It's All in a Day's Work for our Fisheries Team

Bull trout population assessment

Bull trout populatios have declined due to overharvest, habitat degradation and fragmentation, and competition with non-native fish species since the 1950s. As a result, the historic distribution of bull trout in the Oldman River watershed has been reduced to 33 percent. Alberta Conservation Association is conducting a bull trout population assessment in the Castle River, Carbondale River, South Castle River, and West Castle River drainages to update the status of the Castle River bull trout population. Mill Creek and the Carbondale, South Castle and West Castle Rivers are major migratory bull trout spawning tributaries in this drainage system and are vital to their survival. Post-spawn bull trout are being monitored as a component of the population assessment. For more information about this study, please contact Brad Hurkett, Biologist.

Trout stocking evaluation
The objective of this project is to assess the effectiveness of stocking farmed rainbow trout into small lakes; to find out if the current stocking practice successfully produces a predictable recreational harvest. Currently, the program lacks information regarding the associated sport fishery. This year Star, Salters and Heritage lakes are being evaluated using creel surveys, social questionnaires and fall gill netting.

Angler surveys
Each year ACA conducts several angler surveys (creel surveys) at well-known and popular sport fisheries (northern pike, walleye, lake trout). These surveys run from the Victoria Day long weekend to late August. Data collected during these surveys include angler interviews regarding angling effort and numbers of fish harvested and released. The field staff also collects information from harvested fish and test angling. Data includes length, weight, age and sex of fish. These angler surveys support Alberta Sustainable Resource Development in the management of sport fisheries.

Wabasca lakes walleye movement
The goal of this project is to determine whether a closed area to fishing in the spring protects spawning walleye. During spring 2008 and 2009, we captured several mature walleye and surgically implanted radio-transmitters. Using boats and helicopters to locate walleye, we will determine the home range of spawning fish and movements associated with the closed area. Data collected from this study will help determine whether the closed area is effective in sustaining both angling opportunities and viable populations of walleye in Wabasca lakes.

For more information, please contact Bill Patterson, Biologist.