The average age of anglers fishing for salmon on streams was 40 years. They reported an average income of about $12, 000 and most were employed as craftsmen, foremen, laborers, or general factory workers. About 9 out of 10 anglers were white males, There was little variation in these personal data between 33 sites throughout the Lower Peninsula.

The sites in Region II attracted more non-local people than did sites in Region III. Most anglers fished for the excitement and challenge (40-70%) or for relaxation (20-45%). Fewer than 1 in 10 regularly trolled for salmon on the Great Lakes, most often because the angler felt trolling was too expensive. About 8 out of 10 anglers felt stream fishing was as enjoyable or more so than trolling. Over 90% of all the anglers surveyed were aware of the stream fishing regulations and over 70% were in favor of keeping foul-hooked fish. About 7 out of 10 anglers felt some gear and area restriction was necessary but a majority of the anglers felt the 1975 regulations were too strict. Over 80% of the anglers indicated they ate the fish they caught. Although 2/3 of the anglers said they never sold salmon eggs, 60% agreed that anglers should be allowed to sell eggs if the angler was going to eat the fish.

The incidence of reefing (an uneven retrieve to foul hook fish) throughout most of the Lower Peninsula was over 50% while the use of illegal gear, such as weighted hooks or hooks larger than permitted, was generally less than 50%. At Foote and Tippy dams, about 1/2 the salmon had body wounds and female fish were not selectively taken More anglers at sites where retention of foul-hooked fish was legal were opposed to restrictions on the fishery. At Region II sites a significantly higher proportion of anglers reefed where retention of foul-hooked fish was legal. Prohibiting retention of foul-hooked fish probably decreased the amount of reefing slightly and may also have decreased the use of illegal gear.