Assessment of the Status of the Sport Fishery for Walleye at the North Saskatchewan River, 1997.

Transcription

1 Assessment of the Status of the Sport Fishery for Walleye at the North Saskatchewan River, Conducted as part of the Walleye Monitoring Program (Project No. H96010) Prepared by Bill Patterson, Fisheries Section, Northeast Boreal Region, Alberta Conservation Association and M. G. Sullivan, Fisheries Section, Natural Resources Service, Alberta Environmental Protection June, 1998.

2 ABSTRACT To recover or maintain Alberta's walleye fisheries, a new walleye management strategy was implemented in In 1996, the walleye fishery at the North Saskatchewan River (NSR) was classified as vulnerable and a 50 cm (total length, TL) minimum size limit for the walleye sport fishery was implemented. In order to monitor the status of the walleye fishery at the NSR, a creel survey was conducted during May to September 1997, within the City of Edmonton, and downstream to Fort Saskatchewan. The estimated number of anglers was Anglers fished for an estimated hours. The harvest of walleye was estimated at 193 fish. The harvest rates on legal-sized walleye (>50 cm, TL) at the Sturgeon River - NSR confluence site was fish / h and fish / h at the Whitemud Creek - NSR site. Based on the criteria used to classify walleye stocks in Alberta, the walleye population in the NSR was collapsed. The regulation recommended in Alberta s walleye management strategy for a walleye fishery with a collapsed status is a catch and release regulation (0 daily bag limit). According to the survey results, this regulation would effect 1.4% of all anglers and better protect the population of walleye in the North Saskatchewan River. Of the 11 species observed, the most commonly caught were goldeye. The species that was kept most often was pike. Goldeye and walleye were released most often. Based on Canadian Health and Welfare standards, once the walleye become larger than 340 mm (TL), they are unsafe for consumption, due to mercury contamination. i

3 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The creel survey attendants at the North Saskatchewan River, Lynn Kelly and Quentin Sieben deserve full credit for the success of this study. Their experiences of conducting a creel survey in the heart of a city were not as aesthetically pleasing as those attendants conducting the lake surveys. Their equanimity is greatly appreciated. The Alberta Conservation Association (ACA) would like to acknowledge the cooperation from Alberta Environmental Protection, Natural Resources Service (NRS), Northeast Boreal Region, Fisheries Management Section staff that was received throughout the course of the program. The assistance from NRS staff and the use of NRS equipment is greatly appreciated. ii

4 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ABSTRACT i ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ii LIST OF TABLES iv LIST OF FIGURES iv LIST OF APPENDICES v INTRODUCTION 1 METHODS 1 Study Site Description 1 Methods of Study 1 RESULTS 4 Angler Survey 4 Mercury concentrations in harvested fish 6 Status of the Walleye Fishery 7 1. Age-class Distribution 7 2. Age-class Stability 9 3. Index of Growth 9 4. Catch Rate 10 DISCUSSION 11 LITERATURE CITED 12 APPENDICES 13 iii

5 LIST OF TABLES Table Page 1. Observed catch rates of anglers; NSR, Angler survey data; NSR, Criteria for classifying status of walleye fisheries; NSR, LIST OF FIGURES Figure Page 1. Catch rates of each species angled in the NSR, Mercury in walleye from the NSR (1991) compared to FL histogram of walleye surveyed from the NSR in Age-class histogram of walleye from the NSR, Length-at-age of walleye from the NSR, iv

6 LIST OF APPENDICES Appendix 1. Angler survey data; NSR, Page 1.1. Daily summary of angler survey data Catch frequency distribution of harvested walleye Whitemud Creek site Dawson Bridge site Sturgeon River site All sites combined Catch frequency distribution of released walleye Whitemud Creek site Dawson Bridge site Sturgeon River site All sites combined Methods of angling and catch statistics for walleye Skill levels of anglers and catch statistics for walleye Target species of anglers and catch statistics for walleye Summary of entire river surveys Biological data from sport-caught walleye; NSR, Fork-length histogram of walleye Summary of biological data from walleye Sturgeon River site Whitemud Creek site Dawson Bridge site Biological data from sport-caught pike; NSR, Biological data from sport-caught goldeye; NSR, Biological data from sport-caught shorthead redhorse; NSR, Biological data from sport-caught longnose sucker; NSR, Biological data from sport-caught mooneye; NSR, Biological data from sport-caught white sucker; NSR, Biological data from sport-caught sauger; NSR, Creel survey form; NSR, v

