From this study, biologists hope to learn how frequently bass are caught and harvested. They also hope to learn more about the size range of fish caught. 

Beginning this month, biologists are tagging largemouth bass with small, yellow tags along the back of the fish just below the dorsal fin. These tags carry a printed telephone number, e-mail address, tag number and reward value.  Anglers should carefully examine all bass caught in Florida lakes for reward tags, as biologists will tag fish in numerous lakes throughout the state.

Biologists encourage anglers to remove these tags by cutting them as close to the fish as possible and then treat the fish as they would normally. Once anglers remove a tag, they should immediately report it to the FWC Angler Tag Return Hotline at 800-367-4461 or e-mail TagReturn [at] MyFWC [dot] com. 

Anglers participating in the study will receive a reward for each largemouth bass tag they return to the FWC. When reporting the tag, anglers should provide the following information:

• the species of fish,
• tag number, fish length,
• date and time of capture,
• name of the lake where the fish was caught, and
• whether the angler kept or released the fish.

Anglers should mail the tags to:
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Attn: LMB Tagging Study
601 W. Woodward Ave.
Eustis, FL 32726 

To learn more about FWC research projects, visit http://research.MyFWC.com.      

RALEIGH, N.C. 

Under delayed-harvest regulations, no trout can be harvested or possessed from these waters between Oct. 1, 2009, and one half-hour after sunset on June 4, 2010.  No natural bait is allowed, and anglers can fish only with single-hook, artificial lures.  An artificial lure is defined as a fishing lure that neither contains nor has been treated with any substance that attracts fish by the sense of taste or smell.

Delayed-harvest waters are:

Ashe County

Trout Lake

Helton Creek (Virginia state line to New River)

Burke County

Jacob Fork (Shinny Creek to lower South Mountains State Park boundary)

Caldwell County

Wilson Creek (game lands boundary downstream of Lost Cove Creek to Phillips Branch)

Haywood County

West Fork Pigeon River (Queen Creek to the first game land boundary upstream of Lake Logan)

Henderson County

North Fork Mills River (game land portion below the Hendersonville watershed dam)

Jackson County

Tuckasegee River (N.C. 107 bridge at Love Field to the Dillsboro dam)

Macon County

Nantahala River (Whiteoak Creek to Nantahala hydropower discharge canal)

Madison County

Big Laurel Creek (N.C. 208 bridge to the U.S. 25-70 bridge)

Shelton Laurel Creek (N.C. 208 bridge at Belva to the confluence with Big Laurel Creek)

McDowell County

Curtis Creek (game land portion downstream of the U.S. Forest Service boundary at Deep Branch)

Mill Creek (U.S. 70 bridge to I-40 bridge)

Mitchell County

Cane Creek (N.C. 226 bridge to N.C. 80 bridge — also classified as Mountain Heritage Trout Waters, please refer to the Commission’s Regulations Digest for additional information)

North Toe River (U.S. 19E bridge to N.C. 226 bridge — also classified as Mountain Heritage Trout Waters, please refer to the Commission’s Regulations Digest for additional information)

Polk County

Green River (Fishtop Falls Access Area to the confluence with Cove Creek)

Surry County

Mitchell River (0.6 mile upstream of the end of S.R. 1333 to the S.R. 1330 bridge below Kapps Mill Dam)

Transylvania County

East Fork French Broad River (Glady Fork to French Broad River)

Little River (confluence of Lake Dense to 100 yards downstream of Hooker Falls)

Watauga County

Watauga River (adjacent to intersection of S.R. 1557 and S.R. 1558 to N.C. 105 bridge and S.R. 1114 bridge to N.C. 194 bridge at Valle Crucis)

Wilkes County

East Prong Roaring River (mouth of Bullhead Creek downstream to Stone Mountain State Park boundary line)

Stone Mountain Creek (from falls at Alleghany County line to confluence with East Prong Roaring River and Bullhead Creek)

Reddies River (Town of North Wilkesboro water intake dam to confluence with Yadkin River)

For more information on delayed-harvest regulations, weekly stocking updates or trout maps designating fishing regulations in effect on specific streams, visit the Commission’s Web site, www.ncwildlife.org/fishing.  

Get N.C. Wildlife Update – news including season dates, bag limits, legislative updates and more – delivered to your Inbox from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. Go to www.ncwildlife.org/enews.

