Angler Use Research Articles

COVID-19 Pandemic Effects on Angler Effort and a Brown Trout Population in a Driftless Area Stream in Southeast Minnesota

Abstract Early opinions of the COVID-19 pandemic included equivocal notions of whether the pandemic would result in more or less angler effort and harvest in recreational fisheries. Early papers also suggested using changes in angling license sales to infer changes in angler effort but expressed concern about adequate assessment of pandemic effects on fisheries because of interruptions to routine assessment programs. To assess pandemic effects on angler effort at a stream trout fishery, a trail camera was installed, immediately prior to implementation of a statewide stay-at-home order, at a representative stream trout angling site that is part of a long-term fish monitoring program. The trail camera was deployed through the trout harvest angling season from the peak pandemic year of 2020 through cessation of most restrictions in 2022. Statewide sales of angling licenses and trout stamps were assessed through this time to compare with angler effort measured with the trail camera. Annual trout population assessments were examined for pandemic effects in conjunction with angler effort. Anglers were present on 84% of days in 2020, 66% in 2021 and 69% in 2022. Following the pandemic peak of 603 angler-hours in 2020, angler-hours declined by -23% between 2020 and 2021, and by -16% between 2020 and 2022; whereas statewide sales of licenses and trout stamps only declined by -4% between 2020 and 2021 and -11% between 2020 and 2022, suggesting more angler pressure at the study site than could be inferred by changes in license or trout stamp sales. Higher pressure during the pandemic was due in part to more anglers younger than 20 years old. Despite higher angler pressure in 2020, there was no long-term effect on the Brown Trout population, as adult abundance in 2021 and 2022 exceeded abundance in every year from 2017 to 2020. These data add to a limited number of similar field-based pandemic studies coupling changes in angler use with fish population responses and should provide further insight into the broader assessment of COVID-19 pandemic effects.

Improving effort estimates and informing temporal distribution of recreational salmon fishing in British Columbia, Canada using high-frequency optical imagery data

Recreational fisheries often pose various challenges for monitoring. Conventional techniques, such as aerial-roving creel surveys, can lead to estimation bias as they are limited to sampling fragments of these fisheries, which are often fluid and temporally dynamic. In British Columbia, Canada, the existing aerial-roving framework for monitoring marine recreational salmon fisheries relies on angler testimony to report diel temporal distribution of angling and flights to scale-up effort estimation. This work involved implementing two shore-based autonomous cameras set at high capture-rates. One system allowed for the estimation of harbour-specific effort and retention, while the second system informed the timing of angler use by monitoring a popular nearby fishing location. We employed a two-step image filtering system which included the use of a novel deep learning-based system involving a Gaussian Mixture Model-based motion detector for the automatic detection of vessels, to efficiently analyze over one million images. We calculated effort and retention estimates using catch-per-unit effort data from interviews and detailed the diel activity of observed fishing using empirical cumulative distribution and activity pattern analyses. We found that creel estimates were predicting the timing of fishing relatively well, but alone, they may be failing to account for substantial effort in the afternoons. We also provided new insight into a notable amount of off-season fishing effort, which is currently lacking in creel estimates, by surveying beyond peak-season. Our findings suggest that cameras can provide a viable tool in British Columbia for extending the temporal resolution of existing methods while providing an efficient and cost-effective alternative to flights to expand effort data. Increasing camera monitoring to cover additional marinas and popular fishing locales could improve estimation and protect vital fish species.