7 INTRODUCTION Walleye (Stizostedion vitreum) populations in Alberta have been subjected to heavy fishing pressure for many years. Most populations show signs of over-harvest, with some experiencing significant declines. Previous management strategies have focused on provincewide regulations designed to manage the walleye harvest at an average fishery. Fisheries receiving heavier than average exploitation have not been adequately protected with these regulations and consequently many have declined or collapsed. To recover these fisheries and to maintain the stable fisheries, a new walleye management strategy was implemented in 1996 (Berry 1995). This strategy requires that each walleye population is evaluated as to its degree of exploitation and is then placed in one of these categories: collapsed, vulnerable, or stable. The fishery is assigned a standard sport fishing regulation based on this status (Sullivan 1994). In early 1996, the walleye fishery at North Saskatchewan River (NSR) was assigned a vulnerable status. A 50 cm total length (TL) minimum size and a 3 fish daily bag limit on walleye was therefore implemented at the fishery. This report describes the creel survey conducted at the NSR during the summer of The purpose of the survey was to monitor the walleye sport fishery and verify the status of the population and fishery. METHODS Study Site Description The NSR was surveyed at 3 sites from the confluence of the Whitemud Creek with the NSR downstream to the confluence of the Sturgeon River with the NSR. The 3 sites included Whitemud Creek Park, Dawson Bridge Park and the Sturgeon River confluence with the NSR, downstream of Fort Saskatchewan. Both the Whitemud Creek and the Dawson Bridge sites were maintained and patrolled by City of Edmonton; River Valley Parks. These 2 sites provided amenities. The Sturgeon River / NSR confluence site was in a rural area and provided no amenities. Methods of Study One creel survey crew (two technicians) collected information from all 3 sites at the NSR between 9 May - 21 September Every weekend day and Holiday was surveyed. The survey attendants days of rest were during weekdays on a rotating basis in order that no single 1

8 weekday was consistently missed. The survey days were divided into 2 working shifts: and If fishers were present at the survey site at past 2230, the survey attendant was required to remain until all creel information was collected. The survey technicians interviewed each angler present at the survey site during the daily survey period. Anglers were approached and asked a series of questions concerning their time spent angling, the numbers of each species caught, species sought and their gear types. A subjective evaluation of their skill level was also made. Children and anglers with little equipment, knowledge or seriousness were considered to be novice anglers. Professional anglers demonstrated clear superiority in equipment and knowledge (and usually had their sponsors emblazoned on their hats, coats and boats). All other anglers were classified as having a moderate skill. Survey attendants sampled all sport fish caught by anglers for biological information. The fork length of each fish was recorded to the nearest millimetre; the weight was recorded to the nearest ten grams; and one or more skeletal structures or scales were removed to determine the age of the fish. For this purpose, the left pelvic fin or operculum of walleye or sauger (Stizostedion canadense) and the left pelvic fin or cleithrum of northern pike (Esox lucius) were collected. Mackay et al. (1990) was followed to determine proper ageing structure for non-sport fish species. Ages were determined following Mackay et al. (1990). Sex and state of maturity of each fish was determined following Olynyk (1980). Stomach contents were removed and classified as to number and species of vertebrates, and approximate number and order of invertebrates. All biological data for walleye is reported in this study. Biological data for other species is partially reported in the Appendices, with the full data stored in the Alberta Conservation Association (ACA) Fisheries Section and the Alberta Natural Resources Service (NRS), Fisheries Management Branch files, Edmonton Metropolitan office. In the Alberta Guide to Sportfishing Regulations, the size limits for walleye are described in terms of natural total length. A fork length (FL) - natural total length (TL nat) conversion was necessary to determine the number of legal and sub-legal walleye in the creel and the test fisheries. This conversion was TL(nat) = 1.024FL (lengths in mm, r 2 = 0.99, n = 768 walleye, Touchwood and Wolf lakes, 1989, M.G. Sullivan, unpublished data). A length measurement of 500 mm TL(nat) was equivalent to 482 mm FL. A measurement of 430 mm TL(nat) was equivalent to 414 mm FL. All field data were recorded in pencil on field data forms (Appendix 10). Data were transcribed into computer files (Lotus format) by commercial keypunch services using double entry verification. Prior to analysis, all data were again subjected to verification 2

