CREEL CENSUS AND EXPENDITURE STUDIES, MISSOURI RIVER BASIN, 1947-52 Marine Biological Laboratory! LIBRARY JUN11 ib5b WOODS HOLE, MASS. SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC REPORT-FISHERIES No. 141 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE United 'States Department of the Interior, Douglas McKay, Secretary Fish and Wildlife Service, John L. Farley, Director CREEL CENSUS AND EXPENDITURE STUDIES, MISSOURI RIVER BASIN Compiled by A. J. Nicholson, Fish and Wildlife Administrator and H. Milton Borges, Fishery Research Biologist Special Scientific Report: Fisheries No. lUl Washington, D. C. March, 1955 CONTENTS Page Methods . 1 Description of study areas . k Principal creel-census and expenditure data 22 List of references 27 CREEL CENSUS AND EXPENDITURE STUDIES MISSOURI RIVER BASIN, 19U7-52 The Office of Missouri River Basin Studies, Fish and Wildlife Service, conducted 13 ci9el -census and fisherman-expenditure studies under a variety of conditions in the Missouri River Basin during the period 19b7 through 1952. Since several of the studies covered more than one body of water, information is available on a total of 26 areas: 7 warm-water reservoirs or lakes, 3 warm- water streams, 11 cold-water reservoirs or lakes, and £ cold-water streams. This paper summarizes data on fisherman use, yield to the fisherman, and fisherman's expenditures for these 26 areas. Methods used in the studies are briefly described. Principal characteristics are given for each area, to- gether with information on type and period of coverage, period of estimates, and manner of handling expenditure data, METHODS Except for minor refinements made during the course of the studies, and limitation on coverage of certain areas, similar methods were used for all studies; and it is believed that results are generally comparable. Studies were usually started on the opening of the fishing season in the spring and continued throughout the summer. In some cases, limited obser- vations and fisherman contacts were made in the fall (and winter, if fishing was permitted then) in order that an estimation could be made of pressure and yield for the entire season. Data were obtained by checking stations or by patrol, checking stations being used whenever possible. Large reservoirs (or lakes) and extensive sections of streams were divided into check areas which were covered on alternate days or alternate mornings and afternoons. Coverage was made on all Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Effort was made to contact as many fishermen as possible. Parties seen but not contacted were recorded daily. In some instances estimates were made of the number of uncontacted or unseen parties. Data obtained from fishermen relative to use and yield of the fishery included the number of fishermen in each party, home address, type of fishing (boat or shore), time spent fishing, and number and species of fish caught. Data ordinarily were secured from one member of the party. All the fishermen in one boat or all the occupants of one or more automobiles who fished together were treated as a party. Creel data usually were compiled for 2-week periods (1-week periods were used in a few instances) and applied to fishermen observed but not contact- ed and those estimated to be present in the same period of time. Estimates of total use and yield for each check area were based on summation of estimates for the 2 -week periods. A few studies — those on Cottonwood Lake, Angostura Reservoir, Harry Strunk Lake, and the 5.5-mile reach of the North Platte River — were limited samplings. These samplings were based on an analysis of several of the inten- sive creel censuses (19)~ . This analysis revealed that coverage could be re- duced to a check of three days, one each month, providing a Sunday or holiday, a Saturday, and a weekday were represented. It was concluded that the error in estimates resulting from such reduced coverage probably would not increase by more than 15 percent any error that might have existed in the estimates derived from an intensive study. 1/ Parenthetical figures through text and in accompanying tables refer to reference numbers in list of references. L Fisherman expenditures were divided into four categories \ Transporta- tion, Trip j Investment in equipments, and Annual (recurring),, All four types of expenditures were secured in the field in the first few studies» In later studies, only transportation and trip expenses were obtained in the field and investment and annual expenses were applied^ either from a special survey of Montana fisher- man (7) or from data obtained on similar nearby areas0 Expenditure data were limited to a sample of 10 percent or less or the total number of fishermen con- tacted in the earlier studies. In the later studies, trip and transportation ex- penses were secured from virtually all the fishermen contacted for creel data. Expenditure data included the point of origin of the trip (for miles traveled)? days in the trips expenditures per day for food, lodging, bait, rentalsj guide service, and