Use of a Restrictive Regulation to Manage Walleyes in a New Glacial Lake in South Dakota

AbstractAbove‐average precipitation in the 1990s resulted in many new fisheries across northeastern South Dakota and elsewhere in the Upper Midwest. Walleye Sander vitreus populations in these new fisheries can be extremely vulnerable to angler harvest. In an attempt to maintain a Walleye fishery in Reetz Lake, South Dakota, a new lake, a restrictive regulation of one Walleye ≥711 mm TL per day was implemented when the lake opened to public fishing (October 2001). To evaluate the regulation, we monitored the estimated number of Walleyes ≥508 mm, Walleye gill‐net catch per unit of effort (CPUE) of stock‐length fish (≥250 mm), size structure, condition, length at age at capture (ages 2–5), mortality, recruitment, and angler use during the period 2001–2019. The estimated number of Wall‐eyes ≥508 mm, gill‐net CPUE, and proportional size distribution of preferred‐length fish (PSD‐P; ≥510 mm) trended higher across years. Relative weight (Wr) for the quality–preferred (380–509 mm) and preferred–memorable (510–629 mm) length‐groups and the length at age at capture for ages 4 and 5 trended lower. Walleyes <510 mm were in better condition than larger fish throughout the study. Estimated total mortality was 62% in 2004 but substantially declined in subsequent years before ranging from 6% to 21% for 2010–2019. The coefficient of variation of age‐3 gill‐net CPUE by cohort was 93%, indicating variable recruitment. Decreasing trends in Wr and growth were not surprising, as Walleye CPUE increased through time. Lengths at age remained at or above statewide and national averages. The values for number of angler‐hours and Walleye catch rates were high during the summer months when most anglers targeted Walleye. The regulation that restricted harvest at Reetz Lake to one Walleye ≥711 mm allowed an abundant Walleye population to establish and was successful at maintaining the fishery in terms of abundance, size structure, and angler use.

Colonial Waterbird Predation and Angler Catch of Hatchery Rainbow Trout Stocked in Southern Idaho Fisheries

AbstractThe abundance of piscivorous colonial waterbirds such as double‐crested cormorants Phalacrocorax auritus and American white pelicans Pelecanus erythrorhynchos has increased dramatically in recent decades in North America, resulting in increased conflict between these birds and fisheries resources, which raises the need to quantify the effects of waterbird predation on fisheries. We estimated avian predation and angler use of two sizes of hatchery‐reared Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (250 mm and 300 mm on average; termed standard catchables and magnum catchables) at 15 Idaho waters with known cormorant and pelican presence. Fish were tagged with passive integrated transponder (PIT), radio, and T‐bar anchor tags prior to release; the tags were subsequently recovered from bird nesting, roosting, and loafing sites. Estimated angler use, which included fish harvested as well as those that were catch‐and‐release, averaged 17%, while avian predation averaged 35%. Angler catch at study waters declined exponentially as avian predation increased. Predation specifically attributed to double‐crested cormorants and American white pelicans was related to their relative abundance at the waterbodies where the fish were stocked. Avian predation rates were similar for standard and magnum catchables, suggesting that larger fish were not able to escape predation any better than smaller ones. Our results add to existing evidence indicating that in some southern Idaho fisheries, piscivorous birds, rather than anglers, are the dominant consumers of hatchery trout. This study further contributes to the larger issue of competition between humans, wildlife, and fisheries populations.

Evaluating the Efficacy of Using Time‐Lapse Cameras to Assess Angling Use: An Example from a High‐Use Metropolitan Reservoir in Arizona