9 procedures. These involved calculating frequency distributions of all creel survey parameters and using field diaries and notes to verify outlying values. Biological samples were verified by plotting weight measurements against the dependent variable of length, and length measurements against the dependent variable of age. Outlying values were investigated and eliminated if measurement error was suspected. To determine sport fishery parameters specific to the creel survey site, the following procedure was used: - creel data categories (i.e. # anglers, # hours fishing, # walleye harvested) were separated into daily weekday totals. Weekdays included Monday (day 1) through Thursday (day 4). Weekends included Friday (day 5) through Sunday (day 7) and long weekends (day 8) either on a Monday or a Friday. - totals, means and standard deviations of # anglers / weekdays, # hours / weekdays and # walleye harvested / weekdays were calculated using Lotus total (@SUM), mean (@AVG), and standard deviation (@STD). Standard error (SE) for each category was calculated by (@STD of each category / (@SQRT (n days surveyed)). - to estimate parameters for days NOT surveyed, the above means and SE of those categories were multiplied by the # weekdays not surveyed and added to the observed parameters. - the same procedure was used for weekend days. - estimated # anglers, # hours fishing and # walleye harvested for weekdays and weekend days were added for total estimates. - variances of these estimates were combined following Pollock et al. (1994) for stratified sampling, by adding the separate estimates of variances. - 95% confidence intervals for estimated # anglers, # angling hours and # walleye harvested were calculated using t 0.05 (df) x SE. At the NSR, anglers could access the river from sites other than the creel survey sites. In these instances, an estimate of the total use of the fishery was extrapolated from the proportion of angler numbers using the creel survey sites compared to those observed during entire-river surveys between the Whitemud Creek Park and the Sturgeon River confluence site. These entire-river surveys were conducted over several time periods and consisted of driving a boat over the entire survey area and counting all anglers encountered. Total use estimators of the fishery were then calculated by simple extrapolation. Variances of these combined estimates were calculated following Pollock et al. (1994). 3

10 All statistical analyses and graphics were done on an IBM - type personal computer (Intel Pentium, 133 MHz) using Lotus Release 5 and Microsoft Office 97. All frequency analysis was conducted using Microsoft Office 97 (Excel spreadsheet). All data and analyses are stored in spreadsheet format on the ACA / NRS Edmonton Metropolitan office Fisheries computers and on Iomega Zip 100 MB disk cartridges. RESULTS Angler Survey During 9 May - 21 September 1997, 1669 anglers were interviewed (Table 1 and Appendix 1). Based on data from the entire-river survey (Appendix 1.7), the 3 creel sites combined were estimated to receive 19% of the total angler effort. The total number of anglers was estimated at The total number of angling hours was estimated at The estimated harvest of walleye was 193 fish (Table 2). The distributions of the harvests and catches are shown in Appendices 1.2 and 1.3. Biological samples were collected from 245 walleye (Appendix 2), 38 pike (Appendix 3), 97 goldeye (Appendix 4), 30 shorthead redhorse (Appendix 5), 14 longnose Sucker (Appendix 6), 24 mooneye (Appendix 7), 22 white sucker (Appendix 8), and 5 sauger (Appendix 9). Of the 11 species observed the 4 most commonly caught were goldeye, walleye, pike, and shorthead redhorse, in order of decreasing frequency (Figure 1). The 2 species that were kept most often were pike and goldeye. Goldeye and walleye were released most often. 4

11 Table 1. Observed catch rates of anglers; North Saskatchewan River, Whitemud Creek Site Dawson Bridge Site Sturgeon River Site 3 Sites Combined Creel Data # days surveyed # anglers interviewed # angling hours reported # hours total estimated Walleye Data kept / angler-hour (HCUE) rel. (<38 cm TL) / angler-h rel. (38-50 cm TL) / angler-h rel. (>50 cm TL) / angler-h < Total rel. / angler-h Northern Pike kept / angler-hour < Data rel. (<50 cm TL) / angler-h < rel. (>50 cm TL) / angler-h Total rel. / angler-h Goldeye Data kept / angler-h rel. / angler-h Shorthead kept / angler-h Redhorse Data rel. / angler-h Longnose kept / angler-h Sucker Data rel. / angler-h Mooneye Data kept / angler-h < rel. / angler-h < Whitesucker kept / angler-h Data rel. / angler-h Sauger Data kept / angler-h <0.001 < rel. / angler-h < Mountain kept / angler-h <0.001 <0.002 <0.001 < whitefish Data rel. / angler-h <0.001 < Burbot Data kept / angler-h <0.001 < rel. / angler-h < Table 2. Angler survey summary; North Saskatchewan River, PARAMETER Whitemud Creek Site Dawson Bridge Site Sturgeon River Site Sites Combined REPORTED (1997) ESTIMATED TOTAL (1997) (95% CI) # Anglers (+-4.4%) # Hours (+-4.2%) # walleye harvested (+-10.7%) 5

