FWIN The Fall Walleye Index Netting project was conducted in 1999 to measure the relative abundance of fish in Lake St. Joseph. In addition to calculating relative abundance, FWIN also measures size distribution, age distribution, mortality, growth and condition, sex ratio, maturity, and reproductive characteristics. 1750 fish (1068 walleye) from 37 nets were sampled. The average number of walleye per net was 28.9, well above the provincial standard of 15 walleye per net. The following graphs indicate the results: (click to view a larger version) AGE DISTRIBUTION RELATIVE ABUNDANCE SIZE DISTRIBUTION STOCK STATUS CARD

The first part of the creel survey consisted of angler interviews. During those interviews, anglers were asked numerous questions including the number of anglers in their party, the type of fishing method used, what time they started and ended fishing, number of fish consumed at shore lunch, if they were guided or non-guided, the number of years fishing on Lake St. Joseph and the number of fish caught per angler. The second part of the creel survey took a sample of the fish harvested. Fork length, total length and total weight was recorded from a sample of the fish brought back to camp. Angler diaries were distributed and completed by anglers who recorded the date, the camp, the total hours of fishing per day, number of fish eaten and the number of fish taken to camp. 61 angler diaries were completed by 117 anglers. Aerial creel surveys were also conducted from June 11 to September 11, 2002. Twelve flights, averaging 2 hours in length, identified the number of boats and anglers over several different areas of Lake St. Joseph.