LAKE CONROE, Texas — The Toyota Texas Bass Classic, a Professional Anglers Association (PAA) sanctioned event, is only one month away from its debut on Lake Conroe. The October 16 — 18 competition benefits Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) efforts to introduce young people and urban families to fishing and the outdoors.

Lake Conroe is a showcase for TPWD’s fisheries and habitat management efforts. Native vegetation is being planted in the lake to improve water quality, prevent erosion and provide high quality habitat for fish and other wildlife. This habitat-food and shelter-for young bass is the cornerstone of largemouth bass production, increasing the survival and growth of fish that have the potential to become Toyota ShareLunkers, bass that weigh 13 pounds or more. During last year’s ShareLunker season, Lake Conroe produced four such fish, one a new lake record 15.93-pounder that was also the biggest bass caught in Texas last year.

 ”Our long-standing stocking, research and management programs, along with Florida largemouth bass, have been a huge success and have totally changed the landscape of bass fishing in Texas,” said Dave Terre, TPWD’s chief of management and research for inland fisheries. “At one time a 13-pound bass was a rare occurrence. To get in the Texas top 50 now takes better than a 15-pounder. That’s simply amazing.”

Terre continued, “I look at Texas as a crossroads where the science of fisheries management intersects with the needs and desires of anglers-and the Toyota ShareLunker program and the quality of fishing on Lake Conroe are great examples of that.”

One of the most important factors in developing a trophy bass fishery like Lake Conroe is letting bass grow to the age at which they can achieve maximum size. Anglers have almost complete control over this factor by proper handling of fish and by releasing them after the catch. The format of the Toyota Texas Bass Classic promotes bass survival by having all fish weighed in the boat as soon as they are caught, then immediately released. The only exception to this is that each angler may retain one fish 21 inches or longer to be brought to the weigh-in each day for a special big bass contest. These fish will be cared for by TPWD biologists and released following the weigh-in.

Daily weigh-ins at the tournament venue, Buffalo Springs Development in Montgomery, at the Toyota Texas Bass Classic will have special significance, because for the first time the tournament will produce a true world champion bass angler. The field will consist of 60 anglers. Twenty of the anglers qualified for the event by being a top 20 angler in the FLW Tour, FLW Series or BASS Elite. The other 40 anglers qualified by being in the top 40 of all three PAA Carrot Stix Tournament Series events in 2009. The field will compete head-to-head for the title of world champion as well as $500,000 in cash and prizes with the first-place winner getting cash and prizes worth $250,000.

“This is a very exciting development, as it positions the TTBC as the world championship of the newly-created PAA Tournament Series,” said TTBC co-founders Dan Friedkin and Donato Ramos. “These modifications make the TTBC one of the most prestigious titles in the world of professional bass fishing.”

In addition to featuring the biggest names in professional angling, the Toyota Texas Bass Classic will also offer a full slate of family-oriented outdoor activities and entertainment. The Outdoor Adventure Area will feature an archery range, fishing activities, touch tank, ShareLunker display and other exhibits. There will be a variety of food and beverages available at the onsite concession stands, and the City of Montgomery will present a fireworks display and concert by the Kyle Hunt Band on the evening of Friday, October 16.

Activities at the Outdoor Adventure Area will continue all day both Saturday and Sunday. Saturday night’s concert will feature Texas country music legend Pat Green and rising star Zona Jones. Sunday’s weigh-in and crowning of the new world champion will take place between performances by Julianne Hough and Josh Turner.

CBS Sports will broadcast a one-hour special reprising the Toyota Texas Bass Classic on Saturday, November 21. It will feature highlights from the three tournament days with a focus on the crowning of the 2009 TTBC world champion.

Advance daily tickets are available for $10 each through the tournament web site, www.toyotatexasbassclassic.com. Onsite tickets purchased at the gate will be $10 for Friday and $20 each day Saturday and Sunday. Youth ages 17 and under will be admitted free with a ticketed adult.

A minimum of $250,000 from the event will go towards a donation to benefit Texas Parks and Wildlife Department programs.  “Our primary goal with this tournament is to raise funds and awareness for TPWD’s educational and conservation activities,” said Dan Friedkin, TTBC co-founder and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department commissioner. In the past two years the Toyota Texas Bass Classic has provided $500,000 to help fund TPWD programs like the Neighborhood Fishin’ Program, the Texas State-Fish Art Contest and other youth and urban fishing and outreach efforts.

