Summer Sport Fishery on the , , 2013

The Alberta Conservation Association is a Delegated Administrative Organization under Alberta’s Wildlife Act.

25% Post Consumer Fibre When separated, both the binding and paper in this document are recyclable

Summer Sport Fishery on the Peace River, Alberta, 2013

Melissa Buskas and William Patterson Alberta Conservation Association 101 – 9 Chippewa Road Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada T8A 6J7

Report Editors PETER AKU KELLEY KISSNER Alberta Conservation Association 50 Tuscany Meadows Cr. NW 101 – 9 Chippewa Rd , AB T3L 2T9 Sherwood Park, AB T8A 6J7

Conservation Report Series Type Data

ISBN printed: 978‐1‐4601‐1694‐4 ISBN online: 978‐1‐4601‐1695‐1

Disclaimer: This document is an independent report prepared by Alberta Conservation Association. The authors are solely responsible for the interpretations of data and statements made within this report.

Reproduction and Availability: This report and its contents may be reproduced in whole, or in part, provided that this title page is included with such reproduction and/or appropriate acknowledgements are provided to the authors and sponsors of this project.

Suggested Citation: Buskas, M., and W. Patterson. 2014. Summer sport fishery on the Peace River, Alberta, 2013. Data Report, D‐2014‐003, produced by Alberta Conservation Association, Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada. 10 pp + App.

Cover photo credit: David Fairless

Digital copies of conservation reports can be obtained from: Alberta Conservation Association 101 – 9 Chippewa Rd Sherwood Park, AB T8A 6J7 Toll Free: 1‐877‐969‐9091 Tel: (780) 410‐1998 Fax: (780) 464‐0990 Email: info@ab‐conservation.com Website: www.ab‐conservation.com

i EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The portion of the Peace River located in northwest Alberta is categorized as a cool‐water fishery that supports sport fish species such as walleye (Sander vitreus), northern pike (Esox lucius), goldeye (Hiodon alosoides) and burbot (Lota lota), with angling typically concentrated at the mouths of tributaries flowing into the mainstem. However, little is known about recreational angling pressure along this portion of the river. In this project, we conducted a creel survey along a section of the river around the town of Peace River to generate data on angler effort and catch rates that would aid Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development to review current sport fishing regulations and other management practices. From June 3 to September 25, 2013, we interviewed anglers at two locations: 1) in the town of Peace River (Heart River/Pat’s Creek confluences) and 2) at the Whitemud River confluence. To determine a ratio‐of‐use along the survey section, angler counts were conducted by boat.

At the Heart River/Pat’s Creek survey site, we surveyed 17% of the available strata and interviewed 103 anglers that fished for 211.5 h. Anglers reported catching 0.09 walleye/h, 0.02 northern pike/h, 0.04 goldeye/h and 0.10 burbot/h, with an estimated angling effort of 1,167 h (95% CI = 923 – 1,422). At the Whitemud River survey site, we surveyed 17% of the available strata and interviewed 56 anglers that fished for 114.25 h. Anglers reported catching 0.67 walleye/h, 0.08 northern pike/h, 0.02 goldeye/h and 0.07 burbot/h, with an estimated angling effort of 697 h (95% CI = 406 – 993).

Based on 16 ratio‐of‐use surveys, 53% (95% CI = 42 – 64, n = 72) of anglers on the Peace River between the confluences of the Smoky and Cadotte rivers fished at one of the two survey sites; the remaining 47% fished at alternate sites. Along the survey area, the total angling effort was 3,575 h (95% CI = 2,602 – 4,821), with an angling pressure of 1.0 h/ha (95% CI = 0.8 – 1.4). Anglers harvested 284 walleye (95% CI = 78 – 520) for a total yield (harvest + release mortality) of 301.8 kg (95% CI = 108.1 – 525.2) or 0.08 kg/ha (95% CI = 0.03 – 0.15). Length distribution of sport‐harvested walleye ranged from 438 to 496 mm total length (TL), with a mean (± SE) length of 469 ± 3 mm TL (n = 17). The length distribution of test‐angled walleye ranged from 320 to 576 mm TL, with a mean length of 433 ± 6 mm TL (n = 67). The age distribution of sport‐harvested walleye

ii ranged from 5 to 19 y, with a mean age of 10 ± 1 y (n = 17). The age distribution of test‐angled walleye ranged from 3 to 21 y, with a mean age of 7 ± 1 y (n = 54). Samples of northern pike, goldeye and burbot were too small to analyze.