miscellaneous items such as refreshments, film, and ice. The earlier studies included questions on cost of equipment, days used per year, life expectancy, cost of maintenance, cost of license and days used per year, contributions to conservation causes, and similar expenses. All expendi= tures were reduced to a fisherman^day basis, A rate of 7 cents per mile was applied to mileage per person per day tc derive the daily expenditure per per- son for transportation. Expenditure data were compiled on a seasonal basis, either for the study area as a whole or for major segments for which transportation costs were significantly different. Some of the calculations in the accompanying tables were shown in the original references as rounded figures or were based on rounded figures. For the purpose of this paper,, all calculations were remade, using basic un= rounded figures, and have been shown in their unrounded form, therefore, there are minor variations in some of the figures, especially for expenditure, from those shown in the original references. DESCRIPTION OF STUDY AREAS Warm-water reservoirs or lakes Ocean Lake, Wyoming (1, 2), is in the Riverton Irrigation Project on the plains of the Wind River Basin. It is 6,1C0 acres in size. It occupies a natural, saucer-shaped, shallow depression and is fed primarily by seepage and return flows from the irrigation project. Water levels fluctuate very little. Aquatic vegetation is abundant. Access is good and boat-rental facilities are available. About half the fishermen using the lake during the study came from within 50 road-miles of the lake. About S$ percent of the fishermen came from within 200 miles. Li order of abundance in the catch, black crappie, largemouth black bass, bluegill, green sunfish, and burbot were taken. Type and period of coverage: Intensive checks, June 22 through September 23, 19l*7, and June 2 through September 12, 19li8. Limited checks during both winters. Period of estimates: Estimates of use and yield for entire year in both 19U7 and 19l*8. Expenditures for equipment and annual items: Obtained in field. Other expenditure items: Transportation expenditures derived for both summer periods and one winter period. The one winter -period transportation ex- penditure applied in both winters. Trip expenditures determined in I9I48 for both suamer and winter periods and applied to the respective periods in 19l>7. Lake Waloney, Nebraska (3, k)» is in the west-central portion of the State about 7 miles south of the city of North Platte. It is an off -stream regulatory reservoir of 1,670 surface acres, built for storage and regulation of irrigation water and production of power. Maximum depth is about 31 feet. The annual fluctuation did not exceed 5 feet during the 2-year study. Access to the area is excellent by a direct road from the city of North Platte. Approximately 97 percent of the fishermen contacted were resi- dents of Nebraska, of which 8U percent came from the town of North Platte. White crappie compised about 9$ percent of the take. Carp, yel- low pikeperch, channel catfish, suckers, black bullheads, northern pike, largemouth black bass, and a few trout were among the other species taken. Type and period of coverage: Intensive checks from April h through September lii, 19U8, and April 23 through September It, 19li9. Limited checks during the fall and winter. Periods of estimates: Estimates of use and yield for entire year in both 19h8 and 19h9. Expenditures for equipment and annual items: Obtained in the field. Other expenditure items: Obtained in summer of 19lj9 only but applied throughout both years. Fort Peck Reservoir, Montana (9), completed in 1939, is on the Missouri River in northeastern Montana. This 2lp5,000-acre reservoir was built to provide storage of water for navigation, flood control, irrigation, and production of hydroelectric power. The greatest depth is 225 feet. Water levels fluctuated about 20 feet during the period of study. Access to the reservoir is good only in the vicinity of the dam; elsewhere, roads are generally poor or nonexistent. More than 80 percent of the fishermen came from within a 50-mile radius. Nonresident parties constituted only 3 percent of the total number. The three principal species in the catch in order of abundance were yellow perch, goldeye, and sauger. These fishes constituted about 90 percent of the catch. Rainbow and brown trout and channel catfish were among the other species taken. Type and period of coverage: Intensive checks in vicinity of dam, May h through September Ik, 19U8, June 2 through September lU, 19b9> and April 1$ through September lhy 19!