AbstractCreel surveys are the most common angler use survey used by fisheries managers but can be time intensive and expensive to conduct. Time‐lapse cameras have been evaluated as a cost‐efficient alternative to creel surveys on small lakes, streams, and nearshore marine systems but have yet to be evaluated on a reservoir. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the feasibility of using time‐lapse cameras to assess angling use on a high‐use reservoir and provide methodology for use by fisheries managers. One time‐lapse trail camera was installed at a heavily used boat ramp at Lake Pleasant, a large reservoir located near Phoenix, Arizona, from December 2015 to May 2016. A single observer counted fishing and recreational boats and tracked individual fishing boat trips using a randomized schedule. Camera data were first validated against creel counts conducted in person, and subsequent corrected counts were used to estimate both angling and boating use for the study period. Camera counts were easily corrected using the validation approach and were more cost effective than traditional creel survey methods. Overall, we found that time‐lapse cameras can efficiently and accurately collect angler use data on a high‐use reservoir and thus provide a useful alternative to stand‐alone creel surveys.Creel surveys are the most common angler use survey used by fisheries managers but can be time intensive and expensive to conduct. Time‐lapse cameras have been evaluated as a cost‐efficient alternative to creel surveys on small lakes, streams, and nearshore marine systems but have yet to be evaluated on a reservoir. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the feasibility of using time‐lapse cameras to assess angling use on a high‐use reservoir and provide methodology for use by fisheries managers. One time‐lapse trail camera was installed at a heavily used boat ramp at Lake Pleasant, a large reservoir located near Phoenix, Arizona, from December 2015 to May 2016. A single observer counted fishing and recreational boats and tracked individual fishing boat trips using a randomized schedule. Camera data were first validated against creel counts conducted in person, and subsequent corrected counts were used to estimate both angling and boating use for the study period. Camera counts were easily corrected using the validation approach and were more cost effective than traditional creel survey methods. Overall, we found that time‐lapse cameras can efficiently and accurately collect angler use data on a high‐use reservoir and thus provide a useful alternative to stand‐alone creel surveys.

Synthesizing ecological and human use information to understand and manage coastal change

Coastal systems are constantly in flux, and feedback from monitoring is necessary to support decision making for effective sustainable natural resource management. Frequently natural resources are the ultimate target of management actions, but management programs work through the proximate step of regulating human behavior towards those resources. For example, a marine reserve is considered a conservation success when the abundance and diversity of organisms increase within reserve boundaries, all relative to existing trends that would have affected ecological communities in the absence of a reserve. Biological monitoring can assesses whether reserve management achieves these goals. However, when monitoring data are inconclusive or do not match expectations, managers face uncertainty in understanding why particular biological patterns occurred, whether a reserve is a biologically appropriate management strategy for the system, and what steps to take moving forward. Monitoring human behavior can provide information that may alleviate some uncertainty and help explain observed biological patterns. In this study we illustrate the utility of complimenting biological monitoring data with monitoring of human behavior. We used a before-after control-impact analysis to test for effects of a no-take reserve in the Gulf of California, Mexico on the density and biomass of seven fished species. We failed to detect a positive biological effect of the reserve, and found the density of five monitored species had declined. These results indicated that the reserve was not succeeding, but provided no insight into why. Evaluation of recreational angler use of the reserve provided a possible explanation: first, the frequency of angler visits to the study area was increasing over time. Second, the reserve reduced the propensity of anglers to visit the reserve, but not by enough to offset the overall increasing visitation trend. Biological and human use monitoring results in tandem indicated that a reserve could potentially be an effective conservation tool for the system, and allowed us to suggest modifications that could help the reserve succeed. Our work illustrates the necessity of monitoring human use changes alongside biological responses to a reserve for a holistic portrait of reserve functioning, providing a concrete example of the importance of human behavioral aspects of marine reserve success.

Importance of Canals for Florida Largemouth Bass: Lake Griffin, Florida

Abstract Canal systems are commonly found across the country and are rarely constructed to increase fish habitat or angling opportunities. From 2009 to 2011, we assessed the benefits of canals to the fishery at Lake Griffin, Florida, by measuring and comparing the Florida Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides floridanus population and angler use to the main lake. We used electrofishing, angler creel surveys, and a high-reward tagging study. Results from electrofishing surveys revealed a high relative abundance of Florida Largemouth Bass in the canals, with similar electrofishing catch rates and size structure to those in the main lake. The canal creel showed that anglers used canals throughout the study, with peak use during the spawning season. The tagging study revealed anglers caught Florida Largemouth Bass in canals throughout the 12-mo study and that Florida Largemouth Bass migrated between the lake and canals. We conclude that the canals support a significant portion of the overall angler effort for the Lake Griffin fishery. Failing to consider the canals at Lake Griffin results in substantial underestimates of fish populations, angler use, and the fishery's economic impact. Our data suggest, however, that monitoring only the lake section still may represent trends occurring throughout the entire body of water, resulting in lowering sampling time and financial requirements. Fishery managers can identify any impacts canal systems or other lake sections may have to the fishery by including additional sections of a body of water into their sampling protocol.

Community Fisheries in Eastern South Dakota: Angler Demographics, Use, and Factors Influencing Satisfaction

ABSTRACTWe surveyed anglers on five community fishing lakes near Brookings, South Dakota to assess angler use and satisfaction. The community lakes attracted younger anglers when compared to statewide and national averages. Overall, satisfaction was generally high (74%) among anglers fishing community lakes. Logistic regression analysis showed that harvest rate, anglers targeting trout, familiarity with the lake, adults fishing with children, and fishing during open water periods were significantly related to angler satisfaction. Angler parties consisting of adults fishing with children were 1.7 times more likely to respond as “satisfied” compared with adults-only angler groups. Fishing opportunities provided by community lakes can enhance participation by younger anglers while simultaneously providing family-oriented recreation (i.e., adults fishing with children) that enhances trip satisfaction.

Feasibility and Evaluation of Probabilistic On‐site Surveys for Estimating Angler Use and Catch in High Mountain Lakes

AbstractEstimating angling effort and catch at high mountain lakes can be difficult due the abundance, remoteness, and diffuse nature of angling effort that typify high mountain lake fisheries. In this study, a simulation was used to evaluate the accuracy of catch and effort estimates derived using on‐site access–access and roving–access creel surveys at a complex of 35 high mountain lakes. Five levels of angling effort and catch at the 35 lakes were simulated, and effort varied from 3,278 to 68,741 h and catch varied from 1,737 to 50,525 fish over the duration of the season. Access–access creel surveys had an average of 32% relative error and roving–access surveys had an average of 17% relative error in estimates of aggregate (i.e., at all 35 lakes) angling effort and catch when one creel surveyor was used. Estimates were relatively robust to temporal and spatial changes in patterns of effort and catch rate over the duration of the season. Relative error was inversely related to the amount of angling effort, catch, and creel surveyors. Roving–access surveys outperformed access–access surveys at all levels of sampling effort. Bias and relative error of estimates of angling effort and catch were greater at the individual‐lake scale than when estimates were derived for all 35 lakes. Results of this study suggest that on‐site surveys can provide relatively accurate estimates of angling effort and catch at as many as 35 lakes with minimal sampling effort.Received March 16, 2015; accepted August 14, 2015

Evaluation of Catch‐and‐Release Regulations on Brook Trout in Pennsylvania Streams

AbstractIn 2004, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission implemented catch‐and‐release (CR) regulations on headwater stream systems to determine if eliminating angler harvest would result in an increase in the number of adult (≥100 mm) or large (≥175 mm) Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis. Under the CR regulations, angling was permitted on a year‐round basis, no Brook Trout could be harvested at any time, and there were no tackle restrictions. A before‐after–control‐impact design was used to evaluate the experimental regulations. Brook Trout populations were monitored in 16 treatment (CR regulations) and 7 control streams (statewide regulations) using backpack electrofishing gear periodically for up to 15 years (from 1990 to 2003 or 2004) before the implementation of the CR regulations and over a 7–8‐year period (from 2004 or 2005 to 2011) after implementation. We used Poisson mixed models to evaluate whether electrofishing catch per effort (CPE; catch/100 m2) of adult (≥100 mm) or large (≥175 mm) Brook Trout increased in treatment streams as a result of implementing CR regulations. Brook Trout CPE varied among sites and among years, and there was no significant effect (increase or decrease) of CR regulations on the CPE of adult or large Brook Trout. Results of our evaluation suggest that CR regulations were not effective at improving the CPE of adult or large Brook Trout in Pennsylvania streams. Low angler use, high voluntary catch and release, and slow growth rates in infertile headwater streams are likely the primary reasons for the lack of response.Received June 14, 2013; accepted August 28, 2013Published online January 24, 2014