12 Pike Goldeye Walleye CUE of each species kept = CUE of each species released = CUE of each species caught = Shorthead redhorse Longnose sucker Mooneye White sucker Sauger Burbot Sturgeon Mtn. whitefish Unknown Figure 1. Catch rates of each species angled in the North Saskatchewan River, Mercury concentrations in harvested fish Canadian Health and Welfare (CHW) has set consumption limits for mercury contaminated fish at 0.20 ppm (mg/kg) for a sustenance fishery and at 0.50 ppm for occasional consumption (400 grams of fish / week). All walleye sampled from the NSR in 1991 (Figure 2) exceeded the consumption limit for sustenance. When considering the sport-fishery, which is regulated by a minimum size limit for walleye (482 mm FL), all walleye sampled were above the CHW standard for occasional consumption. 6

13 # walleye CHW standard for sustenance (0.2 ppm [Hg]) CHW standard 1 serving/week = 400g/week (0.5 ppm [Hg]) 500 mm TL (482 mm FL) minimum size limit FL histogram [Hg] in walleye; NSR, (unpublished NRS data, 1991) [Hg], ppm Fork length (mm) Figure 2. Mercury in walleye from the NSR (1991) compared to FL histogram of walleye surveyed from the NSR in Status of the Walleye Fishery In Table 3, characteristics of the walleye fishery at the NSR are compared to the parameters listed for Alberta's walleye stock classification criteria. 1. Age-class Distribution The age-class distribution of walleye caught by anglers at the Sturgeon R. and Whitemud Cr. sites are shown in Figure 3. Only 3 walleye were sampled at the Dawson Bridge site. The distribution of walleye sampled at the Sturgeon R. site was relatively broad with poor representation of all age-classes, primarily supported by ages 4, 5, 6 and 7. Only 3 walleye older than age 10 were observed at the Sturgeon R. site. The mean age of walleye was 7. The distribution of walleye sampled at the Whitemud Cr. site was relatively narrow with extremely poor representation of all age-classes. This distribution is primarily supported by ages 2 and 3. Only 4 walleye older than age 5 were observed at the Whitemud Cr. site. The mean age of walleye was 4. These age-class distributions are indicative of a walleye stock with a collapse status. 7

14 Table 3. Criteria for classifying status of walleye fisheries; North Saskatchewan River, City of Edmonton Fort Saskatchewan, (from Sullivan 1994) TROPHY STABLE VULNERABLE COLLAPSED Age-class Distribution Wide 8 or more ageclasses mean age > 9 Wide 8 or more ageclasses mean age = 6-9 Narrow 1-3 age-classes mean age = 4-6 few old (> 10 years) fish Wide or narrow mean age = 6-10 NSR, 1997 Narrow, extremely low densities Age-class Stability Very stable 1-2 age-classes out of smooth catch curve Relatively stable 2-3 age-classes out of smooth catch curve Unstable 1-3 age-classes support fishery Stable or unstable Recruitment failures NSR, 1997 Relatively stable, very few fish >age 10 Length-at-age Very slow 50 cm (FL) in years Slow 50 cm (FL) in 9-12 years Moderate 50 cm (FL) in 7-9 years Fast 50 cm (FL) in 4-7 years NSR, cm in 7 years Catch rate Kept > 1-2 / h Rel. < 0.5 / h Kept / h Rel. > 0.5 / h Kept / h Rel. < 0.5 / h Kept < 0.05 / h Rel. < 0.05 / h NSR, 1997 Released (sub-legal sized) Sturgeon R. = / h Kept (legal-sized) Sturgeon R. = / h Whitemud Cr. = / h Kept (sublegal-sized) Sturgeon R. = / h Whitemud R. = Released (sub-legal sized) Whitemud Cr. = 0.02 / h Dawson Bridge = / h Age-at-maturity NSR, 1997 DATA NOT AVAILABLE Females Males Females 8 10 Males 7 9 Females 7-8 Males 5-7 Females 4-7 Males 3-6 Ages will vary with Age-class distribution 8

