TABLE 41. Estimated total angling effort and harvest of sport fish, Tongue 

 River Reservoir, 1975 and 1976. 



^Includes both smallmouth and largemouth 

 ^Includes both black and white 



Fishing success for sport fish in the reservoir averaged 0.259 fish per 

 hour in 1975 end 0.508 fish per hour in 1976. These catch rates are low in 

 comparison to other cool -water fisheries. Reported catch rates ranged from 

 0.48 fish per hour (similar to the highest recorded on the Tongue) to 1.25 

 fish per hour (Kempinger et al.l975). The annual yield on the Tongue River 

 Reservoir varied from 1207.0 kg (0.84 kg/ha) in 1975 to 3416.4 kg (2.41 kg/ha) 

 in 1976. These figures are also lov/er than reported for other cool -water 

 lakes. 



The seasonal contribution of each sport species to the 1976 total catch 

 is shown in figure 37. Crappie dominated the catch in May and June, falling 

 off throughout the remainder of the summer. Walleye began showing up in June 

 and peaked in July, while bass increased in July to peak in August and Septem- 

 ber. Northern pike contribute little to the catch. It is apparent that stock- 

 ing rates are not adequate to produce a good northern pike fishery in the 

 reservoir. 



109 



