Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Fisheries Research Report No.1836, 1976
Management of Trout Fishing in a Metropolitan Area
L. M. Carl, J. R. Ryckman and W. C. Catty
Abstract.-Rainbow trout of legal size or larger were stocked in a 5-mile length of the Huron River, Oakland County, Michigan, where conditions of flow and temperature are favorable for trout only during the spring months. Special fishing regulations were enacted. For April and May only artificial flies could be used and all trout caught had to be released. In June, bait was restricted to flies or other artificial lures, the creel limit was two trout, and the minimum legal size was 10.0 inches. Between July 1 and September 30, natural bait or artificial lures could be used, the creel limit was five trout and the minimum size was 10. 0 inches (normal state-wide trout regulations). From April through September trout anglers fished 10, 411 hours in 3, 297 trips. Sixty-four percent of the fishing took place in April and May. A total of 5, 706 trout were caught. Each fish was caught approximately 2.35 times. Fishermen spent an average of $10. 92 per trip. Total net benefits for the program were $37, 375 and the total expenses were $3, 708, giving a benefit-to-cost ratio of 10.1 to 1. The mean personal income of the anglers was $14, 570, well above the average. Fishermen traveled an average of 50. 4 miles for each fishing trip. The program was successful in utilizing hatchery trout efficiently to provide fishing in an urbanized area.