15 CUE Sturgeon River / NSR. TCUE = Whitemud Cr. / NSR. TCUE = L. Slave Lk.,1994. HCUE = Primrose Lk.,1989. HCUE = Sucker Lk., HCUE = Age (years) Figure 1. Age-class histogram of walleye from the North Saskatchewan River, Age-class Stability The age-class stability of walleye caught at both the Sturgeon R. and the Whitemud sites were both relatively stable (Figure 3). The walleye sampled at the Sturgeon R. site were primarily supported by 4 weak year-classes (1990, 1991, 1992 and 1993). The Whitemud Cr. site was mostly supported 2 very weak year-classes (1995 and 1994). Only 5 walleye older than age 10 were sampled from the Sturgeon R. site. Very few walleye older than age 5 were sampled at the Whitemud Cr. site. This age-class is indicative of a walleye population with a collapsed status. 3. Index of Growth The length-at-age of walleye from the NSR (Figure 4) suggests a moderately fast growth rate. The approximate age of 50 cm fork length (FL) walleye from the NSR was 7 years old. This high growth rate is indicative of a walleye stock with a vulnerable to collapsed status. 9

16 Fork length (mm) Sturgeon R. / NSR. Whitemud Cr. / NSR. Primrose Lk., Lesser Slave Lk., Sucker Lk., Age (years) Figure 4. Length-at-age of walleye from the North Saskatchewan River, Catch Rate The sport harvest rate on legal-sized walleye (> 50 cm TL) at the Sturgeon R. site was fish / h and fish / h at the Whitemud Cr. site. The observed release rates of sublegal walleye (< 50 cm TL) from the Sturgeon R., Whitemud Cr. and the Dawson Bridge sites were fish / h, 0.02 fish / h and fish / h, respectively. Both the harvest and release rates for walleye, from all 3 sites, were extremely low. The catch rates are indicative of a walleye stock with a collapsed status. 10

17 DISCUSSION Based on the criteria used to classify walleye stocks in Alberta, the walleye in the North Saskatchewan River are in a collapsed status. The age-class distributions of walleye from the Sturgeon R. and the Whitemud Cr. sites were relatively broad, but poorly represented. The Sturgeon R. site was represented by 4 weak age-classes of age 4, 5, 6 and 7 fish. The Whitemud Cr. site was represented by 2 extremely weak year-classes of younger fish, ages 2 and 3. The age-class distributions measured at both sites were relatively stable. At the Whitemud Cr. site, all year-classes older than 1992 were extremely weak or absent, compared to the stronger 1991 and 1992 year-classes of the Sturgeon R. site. This may be indicative of distinct populations of walleye within the survey area. The length-at-age suggests a moderately fast growth rate. The catch rates on legal-sized walleye were extremely low a both the Whitemud Cr. and the Sturgeon R. sites. Release rates for sub-legal walleye at all 3 sites were variable and very low. The ages of the walleye sampled from the Sturgeon R. site suggest that walleye are possibly using the Sturgeon R. for spawning. The density and ages of walleye sampled at the Whitemud Cr. site suggest that walleye do not use Whitemud Cr. for spawning and are most likely a NSR resident population. The regulation recommended in Alberta s walleye management strategy (Berry 1995) for a walleye fishery with a collapsed status is a 0 (zero) daily bag limit. With the exception of pike, the majority of the species caught were released. Based on species most often caught, the NSR is a goldeye, walleye and pike fishery. With walleye, being a highly regarded eating fish, the ingestion of fish with mercury concentrations at levels higher than those recommended by Canadian Health and Welfare is a concern. 11

18 LITERATURE CITED Berry, D.K Alberta s walleye management and recovery plan. Alta. Environ. Prot., Nat. Res. Ser. No. T/ p. Mackay, W.C., G.R. Ash, and H.J. Norris (eds.) Fish ageing methods for Alberta. R.L.&L. Environmental Services Ltd. in assoc. with Alberta Fish and Wildl. Div. and Univ. of Alberta, Edmonton. 113 p. Olynyk, J.P.R An analysis of sauger maturity regimes in southern Lake Winnipeg. Manitoba D.N.R. Report No p. Overton, W.S Estimating the numbers of animals in wildlife populations. pp In R.H. Giles (ed.) Wildlife Management Techniques, The Wildlife Society, Wash., D.C. Pollock, K.H.,C.M. Jones, and T.L. Brown Angler survey methods and their applications in fisheries management. Am. Fish. Soc. Spec. Pub p. Sullivan, M.G A classification system for walleye fisheries based on a stockrecruitment curve. Alta. Fish & Wildl. Div. unpubl. MS. 11 p. Sullivan, M.G Mercury contamination in walleye in the North Saskatchewan River. Alta. Fish & Wildl. Div. unpubl. MS. 12

