Influence of Walleye Stocking on Angler Effort in Wisconsin

Abstract

We compared relationships between angler effort and population densities of four species of fish in lakes with stocked and self-sustaining walleye populations in Wisconsin to determine the effect of walleye stocking on angler effort. The origin of walleye populations affected angler effort directed at walleyes in lakes with a daily bag limit of two, but not with daily bag limits of three or five. For lakes with a bag limit of two, angler effort was related to walleye density in lakes with self-sustaining walleye populations but not in stocked lakes. For lakes with a bag limit of three, angler effort did not differ between lakes with stocked and self-sustaining populations. For lakes with a bag limit of five, angler effort was not related to walleye density. Walleye stocking reduced the amount of effort directed at largemouth bass, but had no effect on effort directed at smallmouth bass or muskellunge. We thank the WDNR fisheries biologists, technicians, and creel clerks who collected the data included in this investigation. In particular, we thank Mike coshun and Jamison Wendel. We also thank the Great Lakes Indian Fish and wildlife Commission for providing data. Patrick Schmalz and Sarah Carter Fayram provided helpful comments on an earlier draft of this manuscript. Steve Hewett, Mile Staggs, Dennis Schenborn, Jay Beder, Stefan Schnitzer, and John Janssen helped facilitate the completion of this project. Partial funding for this project was provided by the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration program.