>0. Limited checks in vicinity of dam, during spring, winter, and fall of 19U9 and 1950. Limited checks of outlying portion of reser- voir during summer period all three years. Period of estimates: Estimates of use and yield for entire year, in each year. Expenditures for equipment and annual items: Obtained in field in 19lj8 and 19li9, applied from special survey of fishermen from adjacent Valley and Roosevelt Counties (7) in 19$0. Other expenditure items: Obtained in summer periods only, but applied throughout respective years. Split Rock Lakes, Montana (17), are a chain of weedy ponds, totaling about 120 acres, on the Sun River Irrigation Project on the eastern slope of the northern Rocky Mountains. These ponds are fed by seepage water from an irrigation canal. Access to the area is moderately good in dry weather. Northern pike comprised 96 percent of the catch. Yellow perch and largemouth bass also were taken. Type and period of coverage: Checked on alternate week basis, May 20 through September 30, 19^1. Period of estimates: Estimates of use and yield for above period only but use through remainder of season (October 1 through November 15) thought to be negligible. Expenditures for equipment and annual items: Applied from special survey of Montana fishermen (7). Other expenditure items: Single figure derived for all areas below Gibson Reservoir in North Fork Sun River study and applied to each area. Angostura Reservoir, South Dakota (11), is a multiple-purpose reser- voir on the Cheyenne River on the southeastern slope of the 31ack Hills. It is 5j600 acres in size. The dam was completed in 19l*9, and the reservoir was opened to fishing on July 1, 1952. Fluctuation was negligible during the period of study, and the reser- voir remained at near maximum capacity. The maximum depth is about 137 feet. Roads varying from good to poor provide access to most of the shore, but the various fishing areas are not directly connected and considerable travel is necessary to go from one area to another. Fifty-five percent of the anglers came from within a radius of less than 50 road-miles. An additional 27 percent came from between 51 and 100 miles, mostly from Rapid City, S. Dak., 78 miles from the reservoir. Approximately 13 percent of the fishermen were nonresidents. Yellow perch, black: bullhead, green sunfish, and rainbow trout in that order comprised about 97 percent of the catch. Yellow pikeperch, largemouth bass, crappies, and channel catfish also were recorded. Type and period of coverage: Periodic checks (19), July 1 through October 12, 1952. Period of estimates: Estimates of use and yield for above period only. Expenditures for equipment and annual items: Applied from other studies (1, 3, 8). Other expenditure items: Applied to above period. Cottonwood Lake, South Dakota (12), is an enlarged natural lake in the southeastern part of the State. The lake has a surface area of 1,1*50 acres and a maximum depth of 10 feet. It is fed from Medicine Creek and local drainage. Fluctuation normally is limited, and aquatic vegetation, principally sago pond- weed, is common. Access is excellent, and there are roads around most of the lake. Fishermen were mainly local residents, most of whom came from within a radius of 50 miles. Nonresidents comprised only 2.5 percent of the total number. Yellow perch, black bullhead, and yellow pikeperch in that order made up 99 per- cent of the catch. Largemouth bass and green sunfish also were taken. Type and period of coverage: Periodic checks (19), May 1 through September 21, 1952. Limited checks in fall and winter. Period of estimates: Estimates of use and yield included in this paper for period May 1 through September 21 only* Expenditures for equipment and annual items: Applied from other studies (1, 3, 7, 9). Other expenditure items: Applied to above period. Harry Strunk Lake, Nebraska (16), is a multiple-purpose reservoir con- structed in 19h9 on Medicine Creek near the town of Cambridge in the south- central part of Nebraska. The impoundment was opened to fishing on April 1, 1952. It has a surface area of 1,76Q acres. Maximum depth of the reservoir is about 6I4 feet. Fluctuation was negligible during the period of study. The reservoir is approached by county roads from many directions. About 90 percent of the anglers were from Nebraska, but many of these came from cities as far away as Omana (26$ miles). White crappie and black bull- head were the principal species caught j carp, bluegill, largemouth black bass, channel catfish, black crappie, and yellow pikeperch were the other species of importance. Type and period of coverage: Periodic checks (19), April 1 through September 1, 1952. Period of estimates: Estimates of use and yield, April 1 through October 20. Expenditures for equipment and annual items: Applied from other studies (3). Other expenditure items: Transportation expenditures obtained in field. Trip expenditures applied from other studies (3). Warm-water streams Mis souri River, Montana (9), below Fort Peck Dam was a study srea con- fined chiefly to tailwater and connecting borrow pit areas. About 12 river-miles were included in the study. Volume of flow is reasonably stable and access to the area is generally good. The water is fairly clear and cold. The fishes in order of abundance in the catch were saucer, goldeye, and yellow perch. Rainbow and brown trout and channel catfish also were recorded. The fishery server orincipally local people who came from wi-thir. ■; 50-mile radius. For type and period of