with those being "very satisfied" or "very dissatisfied" making up about V% of each category's 

 responses. 



Number of trout 



Size of trout 



Species cau^t 



^Dissatisfied B Neutral D Satisfied 



Figure 6. Results of the 1995 angler satisfaction survey for the Madison River, Montana with regards to 

 the type, size, and quantity offish caught. 



The most commonly cited reasons for fishing on the Madison were the catch and release 

 regulation limitation (47%), the large fish found in the area (45.7%), and the restrictions for 

 artificial lures only (27.1%). The only other responses that garnered popular support had to do 

 with the ease and ability to boat fish on the river (15% and 13%, respectively). Since anglers 

 were allowed to rank three responses, and many ranked four, the percentages do not add up to 

 100. Only 3% chose the lack of whirling disease as a reason to fish on the Madison River. Of 

 those who chose "other ", the most common reason written in was that the river had been 

 recommended by a guide. 



When asked to name problems on the Madison, an overwhelming 54% said that they did not feel 

 there were any problems with fishing the river (Table 3). The second most common response 

 was that the river was crowded (14%). No other single problem was noted by more than 10% of 



Evaluation of 1995 and 1996 Creel Data and its Implications related to Whirling Disease 

 In the Madison River, Montana 



16 



Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks 

 March 12, 2002 



