Project Summary and Management Implications 



Small sample size due in part to emergency drought angling restrictions during 

 the study period limits our ability to fully interpret study results from a management 

 perspective. Regardless, the impact of angling mortality continues to be a concern as 

 managers attempt to recover fluvial bull trout and WSCT trout populations. In this 

 survey, we found that a significant shift to catch-and-release fly-fishing is occurring 

 among the angling constituency. Overall regulation compliance was high and anglers 

 that we surveyed harvested no native trout. However, fish identification continues to be a 

 problem, particularly for anglers intending to harvest fish. Most anglers that we surveyed 

 were satisfied with the level of current angling use and public access, but results may not 

 be representative of normal years given angling restrictions imposed during the study 

 period. 



Despite high regulation compliance in our survey and trends of increased catch- 

 and-release fly fishing, telemetry data and continued enforcement cases involving 

 illegally harvested native trout indicate that efforts to discourage harvest should continue. 

 The basis of the perceived problem involves increasing numbers of anglers that are 

 provided access and are focused on native trout staging and spawning areas (traditionally 

 premier fishing locations for all trout species). Native fluvial trout, particularly bull trout, 

 are concentrated in these areas when angling pressure is highest (summer/early fall) and 

 are extremely vulnerable to angling relative to other trout species. Because of low 

 overall densities, bull trout and WSCT are still a minority of trout caught at main stem 

 sites. Though caught infrequently, catch rates for both species are high relative to actual 

 abundance. A small percentage of angler captures were responsible for the majority of 

 the bull trout catch, perhaps indicating some "recreational targeting" of the species, 

 despite regulations against targeting of bull trout. The highest bull trout catch occurred in 

 a bull trout spawning area by anglers using bait and barbed hooks, which leads to higher 

 post-capture mortality than other forms of angling. In the case of adult fluvial bull trout, 

 angled fish are generally large. This is believed to subject the fish to a higher likelihood 

 of harvest or likely a longer period of stress during capture and release. The indirect 

 impact (mortality) due to catch-and-release angling needs to be evaluated. 



This survey and other fisheries data collected on the Blackfoot River system 

 suggest that angler education and enforcement efforts should focus on specific angler 

 groups and locations. Specifically, anglers harvesting fish on bull trout spawning streams 

 should be targeted. Native fish issues also need to be better incorporated into river 

 recreation planning, river management and development of public access sites. Without 

 this coordinated approach, ongoing native fish restoration and recovery actions may be 

 compromised. 



92 



