Masters Theses

Date of Award

5-1992

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Wildlife and Fisheries Science

Major Professor

David J. Strange

Abstract

The Hiwassee River tailwater was created in 1943. In 1986, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency put special regulations in effect on a 4.8-kin section of river designed to allow anglers using artificial lures an opportunity to catch trophy rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and brown trout (Salmo trutta). The regulations allow a limit of two trout per day, 14 in (356 mm) or longer, and anglers must use artificial lures. This study was implemented to evaluate the success of these special regulations.

For three summers in 1989-1991, a roving creel survey was conducted in the special regulations area (Area 2) and the 4.8 km of river above it (Area 1). Water temperature data from this three-year period were also examined. Each year the number of anglers increased in both areas. Trip length remained the same, resulting in greater effort. In 1989, 219 anglers fished Area 1 for 8,469 hours, and 77 anglers fished Area 2 for 3,262 hours. In 1991, 355 anglers fished Area 1 for 12,387 hours, and 137 anglers fished Area 2 for 4,959 hours. In Area 2, at least 96% of the rainbow trout caught were released each year. In Area 1, only 26% were released in 1989, but 52% were released by 1991.

Catch rates were high in both areas, but higher in Area 2. The three-year average from Area 1 was 1.0 fish per angler hour, and 1.8 fish per angler hour from Area 2. Water temperature at the lower end of Area 2 was significantly higher than water temperature at the upper end of the area. The average coefficient of condition of rainbow trout sampled from Area 1 (1.05) was significantly higher than that of rainbow trout from Area 2 (0.90). Condition factors for brown trout were similar (about 1.00) for both areas.

Download
Files over 3MB may be slow to open. For best results, right-click and select "save as..."

Share

COinS