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MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES Results of the 1999 Winter Angling Survey for the Bay of Quinte Each winter, the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) surveys the activities of anglers fishing for walleye in the Bay of Quinte. The survey consists of ice-hut and angler counts, using a small aircraft, and on-ice angler interviews to measure fishing success and collect biological information about the walleye harvest. Between December 28, 1998 and February 28, 1999, aerial crews conducted 16 flights to determine fishing effort. The highest total fish hut and on-ice angler counts occurred on January 30, 1999 when the aerial crew counted 369 huts and 592 anglers, respectively. Creel survey technicians with the Lake Ontario Management Unit, based out of the Glenora Fisheries Station, interviewed a total of 232 anglers and measured over 100 walleye during the 1999 winter angling season. Management Unit biologists estimated that a total of 167,000 hours of fishing effort occurred this winter—up slightly from last year. Anglers caught an estimated 23,300 walleye of which 15,300 were harvested. Fishing success was generally quite good for large walleye; the average walleye harvested was 22 in total length and weighed over 5 lbs. |
