrated fish and restricted upstream movement. Given the high values of u in the James River and the growing popularity of Muskellunge angling in southern waters, investigations into the effects of this level of angling on Muskellunge populations (e.g., trophy potential, abundance) will provide managers with the information needed to develop comprehensive Muskellunge management strategies.
Published Version
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