coverage, period of estimates, expenditures for equipment, and annu'.l items, and other expenditure items, see Fort PecV r-eservoir. Republican River, Nebraska and Kansas (8), was studied on a U3-mile reach from south-central Nebraska into north-central Kansas. The river bed is primarily sand and varies in width from 250 feet to about 675 feet. The flow fluctuates from flood condition to extremely low water. Access to the river is reasonably good during dry weather. Ninety- five percent of the parties traveled a distance of less than $0 miles. Channel catfish comprised about 76 percent of the catch. Carp, flathead catfish, fresh- water drum, shovelnose sturgeon, black bullhead, and carpsuckers also were taken. Type and period of coverage: Intensive checks, April 22 through September 15, 1951. Limited checks earlier in the spring and in the fall. Period of estimates: Estimates of use and yield for entire year. Expenditures for equipment and annual items: Applied from Lake Maloney study (3). Other expenditure items: Obtained in summer period and applied through- out the year. Medicine Creek, Nebraska (16), was studied over a 1-3A mile-reach at the tailwater below Harry Strunk Lake dam. Many of the fish taken were spilled into the stream from the reservoir. Largemouth black bass, yellow pikeperch, channel catfish, carp, and bullhead in that order comprised the major portion of the catch. Most of the fishing was done in connection with fishing in Harry Strunk Lake. Type and period of coverage: General observations of fishing, spring and summer of 1951 and 1952. Period of estimates: Entire year, 1951 and 1952, but only estimates for 1951 included in this paper. 10 Expenditures for equipment and annual items, and other expenditure items: Applied from Harry Strunk Lake. Cold-water Reservoirs Deerfield Reservoir, South Dakota (5, lh), ^35 acres in size, is on Castle Creek in the center of the Black Hills. Completed in 1915, the reservoir was constructed to provide storage and regulation of water for irrigation and municipal use. Fluctuations had not exceeded 6 feet prior to the 19f>0 study. This reservoir is somewhat unusual in that aquatic vegetation occurred in most of the shallow areas. Access to the area is moderately good during dry weather. Fishermen came largely from within a radius of $0 miles. The species most commonly repre- sented in the creels were, in order of abundance, rainbow trout, white sucker, brown trout, and brook trout. Mountain suckers and green sunfish also were taken. Type and period of coverage! Intensive checks, May 1 through Septem- ber 30, 19U9 and 195^. Period of estimates: Estimates of use and yield for above periods — the fishing season. Expenditures for eqtiipment and annual items: Obtained in field in 19 u9. Other expenditure items: Obtained in 1950, combined with equipment and annual expenditures, and applied to both years. Pathfinder Reservoir, Wyoming (10), was completed in 1909. It is on the North Platte River in the south-central part of Wyoming and provides storage for irrigation and power. The reservoir fluctuated about ti3 feet during the period of study. It has a surface area of 22,600 acres. 11 Access to the area is only fair. There are no public recreational developments, and boat launching sites are few. The fishery is mainly of local value. The species taken were rainbow, brown, brook, cutthroat, and hybrid trout; suckers; and carp. Type and period of coverage: Intensive checks, April 29 through September 16, 1951. Limited checks during winter, spring, and fall. Period of estimates: Entire year. Expenditures for equipment and annual items: Applied from special survey of Montana fishermen (7). Other expenditure items: Obtained in summer period and applied throughout year. Alcova Reservoir, Wyoming (10), the diversion impoundment of the Kendrick Irrigation Project, is on the North Platte River downstream from Path- finder Reservoir. It was constructed in 193$. Arfnual fluctuation is extreme, but during the period of study the difference in pool levels was only about 19 feet. It is 2,500 acres in size. The whole northwest shore and three main points on the southeast shore are readily accessible. The fishery is primarily of local interest. The species taken were the same as in Pathfinder Reservoir. For type and period of coverage, period of estimates, expenditures for equipment and annual items, and other .expenditure items, see Pathfinder Reservoir. Gibson Reservoir, Montana (17)» is an irrigation storage reservoir of 1,360 acres on the N' rth Fork Sun River, a cold, clear mountain stream. The reservoir, which has a maximum depth of about 180 feet, is subject to consid- erable fluctuation.. 