Implementation of a marine reserve has a rapid but short‐lived effect on recreational angler use

Changes in human behavior are a precursor to measurable impacts of no-take marine reserves. We investigated changes in recreational fishing site selection in response to the 2005 announcement of enforcement in a marine reserve in the Gulf of California, Mexico. We used a novel data set of daily self-reported boating destinations from emergency rescue logbooks for a recreational angling community from 2000 to 2008. Because the reserve system has no experimental control, we modeled the data two ways to test for robustness to model specification. We tested for changes in human fishing behavior with regression and fit a fleet-level discrete choice model to project a. counterfactual scenario. The counterfactual is the statistically constructed ex post expectation of the human behavior we would have observed if the reserve never existed. We included month and year fixed effects in our models to account for seasonal and interannual fluctuations in fishing behavior and catch rates. We detected a decrease in reserve use compared to the counterfactual, indicating that the reserve rapidly experienced a decrease in visitation. However, the reserve's effect to reduce trips diminished with time. These results indicate that the reserve is unlikely to meet its ecological goals without institutional changes that enhance compliance. This illustrates the value of human use data to understanding the processes underlying marine reserve function. We suggest that managers should consider human use with the same frequency, rigor, and tools as they do fishery stocks. Marine reserves directly affect people, and understanding human behavioral responses to marine reserves is an important step in marine reserve management.

Decline in angler use despite increased catch rates: Anglers’ response to the implementation of a total catch-and-release regulation

A mandatory total catch-and-release regulation and a bait ban were implemented on Lower Kananaskis Lake, Canada, due to the drastic decline of the native bull trout ( Salvelinus confluentus) population. In the decade following harvest-regulation changes, the adult bull trout population experienced a 28-fold increase in abundance. Two roving creel surveys of winter ice-anglers, the first conducted just prior to the regulation changes (1992) and the second 10 years later (2002), were used to compare catch rates, the size structure of fish caught, and angler effort before and after the bull trout population rebuilt. Supplementary information from voluntary creel cards (1996–2003) was used to evaluate temporal trends in summer catch-related fishery attributes as the fish population recovered. Winter catch rates were three-fold and 12-fold higher in 2002 than in 1992, for all bull trout and large (>50 cm) bull trout, respectively. The proportion of large fish in the catch also increased. Voluntary creel card information suggested summer catch rates and the frequency of large fish in the catch both increased as the population rebuilt. However, despite the increase in fishing “quality”, angler numbers were three- to 10-fold lower in 2002 than 1992, indicating reduced utilization of the fishery. We speculate that harvest-oriented anglers were displaced from Lower Kananaskis Lake because of restrictive regulations. Our study shows anglers are not necessarily attracted to high-catch-rate fisheries, suggesting angler behaviour is complex and not driven by catch rates alone. Thus, to meet management objectives, understanding angler effort responses to regulatory changes is fundamentally important.

Temporal Profiles of Walleye Angling Effort, Harvest Rate, and Harvest in Northern Wisconsin Lakes

In regions where water resources are abundant, broad-scale fisheries management requires quantifying fishery trends on a representative sample of lakes and then using these data to evaluate management actions and assess fishery status. Therefore, we quantified regional fishery profiles of the average number of complete-trip interviews, effort per acre, the number of walleyes Sander vitreus harvested per angler-hour, and the number of walleyes harvested per acre among hours, seasons, and years from 1991 to 2002 in northern Wisconsin lakes. The average number of interviews within days was similar between weekday and weekend day types but differed between open-water and ice-fishing seasons, peaking at midday and late afternoon during open water and midday during ice fishing. The average harvest rate within days was similar between day types and seasons and was highest in the morning and afternoon. The average angler effort during the angling season differed between day types and peaked in July on weekdays and in May on weekends. The average harvest rate during the angling season differed between day types and peaked in May on weekdays but also December on weekends. The average harvest per acre during the angling season was similar between day types and declined from May to February. The cumulative average angler effort was higher on weekdays than on weekends during 1991–2002, but the harvest rate and harvest per acre were similar between day types. Angler effort, harvest rate, and harvest per acre did not change significantly among years. Angler use and success changed systematically within days and among seasons but not among years, which suggests that walleye populations and the associated fishery were stable. The regional fishery profiles for each estimate were similar to the results from smaller-scale studies, suggesting that regional profiles can accurately depict patterns on a smaller scale.