Title sponsor for the event is Toyota. Tournament partners include Dick’s Sporting Goods, Audiovox, Evan Williams, MillerCoors, 100.3 KILT, SportsRadio 610, Phoenix Boats, Waste Management and the City of Montgomery. The tournament will be held on Buffalo Springs, a planned development in the City of Montgomery.

For additional information, please visit the official Toyota Texas Bass Classic Web site.

Campers will be allowed to remain in the campground until it closes at 1 p.m. on Sept. 8. The West Unit, a semi-modern campground with electricity and vault toilets, will remain open until Nov. 1.

The boat ramp will remain open through Sunday, Sept. 13. Alternate boating access sites can be located in the northwest and northeast corners of Indian Lake. The Big Spring launch is located on the northwest corner of Indian Lake, and the Big Spring/Arrowhead launch is located on the northeast corner of the lake, near the golf course.

The improvements will benefit park users by providing a new campground office, along with the construction of a new day use entrance road and campground road improvements.

This project is funded through a federal Land and Water Conservation Fund grant, a restricted fund derived from oil and gas royalties that are earmarked for park and recreation improvements.

For more information about these improvement projects, the park or accessibility, contact DNR Park Supervisor Lee Vaughn at (906) 341-2355 (TTY/TDD 711 Michigan Relay Center for the hearing impaired), or visit www.michigan.gov/indianlake.

Camping reservations for the West Unit can be made online at www.midnrreservations.com, or by calling the DNR central reservation system at 800-447-2757.

All motor vehicles entering a state park or recreation area must display a Motor Vehicle Permit, available for purchase at the park entrance. Cost is $24 for a resident annual and $6 for a resident daily. A nonresident annual is $29 and a nonresident daily is $8.

Join the DNR in celebrating the 90th anniversary of Michigan State Parks (1919-2009) this year. Events are being posted at www.michigan.gov/dnrgogetoutdoors.

Background
In 2007, the Delaware River basin states and the City of New York adopted a Flexible Flow Management Program, which includes reservoir release rates for the City’s Cannonsville, Pepacton and Neversink reservoirs. This adaptive program provides opportunity to modify release rates as new circumstances arise. Faced with the possibility of a short term closure of the Rondout West Branch Tunnel for maintenance purposes, the basin states and the City of New York developed and agreed to a temporary supplemental release program to make best use of excess water that may be available in the reservoirs. This modification adds to previously established release rates by estimating near term water availability, including predictions of reservoir storage conditions that result from the tunnel shutdown. The full text of this temporary modification may be viewed on Delaware River Master’s web site at http://water.usgs.gov/osw/odrm/.

With the American shad population in the Hudson River at historic lows, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) plans to propose closing recreational and commercial fishing for American shad in the Hudson and prohibit commercial landings in marine waters. DEC will hold three public information meetings in September to outline steps to be taken to save this historically important species.

In 2007, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission conducted a coast-wide assessment of American shad stocks, with New York biologists playing a lead role. The assessment concluded that the Hudson River shad stock has declined substantially since the 1990s — and now is at historic lows. Juvenile production dropped to a historically low level in 2002 and has not rebounded. Hudson River recreational and commercial fisheries were restricted in 2008 with the hope that it would trigger some improvement in production of young American shad. Because no change occurred, the DEC plans to pursue fishery closures.

Commissioner Pete Grannis said: “We have been closely monitoring the Hudson’s shad population and hoped to see signs of rebounding, but unfortunately, that has not occurred. A closure now appears to be a necessary step to prevent the potential permanent loss of this historically and ecologically important species. We will continue to monitor Hudson shad populations with the hope that they will rebound to levels that will allow the fishery to reopen.”

At the same time, DEC will implement a Hudson River American Shad Recovery Plan to help rebuild the stock. The recovery plan (PDF, 112 Kb) is available on the DEC website. The plan outlines current and future studies to investigate the suspected causes of the stock’s decline. Over-fishing, habitat loss, increased populations of predatory species and competition for food sources are among the many factors to be evaluated. At the public meetings, DEC staff will also discuss and explain the measures of the shad population status that would enable a reopening of the recreational and commercial fisheries.