12 HcceJo is >oor. Most of the fishermen u:;ircg the area ire resirents. Rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout -n th ri t order comprised 99 percent of the catch. Suckers rfere taker.. Type ana period of coverage: Intensive checks, Hay 20 through September 30, 1951. Period of estimates: Above period only, but use during remainder of season thought to be negligible. Expenditures for equipment and annual items: Applied from special survey of Montana fishermen (7). Other expenditure items: Derived separately for this area. Diversion Reservoir, Montana (17), is th^ backwater of a diversion structure of the Sun P«.iver Irrigation Project on the North Fork Sun River, 2 miles below Gibson Reservoir. It has a surface area of 100 acres. Water is maintained at a relatively stable level and the area is readily accessible. Most of the fishermen are residents of Montana. Rainbow, brook, and cutthroat trout comprised 99 percent of the take. Suckers and Rocky Mountain whi tefish also were recorded. For type and period of coverage, period of estimates, and expenditures for equipment and annual items, see Gibson xteservoir. Other expenditure items: See Split Rock Lakes. Willow Creek Reservoir, Montana (17), is an off stream irrigation reser- voir c:i the plains at the foot of the eastern slope of the northern Rocky Mountains on the Sun River Irrigation Project. Surface area is l,l/)0 acres. Annual fluctu- ation is about 15 to 30 feet. Access is moderately good during dry weather. The fishermen were from the immediate area. The catch was primarily suckers, and 13 rainbow, brook, and cutthroat trout. For type and period of coverage, period of estimates, and expenditures for equipment and annual items, see Gibson Reservoir. Other expenditure items: See Split Rock Lakes. Pishkun Reservoir, Montana (17), 1,550 acres in size, is an off stream impoundment of the Sun River Irrigation Project. It is similar to billow Creek Reservoir with the exception that it remains fairly stable during most of the year. It is reasonably accessible during good weather. Rainbow trout were most frequently caught. Grayling, brook and cutthroat trout, perch, and suckers com- prised the remainder of the catch. For type and period of coverage, period of estimates, and expenditures for equipment and annual items, see Gibson Reservoir. Other expenditure items: See Split Rock Lakes. Tunnel Lake, Montana (17), is a former pothole which is fed by seepage from an irrigation canal. It is on the Sun River Irrigation Project. It has a surface acre of 20 acres. It is reasonably accessible during good weather and is fished primarily by local residents. The catch was largely rainbow and brown trout. Cutthroat and brook trout and suckers also were taken. For type and period of coverage, period of estimates, and expenditures for equipment and annual items, see Gibson Reservoir. Other expenditure items: See Split Rock i^akes. Wood Lake, Montana (17), on a tributary of the South Fork of the North Fork Sun River, is a 20-acre, natural mountain lake subject to no fluctuation. It is readily accessible by automobile during dry weather. Although it is fished primarily by local residents, its rather remote location necessitates considerable 1U travel. Cutthroat, brook, and rainbow trout were taken in almost equal numbers. Type and period of coverage: Intensive checks, June 2li to July 7» 195l» Period of estimates: Above period only but thought to represent most of the fishing. Expenditures for equipment and annual items: See Gibson Reservoir. Other expenditure items: Derived separately for this area. Madison Reservoir, Montana (18), on the Madison River in the northern Rocky Mountains, was built in 1908 for power production. It is 3,800 acres in size. Aquatic-plant beds are abundant in the upper part of the reservoir. Fluc- tuation has been as great as 8 feet, but normally is not that pronounced. Access is good on two-thirds of the shoreline. Most of the fishermen were residents of Montana. Although rainbow and brown trout comprised most of the catch, 11 percent of the take was suckers. Brook and cutthroat trout, Rocky Mountain whitefish, suckers, and grayling also were recorded. Type and period of coverage: Intensive checks, May 21 through Septem- ber 30, 1950. Limited checks in fall. Period of estimates: General fishing season, May 21 through November 15. Expenditures for equipment and annual items: Applied from special sur- vey of Montana fishermen (7). Other expenditure items: Single figure derived for this area and the lower section of the Madison River covered in 1950 and applied to both fisheries. Hebgen Lake, Montana (18), on the upper portion of the Madison River, was built in 1915 for power production. The maximum depth of this 13,l*00-acre reservoir is 70 feet, and annual drawdown is usually around 10 to 15 feet. Aquatic 15 vegetation is well established in Hebgen Reservoir and bordering marshes. Access is excellent. A large number of nonresident fishermen use this area, apparently because of its proximity to Yellowstone National Park. Although rainbow and brown trout comprised the major portion of the take, Utah chub fre- quently were caught and cutthroat trout, Rocky Mountain whitefish, and suckers also were taken. Type and period of coverage: Semi-intensive checks, May 21 through September 30, 1952. Period of estimates: Fishing season, same as above period. Expenditures for equipment and annual items: See Madison Reservoir. Other expenditure