The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) launched its annual open-water angling survey for the Bay of Quinte on the opening day of walleye (yellow pickerel) season again this year. Surveys were conducted using a small aircraft to count boats, and on-water Ministry crews to interview anglers.

Flight crews reported good weather conditions for this year’s opening. The highest boat count occurred on Saturday morning, May 5 when aerial survey crews counted just over 1,000 boats. The highest fishing pressure occurred in the Trenton area (144 boats) followed by the Long Reach/Sherman's Point area (129 boats).

An estimated 41,000 hours of fishing effort occurred over the weekend, down 27% compared to last year and down over 40% from the previous 5-year average. The survey indicated that anglers caught and harvested 1,632 and 1,147 walleye respectively, up from last year but down over 70% compared to the previous 5-year average.

Ministry field crews interviewed over 600 anglers in 264 boats, and indicated that the walleye fishing success was generally poor but better than the last two years. Fisheries technicians reported that the best catches occurred in the Napanee River and Hay Bay. The average size of walleye harvested was just under 2 1/2 pounds and measured 19 inches total length.

The angling survey estimated that anglers also caught 10,000 yellow perch, 1,400 northern pike, and 3,200 freshwater drum (sheepshead).

About 75% of those anglers interviewed were participating in local fishing tournaments.

Jim Hoyle, Assessment Biologist

Lake Ontario Management Unit

Glenora (613) 476-7977