Catchability of Walleyes to Angling in Escanaba Lake, Wisconsin, 1980–1995

Abstract

Angler catch rates were modeled as a nonlinear function of population density of adult walleyes Stizostedion vitreum to determine if walleye angling catchability was density dependent in Escanaba Lake, Wisconsin, during 1980–1995. Relations between angler catch rates (number fish/angler-hours) and catchability (q) of walleyes were modeled from data derived from compulsory creel censuses and mark–recapture estimates of walleye abundance (number/acre). For age-3 and older walleyes combined and for individual ages 3–8, angler catch rate was linearly related to population density, whereas catchability was not significantly related to population density. We conclude that angling catchability of walleyes in Escanaba Lake is not density dependent and therefore that angling can safely be regulated using indirect management strategies such as creel limits, size limits, and closed seasons.