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June 2, 1999 Bay of Quinte Walleye Sport Fishing Update Results from the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) annual open-water angling survey on the Bay of Quinte show that walleye fishing success rate was up compared to last May. MNR conducted the survey from May 3 to 30 using a small aircraft to count boats and on water patrols to interview a total of 517 fishing parties (1,174 anglers). There was a total of 121,837 hours of fishing effort (11,515 boat trips). Although fishing effort was down 30 per cent from last year, walleye fishing success was better this May than last—reversing the seven-year trend of declining catch rates. The numbers of walleye caught and harvested were 25,731 and 19,362 respectively. It took the average angler about five hours to catch one walleye. Measurement of 138 walleye during the angling survey indicated that the average size of fish harvested was 421 mm in fork length (17 inches total length) and weighed 0.9 kg (2.0 lb). Yellow perch and northern pike have become more prevalent in the anglers’ catch in May over the past few years. This year anglers reported catching over 160,000 yellow perch and nearly 4,000 northern pike. It is anticipated that angling catches will continue to be affected by ecosystem changes in the Bay including clearer water, more aquatic vegetation, and a changing fish community.
For more information: Jim Hoyle, Assessment Biologist Lake Ontario Management Unit Glenora (613) 476-7977
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