Public information meetings are scheduled for:

• Monday, Sept. 14, 7 – 9 p.m., at Schodack Town Hall, 265 Schuurman Rd., Castleton-on-Hudson.
• Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2 – 5 p.m., at the Marine Resources Advisory Council meeting at the DEC Marine Resources Office, 205 Belle Mead Rd., East Setauket.
• Wednesday, Sept. 16, 7 – 9 p.m. at the DEC Region 3 Office, 21 S. Putt Corners Rd., New Paltz.

For further information regarding status of New York’s American shad stocks (PDF, 80 Kb), please visit the DEC website. For additional information on these meetings, please contact the Bureau of Marine Resources at 845-256-3071 or 845-256-3072, or r3hrf [at] gw [dot] dec [dot] state [dot] ny [dot] us.

“Using the funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to improve our national fish hatcheries, the Service is making an investment in conserving America’s timeless treasures and icons of our culture and heritage, while rebuilding our economy and protecting our environment for future generations,” said Regional Director Guertin.

The hatchery’s earthen ponds have degraded over many years of fish production and are in need of a major overhaul to make them effective.  Nearly half of the ponds leaked hundreds of gallons of water per day rendering them useless for fish production.  “Meeting our fish stocking requests had become challenging in recent years, and with an ever increasing demand for fish stocking, we were not able to keep up,” said Rob Holm, Hatchery Manager.  The Service installed plastic liners in some of the other ponds in past years, and they greatly improved fish production for the hatchery.  Holm indicated that walleye production saw an 18 percent increase and pike a 57 percent jump over unlined ponds. “On a peak demand year when we are targeting walleye stockings, the liners can add as many as 2 million additional walleye to bolster our stocking effort,” said Holm.  

The hatchery’s water supply for the ponds originates at the bottom of Lake Sakakawea.  The cold water temperature of the lake is not conducive to raising walleye.  Pond liners capture solar energy to heat the water, magnify the response of the food chain and in general provide higher numbers and quality of fish in a shorter time span.  Liners also eliminated aquatic weeds and invertebrates that provided competition to the developing walleye, perch and northern pike.   

Funding for these projects and hundreds more across the nation comes from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  Of the $3 billion appropriated to the Department of the Interior, the Act provides $280 million for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – which includes $115 million for construction, repair and energy efficiency retrofit projects at Service facilities, and $165 million for habitat restoration, deferred maintenance and capital improvement projects. The Service will benefit from an additional $10 million, which is administered by the Department of Transportation and is not included in the Service’s $280 million appropriation that will be used to rebuild and improve roads on several national wildlife refuges. Projects will immediately create local jobs in the communities where they are located, while stimulating long-term employment and economic opportunities for the American public.

Recovery Act projects address long-standing priority needs identified by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through its capital planning process. The Service worked through a rigorous merit-based process to identify and prioritize investments meeting the criteria put forth in the Recovery Act: namely, that a project addresses the Department’s highest priority mission needs; generates the largest number of jobs in the shortest period of time; and creates lasting value for the American public.

For a full list of funded projects nationwide, go to the Department’s Recovery Web Site at http://recovery.doi.gov/. For a list of Service projects, click on the Service’s logo at the bottom of the page.  Secretary Salazar has pledged unprecedented levels of transparency and accountability in the implementation of the Department of the Interior’s economic recovery projects. The public will be able to follow the progress of each project on the recovery web site, which will include an interactive map that enables the public to track where and how the Department’s recovery dollars are being spent.  In addition, the public can submit questions, comments or concerns at recoveryact [at] fws [dot] gov.

Chris Henderson, Senior Advisor for Economic Recovery, and the Interior Economic Recovery Task Force will work closely with the Department of the Interior’s Inspector General to ensure the Recovery Program is meeting the high standards for accountability, responsibility and transparency that President Obama has set.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

The Strategic Plan, which was prepared by the Cooperative’s Fisheries Technical Committee, provides a framework for implementing the Cooperative’s coordinated fisheries management programs. It outlines fish community goals and objectives and describes the role of each of the agencies. University of Vermont Professor Ellen Marsden, Ph.D., led the Lake Champlain Cooperative’s Technical Committee in developing the new Strategic Plan. According to Dr. Marsden, “this plan outlines the guiding principles for the management of Lake Champlain’s fishery resources, and establishes priorities for protection and restoration of fish populations and their habitat”.