items: Single figure derived for this area and the upper section of the Madison River covered in 1952 and applied to both fisheries. Cold-water streams Middle Section, West Gallatin River, Montana (6, 13). The West Galla- tin River is located on the east slope of the Rocky Mountains in southwestern Montana. Most of the drainage basin is above 5»000 feet and is covered with coniferous forests. The middle section, 28 miles in length, is subject to ex- tensive diversion of water for irrigation purposes, and the gradient is moderate. Access is excellent. Most fishing in this area was by residents of Bozeman, about 9 miles away. Rainbow, brook, brown, cutthroat, and hybrid trout, Rocky Mountain whitefish, and suckers were taken in the West Gallatin River. Type and period of coverage: Intensive checks, May 22 through Septem- ber 30, 19l9, and May 21 through September 30, 1950. Limited checks in fall of both 19149 and 1950. 16 Period of estimates: Fishing season, Nay 22 through November 15, 19^9, and May 21 through November 15, 1950. Expenditures for equipment and annual items: Obtained in the field in 19U9. Other expenditure items: Obtained in 1950, combined with equipment and annual expenditures obtained in 19li9, and applied to both years. Upper Section, West Gall atin River, Montana (6, 13). The upper section of the West Gallatin is typical of most high Rocky Mountain streams. The gradient is steep to moderate, the average width is approximately 60 feet, and pools and riffles are in close succession in the 55-mile reach studied. Flows are reason- ably stable except during annual flood stage. Access to the upper section is excellent. The percentage of nonresident fishermen was high because of the natural attractiveness of the area and proximity to Yellowstone National Park. The same species of fish were taken in the upper section as in the middle section, but brown trout were less prevalent than in the middle section. Type and period of coverage: Limited checks, May 22 through Septem- ber 30, 19U9. Period of estimates: Fishing season, May 22 through September 30, 19h9. Expenditures for equipment and annual items, and other expenditure items, applied from Middle Section, West Gallatin River. Fremont Canyon, Wyoming (10), comprised a li-mile stretch of the North Platte River lying between Alcova and Pathfinder Reservoirs. It is difficult of access in its canyon location. Fishermen were mainly residents from within 50 miles. Suckers comprised about 66 percent of the take and rainbow trout 17 comprised about 30 percent. Ca^-p, brown trout, and hybrid trout also were taken. For type and period of coverage, period of estimates, expenditures for equipment and annual items, and other expenditure items, see Pathfinder Reservoir. Upper Section, North Fork Sun River, Montana (17). The North Fork Sun River lies on the eastern slope. of the northern Rocky Mountains. The upper sec- tion is composed of two forks, typical mountain streams with an abundance of pools and riffles. Each fork is about 60 feet wide. About 50 miles of river were included in the study. Although this area is accessible only by horseback or on foot, at least seven dude ranchers make a business of packing people into the area. Use of the area was mainly by nonlocal people — 78 percent came from over 50 miles away. Rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout in that order comprised the take. Type and period of coverage, period of estimates, and expenditures for equipment and annual items, see Gibson Reservoir. Other expenditure items: Derived separately for this area. Middle Section, North Fork Sun River, Montana (17). The Middle Sec- tion is between Gibson Dam and Diversion Reservoir. It is about 80 feet wide and 3 miles long. Here the river flows through a narrow canyon and is charac- terized by large, deep pools and turbulent riffles. Access is good from a road which parallels the stream. Fishermen are mainly residents of Montana although they travel from great distances within the State. The species taken in order of abundance were rainbow, brook, and cutthroat trout, and Rocky Mountain whitefish. A 5-mile reach of Beaver Creek, which is tributary to this section of the North Fork Sun River, was included in this area. For type and period of coverage, period of estimates, and expenditures 18 for equipment and .annual items, see Gibson Reservoir. Other expenditure items: See Split Rock Lakes. Lower Section, North Fork Sun River, Mon tana (17). Ihe Lower Section extends downstream from Diversion Reservoir for 22 miles to the confluence of the North and South Forks Sun River. It is fairly accessi » average width of this reach of stream is about 120 feet, and the gradient oderately steep. Rainbow trout uid Rocky fountain whitefish appeared most frequently in the eaten; brook and cutthroat trout and suckers also were taken. Type and period of coverage: Intensive checks on two portions of area and limited checks on one portion, May 20 through September 30, 1951. For period of estimates and expenditures for equipment and annual items, see Gibson