Statistical Creel Survey on Upper Klamath and Agency Lakes in 2009 and 2010

A roving type statistical creel survey was performed in Upper Klamath and Agency Lakes in the years 2009 and 2010 during the peak months of angling effort from March-September. Pressure counts and angler interviews were conducted to determine catch, harvest, and catch per unit effort of the trophy redband trout fishery. The purpose of the survey was to collect information to evaluate potential management changes that have been proposed by the public during multiple Sport Fish Regulation meetings. Overall catch rates were similar in 2009 and 2010. Average catch rates for all anglers in 2009 was 0.11 redband trout/hour (9 hours per redband trout) and 0.10 redband trout/hour (10 hours per redband trout). However, boat anglers had much higher catch rates (range: 3.6-8.5 hours per redband trout) than bank anglers (range: 21-58.8 hours per redband trout). Bank angling at Agency Lake during the spring of 2010 was the lowest catch rate ever recorded (58.8 hours per redband trout) while boat angling on Agency Lake during the summer had the highest catch rate ever recorded (3.6 hours per fish). Most redband trout captured in the fishery were released (88% in 2010 and 83% in 2009) with an estimated 729 harvested in 2010 and 943 harvested in 2009 (Total fishery removal 1582 and 1772). Angler effort was estimated at 49,695 hours in 2010 and 57,769 hours in 2009. Average size of redband trout captured in the fishery was 517 mm (20.35 inches). Anglers harvested larger redband trout than average (544 mm, 21.4 inches fork length). Management implications for the future should consider the high catch rate during the summer in Agency Lake and Pelican Bay Area. Water temperatures at the surface can reach 28° C during the summer where redband trout are caught and subsequently released. Gear restrictions might be considered. High catch and release rates were observed by anglers still fishing with worms in Pelican Bay during the summer which can lead to mortality exceeding 20%.