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. Results of the survey are reported here for ‘opening weekend’, May 1-2. The survey was conducted using on-water patrols to interview a total of 485 anglers in 204 boats. Field crews indicated that adverse weather conditions may have accounted for the relatively low angling pressure observed on Sunday afternoon. 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 22,776 hours of fishing effort during opening weekend 2004, down slightly from last year. Anglers caught an estimated 2,636 walleye of which 1,655 were harvested. Of the 981walleye caught and released, the survey indicated that 47% were in the recently established protected slot size (48-63 cm total length); 31% were less than 48 cm and 22% were greater than 63 cm. Walleye fishing success rate was better this year than in each of the past six opening weekends. The majority of 40 walleye sampled by field survey crews were in the 16-17 inch range (about 1 ¾ lb) but two fish measured were over 29 inches total length.

Seventy-two percent of anglers interviewed indicated that they were participating in local tournaments and derbies.