Reservoir, Other expenditure items: See Split Rock Lakes. Pishkun Canal, Montana (17), which carries water from Diversion Reser- voir or. the Sun River Irrigation Project to Pishkun Reservoir is 12 miles long and has a capacity of 1,200 second-feet. Fish enter the canal, and anglers :nike moderate use of its waters. Access is good in dry weather by means of a canal road. Rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout comprised the most of the catch. For type and period of coverage, period of estimates, expenditures for equipment and annual items, and other expenditure items, see Split hock Lakes. North Platte River, Wyoming rl$) , was studied on a highly utilized 5.5- mile reach of the stream which is in south-central Wyoming on the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains. The stream has a good interspersion of pools and riffles and many side channels, and the water is cold and clear. Access to the river is *ood. Fishermen travel from considerable distances to use this area and many 19 nonresident fisherman, especially from Colorado, were attracted to the river. Rainbow and brown trout comprised most of the catch. Many suckers were taken but not creeled. Type and period of coverage: Periodic checks (19), May 1 through October 15, 1951. Period of estimates; Fishing season, May 1 through October 15. Expenditures for equipment and annual items: Applied from a special survey of Montana fishermen (7). Other expenditure items: Weighted average, from figures for boat and shore fishermen. Lower Section, Madison River, Montana (18). The Madison River is in the mountains of southwestern Montana. It flows northerly from Yellowstone Na- tional Park. Flows are largely controlled by the operation of two onstream reservoirs. Normally, flows are about 2,000 second-feet during the summer. The Lower Section extends from Madison Reservoir to Three Forks, Montana, a distance of 33 miles. Except for an 11-mile reach, this section is charac- terized by an absence of riffles. Access is fair. In this section of stream 9U percent of the use was by residents, most of whom came from within 50 miles. Rainbow and brown trout comprised 8lt percent of the catch; brook trout, cutthroat trout, grayling, Rocky Mountain whitefish, and suckers were taken. Type and period of coverage: Intensive checks, May 21 through Septem- ber 3r)> 1950, except in extreme lower portion which was subject to a few patrols. Limited checks in fall. Period of estimates: Fishing season, May 21 through October llj, 1950. For expenditures for equipment and annual items, and other expenditure 20 items, see Madison Reservoir, Middle Section, Madison River., Montana (18), The Middle Section of 3h miles is between Madison Reservoir and a point about midway between Madison Reser- voir and Hebgen Lake, The bed of the river in this section is composed largely or rubble and boulders, and the river is characterized by alternate riffles and pools, 'The area is generally accessible,. Of the use in this reach of stream, 22 percent was by nonresidents „ Rainbow and brown trout and Rocky Mountain whitefish comprised most of the catch. Other fishes taken included suckers, grayling, and brook and cutthroat trout. Type and period of coverages Intensive checks, May 20 through Septem- ber 30, 1951, Limited checks of lower portion in fall,, Period of estimates s Fishing season,, June 16 through November 15 on lower portion, May 20 through September 30 on upper portion. Expenditure for equipment and annual itemsj See Madison Reservoir, Other expenditure items 2 One basic expenditure figure derived. Upper Section: Madison River, Montana (18), This 31-mile section ex- tends from the Middle Section to Hebgen Dam and is somewhat similar to the Middle Section, although the gradient is a little steeper and there are more rapids. Access is excellent, Fifty~five percent of the use was by nonresidents, prob- ably because of the natural attractiveness of the area and proximity to Yellow= stone National Park, Utah chubs were taken in this area in addition to species listed for the Middle Section, Type and period of coverages Intensive checks. May 18 through Septem- ber 30, 1952. Period of estimates s Fishing season, same as above period. For expend:! tares for equipment and annual items, and other expenditure items, see Hebgen Reservoir, 21 PRINCIPAL CREEL-CENSUS and EXPENDITURE DATA Fisherman use in terms of total fisherman days and fisherman days per surface acre of reservoir (or lake) or per mile of stream, yield in terms of num- bers and pounds of fish per hour, total number and poundage of fish, and pounds of fish per surface acre or per mile of stream, and expenditures per person per day, total for area, per pound of fish, and per surface acre or per mile of stream, are shown for 26 areas studied in the Missouri River Basin between 19147 and 1952 in tables 1, 2, 3, and lj. Creel census data demonstrate tremendous variations in use and yield of the many situations studied. These data for those areas studied more than one year also demonstrate that there can be considerable