4.2.3 Angler Characteristics 



Although no detailed survey was conducted regarding angler satisfaction in 1996, the standard 

 data concerning experience, origin, and gear were collected. As stated above, the majority of 

 anglers were non-residents in 1996, with only 6% of interviewees being from Montana. Out of 

 the residents, approximately 57% were from Gallatin or Madison County. Most anglers were 

 self-guided in 1996 (85%), approximately 10% fewer than in 1995. 



The type of gear used in all surveyed sections of the river was predominately flies with lures 

 coming in a distant second. Anglers chose flies an overwhelming 97% of the time. Anglers used 

 lures only 2.7% of the time, and no anglers surveyed were using bait. As in 1995, the remaining 

 percent (0.3%) was attributed to "any combination of gear". 



When asked what type offish was their "target" species, the vast majority were fishing for trout 

 (88%), with the next most frequent response being "any fish" (6%). A small number of anglers 

 were fishing specifically for rainbow or brown trout (2% each). Interestingly, no anglers were 

 looking to catch the native cutthroat trout or grayling. Since the 1996 creel covered an area 

 within the upper region of the Madison, it is not surprising that much of these results are 

 comparable with the 1995 "upper river" results. 



Evaluation of 199} and 1996 Creel DaU and its Implications related to Whirling Disease 

 In the Madison River, Montana 



21 



Montana Fish, WUdlife and Paries 

 March 12, 2002 