19 APPENDICES Appendix 1.1. Daily summary of angler survey data. [North Saskatchewan River (NSR), 1997] Date Survey Site # Anglers # Hours # WALL # WALL # WALL # WALL # NRPK # NRPK # NRPK Kept Released Released Released Kept Released Released < 38 cm cm > 50 cm < 50 cm > 50 cm S = Sturgeon R W = Whitemud Cr D = Dawson Br Totals May-97 S May-97 W May-97 S May-97 W May-97 W May-97 S May-97 W May-97 S May-97 W May-97 S May-97 W May-97 S May-97 W May-97 S May-97 W May-97 S Jun-97 W Jun-97 S Jun-97 W Jun-97 S Jun-97 W Jun-97 S Jun-97 W Jun-97 S Jun-97 W Jun-97 S Jun-97 W Jun-97 S Jun-97 W Jun-97 S Jun-97 W Jun-97 S Jun-97 W Jun-97 W Jun-97 W Jun-97 S

20 Appendix 1.1. Daily summary of angler survey data, con t. [NSR, 1997] Date Survey Site # Anglers # Hours # WALL # WALL # WALL # WALL # NRPK # NRPK # NRPK Kept Released Released Released Kept Released Released < 38 cm cm > 50 cm < 50 cm > 50 cm 30-Jun-97 W Jul-97 S Jul-97 W Jul-97 S Jul-97 S Jul-97 W Jul-97 S Jul-97 W Jul-97 D Jul-97 W Jul-97 D Jul-97 D Jul-97 W Jul-97 D Jul-97 W Jul-97 D Jul-97 W Jul-97 D Jul-97 W Jul-97 W Jul-97 D Aug-97 W Aug-97 D Aug-97 W Aug-97 W Aug-97 W Aug-97 D Aug-97 W Aug-97 D Aug-97 W Aug-97 D Aug-97 W Aug-97 D Aug-97 W Aug-97 D Aug-97 W Aug-97 D Aug-97 W Aug-97 D Aug-97 W Aug-97 D Aug-97 W Sep-97 D

21 Appendix 1.1. Daily summary of angler survey data, con t. [NSR, 1997] Date Survey Site # Anglers # Hours # WALL # WALL # WALL # WALL # NRPK # NRPK # NRPK Kept Released Released Released Kept Released Released < 38 cm cm > 50 cm < 50 cm > 50 cm 2-Sep-97 W Sep-97 D Sep-97 W Sep-97 W Sep-97 D Sep-97 W Sep-97 D Sep-97 W Sep-97 D Sep-97 W Sep-97 D Sep-97 W Sep-97 D Sep-97 W

22 Appendix 1.2. Catch frequency distribution of harvested walleye from 3 sites. [NSR, 1997] Whitemud Creek site. # WALL kept # Anglers % Anglers Harvest % WALL Cumulative % Harvested WALL Harvested > Totals Dawson Bridge site. # WALL kept # Anglers % Anglers Harvest % WALL Cumulative % Harvested WALL Harvested > Totals Sturgeon River site. # WALL kept # Anglers % Anglers Harvest % WALL Cumulative % Harvested WALL Harvested > Totals

23 All sites combined. # WALL kept # Anglers % Anglers Harvest % WALL Cumulative % Harvested WALL Harvested > Totals

24 Appendix 1.3. Catch frequency distribution of released walleye from 3 sites. [NSR, 1997] Whitemud Creek site. # WALL # Anglers % Anglers # WALL % WALL Released Released Released > Totals Dawson Bridge site. # WALL # Anglers % Anglers # WALL % WALL Released Released Released > Totals

25 Sturgeon River site. # WALL # Anglers % Anglers # WALL % WALL Released Released Released > Totals All sites combined. # WALL # Anglers % Anglers # WALL % WALL Released Released Released > Totals

