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September 16, 1999 Bay of Quinte Walleye Sport Fishing Update The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) annual open-water angling survey on the Bay of Quinte continued in August; May, June and July results were reported in earlier updates. The August survey was conducted using on-water patrols to interview a total of 362 fishing parties (793 anglers). Prior to this year, the month of August had not been surveyed since 1995. There was a total of 49,839 hours of fishing effort (6,281 boat trips), down about 15 percent from the 1995 August survey. The numbers of walleye caught and harvested were 3,121 and 2,745 respectively, down 75% compared to August, 1995. It took the average angler about 15 hours to catch one walleye. The average size of fish harvested was 432 mm in fork length (18 inches total length) and weighed 1.0 kg (2.1 lb). The vast majority of anglers continue to seek walleye but a significant number of anglers are now targeting bass and perch, and with good success rates. As was the case in July, August bass catches appear to be increasing. Over 2,700 smallmouth and 3,100 largemouth bass were caught in August. Largemouth bass catches in particular have increased dramatically this year.
For more information: Jim Hoyle, Assessment Biologist Lake Ontario Management Unit Glenora (613) 476-7977 |
