Relationship of Angler Exploitation to the Size, Age, and Sex of Walleyes in Escanaba Lake, Wisconsin

Abstract

Abstract Between 1955 and 1979, there was an inverse relationship between angler exploitation rates for walleye (Stizostedion v. vitreum) and the mean lengths and ages of walleyes in Escanaba Lake, Wisconsin. This phenomenon may be caused by the bait size used by anglers, the relationship of feeding frequency to walleye size, differential natural mortality rates between young and old walleyes, age or size differences in walleye behavior, or combinations of these factors. The inverse relationship between walleye age or length and exploitation could lessen the increase in angling yield that might otherwise result from an increased minimum length limit (if no compensatory changes in growth or natural mortality resulted from an increase in the density of larger fish). Male and female walleyes were exploited equally in Escanaba Lake.