2006 Angler Diary Data

[Don Wittenberger]

I received the summary of 2006 data today from Bruce Baker at WDFW.

Participation is improving with 751 "hours fished" and 37 catches reported in 2006, compared to 153.6 hours and 17 fish in 2005, and 65.5 hours and 13 fish in 2004. The total number of anglers participating in 2006 (all species) was 52, the second-highest since the program began in 1990 (2005 was #1 with 56 anglers).

The volunteer angler diary program collects data on the 6 species managed under the Warmwater Enhancement Bill: Tiger muskies, channel catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and walleyes.

In 2006, anglers who sent in diaries caught 37 tiger muskies of all sizes, 20 of which were 36" or larger. Here are the lake breakdowns for the 36" and larger fish:

Curlew, 12 hours, 0 fish
Evergreen, 6 hours, 0 fish
Mayfield, 22 hours, 0 fish
Merwin, 451.5 hours, 8 fish
Newman, 29 hours, 0 fish
Silver, 57.5 hours, 0 fish
Tapps, 173 hours, 12 fish

Release rates by species:

Tiger muskie: 100% of 37 fish
Channel catfish: 100% of 10 fish
Largemouth bass: 99% of 433 fish
Smallmouth bass: 95% of 712 fish
Black crappie: 81% of 18 fish
Walleye: 49% of 619 fish

Here is what Bruce Baker said at the end of the report:

"There has recently been a big surge in tiger muskie fishing. In 2002 there were only two trips in which tiger muskie were either targeted or incidentally caught. In 2003, that numer went up to four. In 2004 that number nearly quadrupled to 17 and that number was doubled in 2005. However, in 2006 there was a very large increase in fishing effort as the trip count went up to 148 for those trips that targeted tiger muskies and for tirps that incidentally caught tiger muskies."

Of course, these numbers reflect only the efforts of the very small percentage of anglers participating in the diary program. We can expect a further large increase in tiger muskie data reporting in 2007, the year a local Muskies Inc. chapter was formed, many of whose members signed up for the program last year.

As muskie anglers, it is in our interest to participate in the diary program for several reasons. First, you have a record of your own angling efforts, and an opportunity to compare your result with the statewide success rate. Second, the more anglers participating, the more reliable the data for our species is. Third, the high level of interest by muskie anglers in how their species is managed is making quite an impression on WDFW's brass. With the level of participation we already have, it's obvious this species has a loyal following, and that makes the job of getting WDFW to commit resources to our species easier. We are not asking much from WDFW -- the stocking program costs only a few thousand dollars a year -- but believe me tiger muskies are the "glamor" fish that everyone in WDFW is excited about. Our enthusiam is rubbing off on WDFW staff and leadership. So, guys and gals, keep up the good work and if you're not already participating in the diary program be sure to sign up for the 2008 season.

[Deadeyemark]

Don,
I also received my 2006 report. I've been involved in the volunteer angler diary program for close to 10 years now and I agree that it's very important to get involved. It IS to our benefit.
After reading some of the report in the musky section, I couldn't help but think that the percentage of anglers targeting muskies is proportionate to the percentage of volunteer angler diary musky anglers.
Actually it's probably quite a bit more since the 10% rule probably applies here. (10% do the work, 90% enjoy)

If you're interested in becoming a member of the volunteer angler diary program, contact Bruce Baker via the WDFW website or PM me or email me and I'll give you his email address.
The more folks participating, the better. This goes for all warmwater fish species since they're all included in the diaries and also in the end of year report.
All participants receive an end of year report.