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September 10, 2001 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 262 fishing parties (561 anglers). There was a total of 38,585 hours of fishing effort, down about 20% from last year and 40% from the previous 5-year average. The numbers of walleye caught and harvested were 8,595 and 6,230 respectively, very similar to the average for the previous five years and up significantly from August of last year. Anglers reported the best fishing in several years. It took the average walleye angler about three and one-half hours to catch a walleye. The average size of walleye harvested was 425 mm in fork length (17 ½ inches total length) and weighed 0.9 kg (2 lb). The August survey indicated that anglers also caught 496 northern pike, 1,377 smallmouth bass, 7,715 largemouth bass, 17,408 yellow perch and 8,518 sunfish. So far this year, walleye catch rates have been better than for the past several years but fishing effort continues to decline. Largemouth bass catches have increased again this year and so too has the number of anglers targeting this species. Yellow perch catches are down significantly. For more information: Jim Hoyle, Assessment Biologist Lake Ontario Management Unit Glenora (613) 476-7977 |