According to Patricia Riexinger, New York State Director of Fish, Wildlife, and Marine Resources and Chair of the Cooperative’s Policy Committee, “The Lake Champlain Fish and Wildlife Management Cooperative drew on the experience of state, provincial, and federal fisheries biologists and outstanding cooperating academics in New York, Vermont, and Quebec to prepare a Strategic Plan incorporating a state-of-the-science perspective on fisheries management.”

“The Strategic Plan includes guiding principles for ecosystem management, sustainability, natural reproduction of native species, and adaptive management,” said Marvin Moriarty, Regional Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “We are proud of the partnership approach that produced it.”

The plan also addresses key management challenges such as non-native and nuisance species, use of stocking, application of genetics, protection of habitats, use of science-based management, management accountability, fish diseases, and human dimensions of fisheries management.

Wayne Laroche, Commissioner of Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, said, “The Cooperative reached out to stakeholders in the Lake Champlain Basin for input in developing this plan. A number of changes were made in response to comments from conservation organizations and others.”

The Cooperative is a partnership formed over three decades ago by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the states of New York and Vermont. It provides direction for coordinated fish and wildlife programs in the Lake Champlain basin. The Canadian Province of Quebec has not been a signatory to the Cooperative, but has been actively involved in key decisions.

The Strategic Plan can be found online at the Cooperative’s sea lamprey control web site (www.ChamplainLamprey.org). Copies of the plan may also be obtained at the following locations:

•New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Bureau of Fisheries
1115 Route 86
Ray Brook, NY 12977-0296
518-897-1333

•Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife
10 South
103 South Main Street
Waterbury, VT 05671-0501
802-241-3700

•U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Lake Champlain Office
11 Lincoln Street
Essex Junction, VT 05452
802-872-0629

DNR Fisheries staff collected walleye eggs in April from Little Bay de Noc for pond rearing and eventual stocking into Big Bay de Noc this year. The Inter-tribal Fisheries Program, run by the Tribes recognized under the 1836 Treaty of Washington and based in Sault Ste. Marie, also received eggs from Little Bay de Noc in a cooperative effort to stock other Great Lakes waters.

Last week, the Inter-Tribal Fisheries Program made available to the Michigan DNR approximately 70,000 spring fingerling walleye that they have reared. These fish are in excess to the Tribes’ needs and were offered for stocking back into Big Bay de Noc. These fish were stocked on Friday, July 10.

Big and Little Bays de Noc are stocked on an alternate year basis due to their large size and the number of walleye required. Management plans required Big Bay stocking this year.

“We are very appreciative of this offer from the Tribes to help assist the State in rehabilitating the Bay’s walleye fishery” said Jim Dexter, Lake Michigan Basin coordinator for Fisheries Division.

The DNR is operating only two rearing ponds in the Upper Peninsula this year. These ponds did not produce as well as expected due to a later than normal harvest necessary to accommodate further VHS disease testing. The Bays de Noc Great Lakes Sportfishermens Club also assists the DNR in operation and partial funding support for these ponds in order to provide walleye back to the Bays.

The combined stocking efforts should result in nearly 250,000 spring fingerlings being stocked this year into Big Bay, well below the 750,000 fish requested.

Many other anglers can probably say the same-or would love to be able to.

That’s the goal of the new one-fish-per-day limit imposed on alligator gar harvest that goes into effect September 1, 2009.

Under the new regulation, only one alligator gar of any size per day may be taken by anglers or bow-fishers. Anglers may keep only one, and bow-fishers may shoot only one fish per day.

Proper management of the fishery is the key to providing the opportunity to land a trophy alligator gar for present and future generations of anglers. “A management strategy that ensures sustainability while allowing all types of anglers to continue to utilize the fishery is the goal,” said Dave Buckmeier, a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) fisheries biologist now studying alligator gar populations.

Buckmeier is leading several studies designed to provide information about key population characteristics, including population size, growth, recruitment and habitat needs.

Until those scientific studies are completed and management regulations crafted to fit each population, TPWD has opted to take a statewide approach to regulating alligator gar harvest-an approach being used in other states, Buckmeier said. “Texas is fortunate to have the best remaining trophy alligator gar fishery in the world, and we want to make sure it is available to future generations.”

