Status of Walleye Stock at Elinor Lake 2003

Author(s)

Bill Patterson and Stephanie R. Grossman

Summary

To aid in the management and recovery of Alberta’s walleye stock at Elinor Lake, the Alberta Conservation Association conducted a Fall Walleye Index Netting survey from 15 to 17 September 2003. The purpose of this survey was to collect data for the ongoing assessment of the walleye fishery at Elinor Lake. Fall Walleye Index Netting provides an estimate of both stock abundance and population structure and is used to assist Alberta Sustainable Resource Development in sustainable management of the sport fishery.

Results from this survey indicate that walleye in Elinor Lake had a moderately wide age‐class distribution and the fishery was primarily supported by five year‐classes (2001, 1999‐1997 and 1995). The abundance of fish in the younger age‐classes (< age 8) is indicative of successful recruitment. Walleye in Elinor Lake first reach 50 cm (fork length, a parameter of the Walleye Management and Recovery Plan, Berry 1996) at 8 or 9 y of age, representing a moderately fast growth rate; and age‐at‐maturity was moderately young for both males and females. The estimated mean catch of walleye was 18.9 walleye/100 m2/24 h (95% CI = 11.9 ‐ 25.8 walleye/100 m2/24 h).

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