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 441 anglers in 214 boats.

The survey estimated a total of 21,661 hours of fishing effort, down 12 percent from last June and down 66 percent from the previous five-year average. The numbers of walleye caught and harvested were 2,783 and 1,698 respectively, down 87% compared to the average for the previous five years. However, as was the case for May, fishing success rate was better this year than June of last year. This was due to good catches of the small 2-yr-old walleye that made up over 50% of the angler's harvest. The average size of walleye harvested in June was 372 mm in fork length (15 inches total length) and weighed 0.6 kg (1.4 lb).

Anglers caught nearly 25,000 yellow perch and 2,000 northern pike in June. Yellow perch catches are down significantly so far this year.

The survey also indicated that over 2,000 largemouth and 80 smallmouth bass were caught on opening weekend of bass fishing season (June 30 and July 1).

Jim Hoyle, Assessment Biologist

Lake Ontario Management Unit

Glenora (613) 476-7977