While some people choose to fish for gar with rod and reel, as I did, many others prefer to bow-fish. Steve Barclay and Sam Lovell specialize in guiding bow-fishing trips for alligator gar on the Trinity River. “[The new regulation] is fine from our standpoint,” Barclay said. “We have always limited our clients to one fish a day. When rod and reel fishing you can catch and release, but when bow-fishing, if a client takes a fish, that’s it for the day. Nobody has a stronger interest in healthy gar populations in numbers and size than we do, because it’s our livelihood.”

Kirk Kirkland guides rod-and-reel anglers for alligator gar on the Trinity, and he has been assisting TPWD with data collection since 2007. “Kirkland has been doing a mark and recapture study from US 287 above Palestine down to Lake Livingston,” Buckmeier said. “Last year he tagged and noted recaptures from more than 350 alligator gar.”

What information is known about alligator gar suggests that protecting the large fish that anglers tend to target is a vital component of a successful management strategy. “Alligator gar mature between 10 to 14 years of age and are thought to spawn in flooded backwater areas,” Buckmeier said. “Because spawning is linked to seasonal flooding, successful spawns may be infrequent.” And because gar spawn in shallow water, they are vulnerable to overharvest during this crucial time in their life cycle.

In addition, human activities have significantly altered alligator gar habitat over the last century. Reservoir-building and the loss of wetlands have reduced the amount of spawning habitat available. Increased water demands by our growing population will further reduce spring-time flooding of riverine backwaters needed for spawning. Such conditions will reduce the frequency of successful spawns and increase the need to limit harvest to sustainable levels.

In the case of the Trinity River, a number of successful spawns in recent years is good news for the fishery. “Those fish will support the fishery 25 to 35 years from now if they survive,” Buckmeier points out.

His comment illustrates another key fact about the alligator gar fishery: managing it is a long-term process.

“With the aid of anglers, TPWD is working to get additional data that will improve our ability to manage alligator gar at a waterbody or population level,” Buckmeier said.

 ”We are providing TPWD with otoliths [ear bones] from fish our clients harvest along with data on fish harvest that will help TPWD develop better aging techniques,” Barclay said. “Without a doubt, we can have a positive impact on gar populations through proper management. We support science-based management on a waterbody-by-waterbody basis.”

It’s the job of biologists like Buckmeier to provide that science, but in the meantime, TPWD wants to be sure there will be alligator gar to manage once the research is done. “In Texas, increased fishing pressure for alligator gar and future degradation of habitats potentially threaten existing alligator gar populations,” Buckmeier said. “The declines in other states and vulnerability to overfishing indicate a conservative approach is warranted until populations and potential threats can be fully assessed.”

Anglers play the key role in conserving the species they fish for. In 2009 TPWD biologists began collecting otoliths and tissue samples from alligator gar around the state with the help of local anglers. “It is vital for anglers and biologists to collaborate in order to better understand the species and this important fishery,” said TPWD biologist Dan Bennett. “This will improve resource managers’ ability to find the best solutions to ensure current and future generations have the opportunity to catch a trophy alligator gar.”

Anglers, taxidermy studios or bow-fishing tournaments wishing to provide samples to TPWD should contact Bennett at (903) 439-8331 or dan [dot] bennett [at] tpwd [dot] state [dot] tx [dot] us.

The 2007 New York State Freshwater Angler Survey, which provides valuable insight on fishing trends and resource management, is now available, state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis announced today. The survey is conducted periodically in order to learn more about the current fishing experiences of anglers in New York State, their interests in different types of fishing opportunities, and their opinions on fisheries management issues.

The information contained in the survey resulted from a total of approximately 20,000 completed questionnaires from a random sample of licensed anglers. The results indicate that anglers spent an estimated 18.7 million days fishing New York’s freshwaters in 2007. This is a slight increase from 1996’s estimate of 18.6 million, though lower than the 1988 peak of approximately 21 million. Water bodies that had significant increases in the number of angler trips in 2007 included Oneida Lake and the Hudson River — each had a jump of approximately 200,000 additional angler days over 1996’s estimates. Smaller increases were also noted for Lake Erie, Cayuga Lake and Lake Champlain. Lake Ontario remained the top fishing water, though there was a 177,000-angler-day decrease compared to 1996’s estimates.