variation in use and yield from one year to the next on a particular area. A few of the more obvious factors contributing to these variations, such as ease of access, nearness to centers of population, and natural attractiveness of an area, are indicated in the description of the areas, but it is impossible to make any generalization of correlation. Examination of data shown in the accompanying tables indicates that fisherman expenditures per day are generally higher for cold-water fishermen than for warm-water fishermen. On the average, cold-water fishermen spend roughly twice as much per day as warm-water fishermen. Two factors seem im- portant: (1) Cold-water fishermen spend more for equipment, and (2) cold-water fishermen are inclined to travel greater distances to fish and thus not only have larger transportation expenses but also have more trip expenses. Other expenditure figures shown in the tables, of course, are dependent upon the use and yield of the particular fishery and thus vary accordingly. 22 TABLE 1. CREEL-CENSUS AND EXPENDITURE DATA - WARM-WATER RESERVOIRS AND LAKE5 ratio State Tear Surface acres Utilization Yield Expenditure Fishery Total fisherman days Fisherman days per acre Fish per hour of effort Pounds of fish per hour of effort Total No. fish Total poundage of fish Pounds per surface acre Per person per day Total on area Per pound or fish per surface acre Ocean Lake (1,2) Wyoming 19b7 (Summer) 19b7 (Winter) 19b8 (Summer) 19b8 (Winter) 6,100 6,100 7,639 15,R11* bbi 8,b33 16,255 o-i}^ P. 30 P. 70 5.20 5.70 2.9R b.72 1.9b 2.15 206,600") n,,2oo;22n.8o° 253,600') 9/ 7b, TOOT 7, 700 J >i 6,909 f 260.500 2;6ooj 97,UOO 12.1") * 9.26 n.5« 9.02 n.5p t 70,737.1b") ,» 9.10U.52J* 79,931.66 Ib2,6b2.2°) , 5,106.7°) 1^7,710.06 10. 27.8 15.U5 105,786.15 9.98 19,233. *U Weighted Average - Expenditures t 7.90 $ 5.UU 8 3, "30. 31 1/ Not included eight-id average since expenditures arbitrarily estimated from data secured on the Middle Section, West Gallatin River. LIST OF REFERENCES Reference Nc. lo Fish and Wildlife Service 19$0a0 An evaluation of the Ocean Lake Fishery's, Wyoming, 19k7=19l49. U. S. Fish and Wild„ Ser,, Mo0 Riv. Basin Studies, 15 pp. (Mimeo.) 2. 1950b. A two-year creel census, Ocean Lake, Wyoming, Ua S. Fish and Wildo Ser., Mo. Riv0 Basin Studies, 18 pp. (Mimeo.) 3. 1950e. An evaluation of the Lake Maloney, Nebraska, fishery, U. Se Fish and Wildo Ser., Mo, Riv, Basin Studies, 10 pp. (Mimeo.) ii. 1951a o A two-year creel census of Lake Moloney, Nebraska, 19^8=19^9 0 U. S„ Fish and Wild. Ser., Mo. Riv. Basin Studies, 23 pp. (Miaw 5. 195lb. A two-year creel census, Deerfield Reservoir, South Dakota, 19li9=1950. U. S. Fish and Wild. Ser., Mo. Riv. Basin Studies, 26 pp. (Mimeo.) 6. 195lc. A two-year fishery investigation, West Gallatin River, Montanas -1950. U. S„ Fish and Wild. Ser., Mo. Riv. Basin Studies, hZ pp. (Mimeo.) 7. 195ld. Annual and investment expenditures of Montana sportsmen, 19^9. U. S, Fish and Wild0 Ser. , Mo. Riv. Basin Studies, 35 pp. (Mimeo . ) 8. 1952a. A one-year creel census and evaluation of the Republican River, Nebraska & Kansas, 1951. U. S. Fish and Wild. Ser., Mo. Riv. Basin Studies, 29 pp. (Mimeo.) 9. 1952b. A three-year fishery Investigation, Fort Peck Reservoir, Montana, 191*8-1950. U. S. Fish and Wild. Ser., Mc0 Riv. Basin Studies, i.9 pp. (Mimeo.) 10. 1952c. One-year creel census and fisherman expenditure study, Alcova and Pathfinder Reservoirs, North Platte River, Wyoming. U. S. Fish and Wild. Ser., Mo. Riv. Basin Studies, k3 pp. (Mimec.) 11. 1953a. Creel census and fisherman expenditure study, Angostura Reser- voir, South Dakota, 1952. U. S. Fish and Wild. Ser., Mo. Riv. Basin Studies, 17 pp. (Mimeo.) 27 12. Fish and Wildlife Service (continued) 1953b. Creel, census and fisherman-expenditure study, Cottonwood Lake, South Dakota, 1952. U. S. Fish and Wild. Ser. , Mo. Riv. Basin Studies, 18 pp. (Mimeo.) 13. 1953c. Fisherman-expenditure study, West Gallatin River, Montana, 19ii9-1950. U. S.'Fish and Wild. Ser., Mo. Riv. Basin Studies, 11 pp. (Mimeo.) lU. 1953d. Fisherman-expenditure study, Deerfield Reservoir, South Dakota, 1919-1950. U. S. Fish and Wild. Ser., Mo. Riv. Basin Studies, 10 pp. (Mineo.) 15. 1953e. Fishery investigation, North Platte River, Wyoming, 1952. U. S. Fish and Wild. Ser., Mo. Riv. Basin Studies, 16 pp. (Mimeo.) 16. 1953f. Fishery investigation, Harry Strunl: Lake, Nebraska, 1952. U. S. Fish and Wild. Ser., Mo. Riv. Basin Studies, 23 pp. (Mimeo.) 17. 19514a. Creel census and expenditure study, North Fork Sun River, Montana, 1951. U. S. Fish and Wild. Ser., Spec. Sci. Rept.i Fish. No. 120, 39 pp. 18. 195Ub. Creel census and expenditure study, Madison River, Montana, 1950-1952. U. S. Fish and Wild. Ser., Spec. Sci. Rept. : Fish. No. 126, 39 pp. 19. Jeppson, Paul W. 1951. Analysis of basin^wide creel census technique. U. S. Fish and Wild. Ser., Mo. Riv. Basin Studies, 7 pp. (Mimeo.) (Statement presented at mid-winter conference of all Missouri River Basin Studies personnel, Billings, Montana, January 29 to February 2, 195D 28 5 WHSE 01671