If You Build It, Will They Come? Fish and Angler Use at a Freshwater Artificial Reef

AbstractIn November 1999, an artificial reef composed of granite rubble was built in southwestern Lake Michigan to attract smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu. Adult fish communities were sampled at the artificial reef site and a nearby reference site before (1999) and after reef construction (2000–2003) to determine whether the artificial reef attracted sport fishes. The total number of fish observed along scuba transects was higher at the artificial reef than at the reference site during 2000–2003. Smallmouth bass, rock bass Ambloplites rupestris, round goby Neogobius melanostomus, and yellow perch Perca flavescens were most commonly observed by divers at the artificial reef site, whereas the round goby was the most prevalent species observed at the reference site. Mean annual total gill‐net catch per unit effort (CPUE) did not differ at the two sites after reef construction. Freshwater drum Aplodinotus grunniens, gizzard shad Dorosoma cepedianum, yellow perch, and salmonines were commonly caught at both locations. The presence of several of these taxa was related to water temperature but not location. Smallmouth bass presence was related to location; CPUE was greater at the artificial reef than at the reference site during 2000–2002. Rock bass CPUE also was greater at the artificial reef than at the reference site during 2002. Smallmouth bass association with the reef was seasonal and correlated with temperature. Although anglers were aware of the artificial reef, fishing effort and success were low, in part because few anglers targeted black bass Micropterus spp. Because water temperature strongly influences the use of structure by centrarchids in deep, cold lakes like Lake Michigan, care must be taken to site artificial reefs in zones of the most suitable water temperature for these species.

Use of Survey Data to Estimate Economic Value and Regional Economic Effects of Fishery Improvements

AbstractThis paper demonstrates a straightforward, survey‐based approach that allows fisheries economists and managers to go beyond acquiring just a snapshot of current economic value and regional economic effects to estimate how angler use, benefits, and regional effects (e.g., tourism jobs) would increase with increases in the number or size of fish caught. This is performed by linking responses from intended visitation questions to contingent valuation and input–output models. In a case study of the Snake River in Idaho and Wyoming, I determined that for a 100% increase in angler catch, angler use would increase by 64.5% and would create a corresponding increase in annual economic value and jobs. A similar relationship was found for increases in the size of fish caught.

Optimizing the Allocation of Hatchery-Produced Fish among Multiple Stocking Sites

Abstract We describe a two-stage procedure to increase recreational angler use through optimal allocation of hatchery-produced fish among sites. In stage 1, data on historical fish stocking, angler-days, and attributes of individual fishing sites are used to formulate a regression equation that shows the relation between angler-days and the number of fish stocked (stocking elasticity). In stage 2, this stocking elasticity is used in conjunction with data on the hatchery supply of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss to formulate a reallocation of fish among fishing sites. The algorithm allocates the limited production of hatchery rainbow trout among receiving sites to maximize total angler-days by equalizing the potential gain in angler-days from stocking one additional fish at each site. Application of the procedure to selected fishing sites in New Mexico suggests that total angler-days could be increased by 16% with no increase in budget or other resources. An optimized fish stocking program would produce ...