Black bass continues to be a top favorite among many anglers. Other species, including walleye, yellow perch, and bluegill/sunfish, all saw increases from 1996 levels in the number of days they were pursued by anglers.

The survey gives insight not only into fishing preferences, but also the impact fishing has on state and local economies. New York’s resident and non-resident anglers collectively spent an estimated $331 million at fishing sites, and an estimated $202 million en route to fishing sites. The Great Lakes fishery alone generated an estimated $98 million in at-location expenditures.

“New York has some of the finest freshwater fishing in the country, with a wide range of angling opportunities that are the backbone of a substantial economic engine,” Commissioner Grannis said. “The angler survey is an important tool that will help build upon our success in managing fisheries and create new fishing opportunities. We thank the many anglers that participated in providing this information and look forward to working together to protect, restore and enhance freshwater fishing in New York.”

The survey was carried out by Cornell University’s Department of Natural Resources in cooperation with DEC’s Bureau of Fisheries and was funded by a federal “Sport Fish Restoration” grant.

Results of the survey are compiled in four reports:

Report 1 contains estimates of angler effort (i.e. days fished) and expenditures made by anglers; statewide, by region, and by major water body. It also provides estimates of angler effort for specific game fish species such as black bass, trout and walleye.

Report 2 assesses angler preferences for freshwater fish species and water bodies, characteristics and preferences of anglers, as well as satisfaction levels associated with some specific fishery management objectives.

Report 3 provides estimates of angler effort and expenditures by county.

Report 4 provides an assessment of recall bias by comparing the results of the two survey methodologies used in 2007. The report also provides an analysis of trends in fishing effort.

Each of the four reports, as well as a summary report that highlights significant findings, are available on the DEC website (as PDF documents). Questions pertaining to the survey can be directed to Shaun Keeler in the Bureau of Fisheries at (518) 402-8928.

Admission is free. The festival, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days, features tours of the hatchery, catch and release fishing (for children 5-16 only), guided nature hikes, minnow races, food and refreshments, and more.

“The festival is a fun and educational way for families to learn about the important role of hatcheries in providing the quality fishing opportunities Michigan has to offer,” said Wolf Lake Interpreter Shana McMillan. “Most people don’t know the Department of Natural Resources’ six fish hatcheries produce approximately 700,000 pounds of fish every year for stocking our lakes, rivers and streams. That’s over 40 million fish.”

During their tour of the hatchery, which begins every 20 minutes, visitors will learn how the DNR uses its fish production program to hatch, rear and transport fish required for the management of both Great Lakes and inland fisheries. Species produced at this facility include walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, steelhead trout, lake sturgeon (the only facility to rear this species) and chinook salmon.

“Approximately 40 percent of all recreational fishing in Michigan depends on stocked fish, including most of the Great Lakes trout and salmon fishery,” said Martha Wolgamood, DNR hatchery manager. “Without the number and quality of young fish produced by our fish hatcheries each year, our task would be all but impossible when it comes to keeping Michigan’s sportfishing among the nation’s very best.”

In addition to the tours and catch and release fishing for kids, there will be free lessons on making a spinner, fly casting, fly tying and more. Inside the visitor center, visitors can take a walk through a replica train car and learn how the DNR raised fish in the past in addition to see a variety of fish displays. Other activities include displays by the DNR and presentations by several local conservation organizations, as well as crafts and other activities for children.

The Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery Visitor Center is open Memorial Day – Labor Day, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Guided tours of the fish hatchery are offered Monday – Saturday at 10 and 11 a.m. and 1, 2 and 3 p.m., and Sunday at 1, 2 and 3 p.m.

The catch and release fishing program for youth continues each Saturday morning through August. Times vary. Preregistration is required.

The center is located in Mattawan, at Fish Hatchery Road and M 43, six miles west of the junction of M 43 and US 131. For more information about events and programs, contact Shana McMillan at (269) 668 2876.

Biologists will be electrofishing the river between Big Bend and Cobble Rock campgrounds and between Lower Palisades and Greenwood campgrounds. During the sampling, fish will be stunned and netted so biologists can record the size, condition and abundance of both redband trout and mountain whitefish. Fishing is likely to be adversely affected in those portions of the river being sampled.

Trout populations in the Crooked River have declined significantly in recent years, prompting ODFW to intensify its monitoring, and to partner with Oregon State University researchers to identify the cause.

