Summary of total fishing effort (hours), number of fish caught, and catch rate for walleye anglers, May 1995-2004.

The Ministry of Natural Resources' (MNR) annual open-water angling survey on the Bay of Quinte began on May 1, the opening day of walleye fishing season. The table above summarizes survey results for May 1995-2004. The survey was conducted using on-water patrols to interview a total of 1,124 anglers in 483 boats. The survey does not include anglers fishing from shore. Changes in the size of the fishery can best be evaluated by examining trends in total fishing effort and numbers of fish caught. Changes in angling quality can best be evaluated by examining trends in catch rate.

The survey estimated a total of 72,496 hours of fishing effort in May 2004, up 7 percent from last year but down 63 percent from the 1995-2003 average for May. Anglers caught 18,642 walleye of which 12,131 were harvested. Of the 6,511 walleye caught and released, the survey indicated that 55% were in the recently established protected slot size (48-63 cm total length); 38% were less than 48 cm and 8% were greater than 63 cm. Fishing success rate improved again this year—on average it took anglers 3.8 hours to catch a walleye. Best fishing success rates occurred in the Deseronto area from Telegraph Narrows to Long Reach. The average size of walleye harvested in May was 43 cm total length (17 inches).

Anglers caught nearly 22,000 yellow perch and over 2,500 northern pike. Yellow perch catches were down significantly again this year.