|
July 21, 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 June; May results were reported in an earlier update. The June survey was conducted using on-water patrols to interview a total of 369 fishing parties (823 anglers). There was a total of 51,532 hours of fishing effort (6,404 boat trips), down about 10 percent from last June and down 30 percent from the previous five year average. The numbers of walleye caught and harvested were 9,293 and 5,595 respectively, down 65% compared to the average for the previous five years. It took the average angler about six hours to catch one walleye. The average size of fish harvested was 380 mm in fork length (16 inches total length) and weighed 0.7 kg (1.5 lb). Bay of Quinte walleye catches have generally declined over the last number of years as the fishery continues to respond to 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
|