“Our most recent population assessments show that redband numbers are up from their lowest point in 2006 and whitefish numbers declined between 2007 and 2008,” said Mike Harrington, ODFW fish biologist. “We expect the results of the OSU research in 2010, which should provide some explanation of the factors driving Crooked River redband populations.”

ODFW began sampling the Crooked River in 1989 in order to track the long-term health of the redband trout population. 

During sampling, fish will be tagged with a numbered floy tag protruding from the back and then released.  Anglers who later catch a trout or whitefish with a floy tag are encouraged to release the fish after recording the tag number, fish length and location caught.  Anglers can send the information to ODFW at (541) 447-5111 ext. 24 or michael [dot] r [dot] harrington [at] state [dot] or [dot] us.  The information will then be used to track fish growth and movements.

Anglers and families interested in learning all aspects of carp fishing may attend Carp-O-Rama on June 27 at Pawnee State Recreation Area (SRA), according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

The free event will take place from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on the east side of the lake, near the boat ramp. Pawnee SRA is located 3 miles northwest of Emerald in Lancaster County.

Carp is an excellent fish for beginning anglers to pursue because they are plentiful statewide and the required equipment is relatively simple. The strong-fighting fish also is not restricted by bag, possession limits or size limits.

How-to carp fishing seminars by Commission fisheries outreach program manager Daryl Bauer will be held throughout the day. Carp caught by anglers will be used in outdoor personality Dick Turpin’s demonstrations on cleaning, preparing and cooking the fish. The cooked fish then will be served as a free lunch. Prize drawings will be held for children age 15 and younger.

“Carp actually are one of the smartest fish that swim in our waters and can be a worthy challenge for the best of anglers,” Bauer said. “To be consistently successful, anglers need to learn some of the tricks and tips specifically for carp. That is what Carp-O-Rama is all about. It will be a chance to learn some new things, catch some fish, eat some fish, and have a good time with a bunch of other folks doing the same thing.”

Carp-O-Rama also is a chance to thin an abundant carp population at Pawnee. Anglers may then take their new-found skills to other waters and further reduce the numbers of this nongame fish that muddies water and uproots plants with its aggressive feeding activities.

“Common carp are an exotic species that were introduced to North America a long time ago,” Bauer said. “We would be better off without them and as fisheries managers we will continue to eliminate them whenever possible. But, the fact is, they are here to stay and when life gives you lemons, you might as well make lemonade.”

A park entry permit is required of all vehicles entering Pawnee SRA. A fishing license is required of anglers age 16 and older. Both permits may be purchased at the park.

The tentative Carp-O-Rama schedule:

8 a.m. – information tent opens; 8:30 a.m. – how-to fishing seminar; 9 a.m.-1 p.m. – fish cleaning demonstrations; 9:30 a.m. – how-to fishing seminar; 10:30 a.m. – how-to fishing seminar; 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. – fish preparation demonstrations; 11 a.m.-1 p.m. – fish cooking demonstrations; 11 a.m. – prize drawings commence until all are gone; 11:30 a.m. – fish lunch served, continues until 1 p.m. or fish is gone; 12:30 p.m. – how-to fishing seminar

In addition to fishing, visitors can walk the wetlands trail; see a diver hand feed fish; learn about the history of fishing in the freshwater fishing museum; shop for a Father’s Day gift in the Flat Creek Bait ‘n Goods Gift Shop and watch the alligator feeding at 3:30 p.m.

The TFFC Fishing Festival is sponsored by Athens Wal-Mart Supercenter, Ernie Yarborough and Dr. Mark Roberts, DDS.

National Fishing and Boating Week comes at the start of the summer vacation season and is designed to encourage families to spend time together on and around water. No fishing license is required anywhere in the state on the first Saturday in June, which is designated Free Sportfishing Day.

The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center is an aquatic nature center and hatchery complex operated by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. It is located 75 miles southeast of Dallas and four miles east of Athens on F.M. 2495. Dive shows take place at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturdays, 11 a.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 2 p.m. Sundays. Hours are 9 to 4 Tuesday through Saturday and 1 to 4 Sunday. Usual admission is adults, $5.50; seniors, $4.50; children 4-12, $3.50. For information go to http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/visitorcenters/tffc/ or call (903) 676-2277.