Use of a Minimum Length Limit to Manage Walleyes in Lake Francis Case, South Dakota

Abstract Walleyes Stizostedion vitreum are the primary predator fish in Lake Francis Case, a Missouri River impoundment located in south-central South Dakota. Because of increasing angling pressure in the mid-1980s, this walleye sport fishery was nearing the point of overharvest. In 1990, angling regulations were changed to address management concerns. A partial-year (April–June), 356-mm minimum length limit was implemented, the daily bag limit was reduced from 6 to 4, and the possession limit was reduced from 12 to 8. We evaluated the effects of the length limit regulation on recruitment, population structure, growth, and angler use and harvest by comparing a 5-year preregulation period with a 9-year postregulation period. Walleye recruitment, growth, condition, and abundance did not change significantly from preregulation to postregulation periods. Abundance of 356-mm and longer walleyes and proportional stock density increased significantly in the years following implementation of the minimum length li...

Exemption of Bass Tournaments from Fishing Regulations: An Opinion Survey

A telephone survey was conducted regarding tournaments for largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides in Kansas reservoirs. A total of 297 Kansas licensed anglers were contacted and asked to be interviewed; these anglers were also respondents to the 1995 Kansas Licensed Angler Use and Preference Survey. Anglers were grouped into three categories: largemouth bass anglers in a sporting club (club), largemouth bass anglers not in a sporting club (nonclub), and nonlargemouth bass anglers not in a sporting club (general). Response rates for angler categories were 77% for club, 88% for nonclub, and 89% for general. More club anglers participated in fishing tournaments in Kansas than nonclub or general anglers. The majority of anglers in all angler categories either agreed or strongly agreed that fishing tournaments should be held on Kansas reservoirs. The majority of anglers in all angler categories disagreed or strongly disagreed with the statement “Fishing tournaments for largemouth bass in Kansas that require live release should not have to follow the 18-inch length limit.” Similarly, respondents in all angler categories disagreed that largemouth bass fishing tournaments should be exempt from current creel limits. These data provide important information for managing largemouth bass fishing tournaments on Kansas reservoirs.

Warmwater Stream and River Fisheries in the Southeastern United States: Are We Managing Them in Proportion to Their Values?

We compared findings on stream and river fishing activity in the southeastern United States from the 1991 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-associated Recreation with those on stream and river management programs in this region from a 1995 survey by Warmwater Streams Committee of the Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society. Based on the 1991 national survey, two-fifths of all anglers in the Southeast fished streams and rivers; almost one-fourth of the total number of days fished by southeastern anglers were in this water type; and more than half of all trip expenditures, including those associated with lakes, reservoirs, and ponds, were made by stream and river anglers. In comparison, southeastern state agencies reported in 1995 that they allocated 10%–19% of their total fisheries budget and an average of 5 people to programs that manage stream and river resources. Approximately one-third of the states had completed fish inventories of less than one-third of their streams and rivers. One-fourth did not have an active warmwater stream and river management program. States with high angler use and abundant stream and river resources tended to have well-developed management programs (e.g, Virginia, West Virginia), whereas states with low use and limited riverine resources had less-developed programs (e.g., Oklahoma, Texas). The remaining states fell between this range. Given the substantial use of southeastern warmwater stream and river fisheries, we recommend that state agencies increase their emphasis on and proportionally allocate greater human and monetary resources toward managing these valuable resources.

Testing the importance of fish stocking as a determinant of the demand for fishing licenses and fishing effort in colorado

A time‐series regression analysis of data from 1975 to 1995 showed no statistically significant relationship between number of catchable or subcatchable coldwater fish stocked and number of resident and nonresident season licenses sold. Stocking of warmwater subcatchables was a significant determinant of resident season license sales, although a 100% change in stocking results in only a 7% to 9% increase in license sales. Stocking of warmwater catchable fish did have a significant effect on nonresident season fishing licenses with a 100% change in stocking resulting in a 5% to 7% change in nonresident season license sales. Cross‐section regressions across lakes and streams in Colorado found that current season stocking of catchables was a significant determinant of angler use in all regressions, while the previous years stocking of subcatchables was significant in only one regression. A 1% increase in the number of catchable trout stocked resulted in a 0.43% change in lake angler use and 0.23% increase in stream angler use.