26 Appendix 1.4. Methods of anglers and catch statistics for walleye. [NSR, 1997] METHOD # Anglers % Anglers # Hours WALL Kept WALL Released Harvest CUE Released CUE Artificial Commercial Baitfish Seined Baitfish Leeches Dewworms Scent baits Miscellaneous TOTALS Appendix 1.5. Skill level of anglers and catch statistics for walleye. [NSR, 1997] SKILL # Anglers % Anglers # Hours WALL Kept WALL Released Harvest CUE Released CUE Novice Average Professional TOTALS Appendix 1.6. Target species of anglers and catch statistics for walleye. [NSR, 1997] TARGET # Anglers % Anglers # Hours WALL Kept WALL Released Harvest CUE Released CUE Walleye Northern Pike Goldeye Lake Sturgeon White Sucker Longnose Sucker Any TOTALS

27 Appendix 1.7. Summary of entire river surveys; NSR, Date # Anglers surveyed # Anglers at Whitemud Creek site Ratio of use 11 May June July August September Date SE = 1.25 Mean = 4.96 n = 5 # Anglers surveyed # Anglers at Dawson Bridge site Ratio of use 11 May May May June Date SE = 1.19 Mean = 5.21 n = 5 # Anglers surveyed # Anglers at Sturgeon River site Ratio of use 19 May May June July Sept SE = 0.74 Mean = 5.92 n = 5 n = 3 SE = 0.29 Mean ratio of use =

28 Appendix 2.1. Fork length histogram of walleye from the NSR, Sturgeon R. / NSR. TCUE = Whitemud Cr. / NSR. TCUE = L. Slave Lk., HCUE = Primrose Lk.,1989. HCUE = Sucker Lk.,1996. HCUE = CUE Fork Length (mm) 22

29 Appendix 2.2. Summary of biological data from walleye. [NSR, 1997] Walleye biological data from the Sturgeon River site. Sample # Fork Weight Age Month Day Length (mm) (g) (yrs) mean =

30 Walleye biological data from the Sturgeon River site, con t. Sample # Fork Weight Age Month Day Length (mm) (g) (yrs) Walleye biological data from the Whitemud Creek site. Sample # Fork Weight Age Month Day Length (mm) (g) (years) mean =

31 Walleye biological data from the Whitemud Creek site, con t. Sample # Fork Weight Age Month Day Length (mm) (g) (years) Walleye biological data from the Dawson Bridge site. Sample # Fork Weight Age Month Day Length (mm) (g) (years) mean =

32 Appendix 3. Biological data from sport-caught pike. [NSR, 1997] Site Sample # Fork Weight Age Sex Month Day Length (mm) (g) (years) 38 mean = Sturgeon R Sample # Whitemud Cr Sample #

33 Appendix 4. Biological data from sport-caught goldeye. [NSR, 1997] Site Sample # Fork Weight Age Month Day 97 Length (mm) (g) (years) mean = Sturgeon R Samples

34 Appendix 4. Biological data from sport-caught goldeye, con t. [NSR, 1997] Site Sample # Fork Weight Age Month Day Length (mm) (g) (years) Whitemud Cr Samples

35 Appendix 4. Biological data from sport-caught goldeye. [NSR, 1997] Site Sample # Fork Weight Age Month Day Length (mm) (g) (years) Dawson Br samples

36 Appendix 5. Biological data from sport-caught shorthead redhorse. [NSR, 1997] Site Sample # Fork Weight Age Month Day Length (mm) (g) (years) 31 mean = Sturgeon R Whitemud Cr samples

37 Appendix 6. Biological data from sport-caught longnose sucker. [NSR, 1997] Site Sample # Fork Weight Age Month Day Length (mm) (g) (years) 14 mean = Sturgeon R Whitemud Cr Samples

38 Appendix 7. Biological data from sport-caught mooneye. [NSR, 1997] Site Sample # Fork Weight Age Month Day Length (mm) (g) (years) 24 mean = Whitemud Cr Samples Dawson Br Samples

39 Appendix 8. Biological data from sport-caught white sucker. [NSR, 1997] Site Sample # Fork Weight Age Month Day Length (mm) (g) (years) 22 mean = Sturgeon R Samples Whitemud Cr Samples Dawson Br

40 Appendix 9. Biological data from sport-caught sauger. [NSR, 1997] Site Sample # Fork Weight Age Month Day Length (mm) (g) (years) 5 mean = Sturgeon R Samples Whitemud Cr Samples

41 Appendix 10. Creel survey form. [NSR, 1997] 35