Effects of capture depth on walleye hooking mortality during ice fishing
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Abstract
Length-based regulations are a common tool used to limit fishing mortality by controlling the size of fish harvested. While such regulations are helpful in managing fish populations, mortality associated with catch-and-release fishing may negatively impact a fishery. We evaluated factors affecting hooking mortality of walleye (Sander vitreus) in 2 mainstem Missouri River reservoirs in South Dakota. Winter walleye hooking mortality was evaluated during the ice fishing season in February and March 2020. After capture, walleye (n = 55) were placed into holding pens for 12 to 72 h to monitor postrelease mortality. Hooking mortality was found to be 20% following angling. Capture depth, landing time, and time in pen were the most influential variables on probability of hooking mortality (pm). We observed a sharp increase in pm for walleye captured at depths from 10 to 12 m, where the probability of mortality for fish increased appreciably from 5 to 37%, respectively. Our findings indicate that hooking mortality during the ice fishing season can be substantial in lakes where walleye angling occurs at depths greater than 10 m.
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Effects of capture depth on walleye hooking mortality during ice fishing |
| Series title | Lake and Reservoir Management |
| DOI | 10.1080/10402381.2022.2130118 |
| Volume | 38 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Publication Date | November 12, 2022 |
| Year Published | 2022 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Taylor & Francis |
| Contributing office(s) | Coop Res Unit Leetown |
| Description | 7 p. |
| First page | 334 |
| Last page | 340 |
| Country | United States |
| State | South Dakota |
| Other Geospatial | Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe |