Site Specific Assessment of Three Sets of Angling Regulations Designed to Improve Stream Trout Fisheries;Research rept

摘要

Before 1990, bag and size restrictions on most Wisconsin trout waters included a 6-inch minimum size, a daily bag of 10 trout in May (only 5 browns and rainbows), and a daily bag of 10 trout of any species from June through September. A daily bag of 3 trout and a minimum size of 9 inches applied to parts of 29 southern Wisconsin counties (Southern Zone) from May through September. Angler complaints concerning a decline in the average size of trout being caught throughout Wisconsin precipitated a major change in the inland trout fishing regulations. In 1990, all Wisconsin trout waters were placed into one of five new regulation categories, each category with a different set of angling regulations. This study determined impacts of 3 sets of angling regulations, i.e., categories 2,4, and 5, on brown trout populations and sport fisheries in 2 streams. Spring and fall trout population estimates were made in two 1.1-mile reaches of Radley Creek (Waupaca Co.) in 1989-90 and 1992-93. Spring population estimates were made in 3 stream reaches totaling 2.5 miles of the White River (Bayfield Co.) in 1988-89 and 1992-93. Stratified, partial creel surveys were conducted in the 3 study zones throughout the 1992 trout fishing season and during the first 2 months of the 1993 fishing season. Results of similar creel surveys made in 1976-77 on Radley Creek and during 1984-85 on the White River were used for comparative purposes.