Key words: Peace River, creel survey, walleye, ratio‐of‐use, sport fish.

iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Funding was provided by Alberta Conservation Association (ACA). We thank Canada Summer Jobs for financial support of seasonal staff. Thank you to the seasonal staff, Aaron Androsoff and Nikita Robinson, for conducting the creel surveys and representing ACA in a professional manner. Thank you Paul Hvenegaard, Dave Jackson, Robb Stavne, Lenore Stone and Ken Wright for your contribution to the survey. Thank you Roadrunner Leasing and Sales Ltd. for volunteering your time and boat.

iv

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...... iv TABLE OF CONTENTS ...... v LIST OF FIGURES ...... vi LIST OF TABLES ...... vii LIST OF APPENDICES ...... viii 1.0 INTRODUCTION ...... 1 2.0 STUDY AREA ...... 1 3.0 MATERIALS AND METHODS ...... 3 3.1 Creel survey ...... 3 3.2 Ratio‐of‐use surveys ...... 3 3.3 Biological fish data ...... 4 3.4 Test‐angling ...... 5 3.5 Data management ...... 5 4.0 RESULTS ...... 6 4.1 Heart River/Pat’s Creek survey site ...... 6 4.2 Whitemud River access point ...... 6 4.3 Whole Peace River survey area ...... 7 5.0 LITERATURE CITED ...... 10 6.0 APPENDICES ...... 11

v LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1. Map of Peace River, Alberta, showing the location of the survey area and survey sites...... 2 Figure 2. Length distribution of walleye caught during sport‐harvest and test‐ angling, Peace River, 2013...... 9 Figure 3. Age distribution of walleye caught during sport‐harvest and test‐angling, Peace River, 2013...... 9

vi LIST OF TABLES

Table 1. Number of strata available and surveyed at the Heart River/Pat’s Creek and Whitemud River survey sites on the Peace River, 2013...... 3

vii LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix 1. Creel survey form, Heart River/Pat’s Creek and Whitemud River, Peace River, 2013...... 11 Appendix 2. Biological data collected from sport‐harvested fish during the creel survey, Peace River, 2013...... 12 Appendix 3. Creel data collected at Heart River/Pat’s Creek, Peace River, 2013. ... 13 Appendix 4. Creel data collected at Whitemud River, Peace River, 2013...... 15 Appendix 5. Biological data collected from test‐angling, Peace River, 2013...... 17 Appendix 6. Flow chart outlining the process used to calculate the survey area estimate, Peace River, 2013...... 20 Appendix 7. Ratio‐of‐use angler data collected within the survey area, Peace River, 2013...... 21

viii 1.0 INTRODUCTION

The portion of the Peace River located in northwest Alberta is categorized as a cool‐water fishery that supports sport fish species such as walleye (Sander vitreus), northern pike (Esox lucius), goldeye (Hiodon alosoides) and burbot (Lota lota), with angling typically concentrated at the mouths of tributaries flowing into the mainstem (Nelson and Paetz 1992). However, little is known about recreational angling pressure along this portion of the river. In this project, we conducted a creel survey along a section of the river around the town of Peace River to generate data on angler effort and catch rates that would aid Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (ESRD) to review current sport fishing regulations and other management practices.

2.0 STUDY AREA

The survey reach on the Peace River extended 6 km upstream and 74 km downstream of the town of Peace River between the confluence (UTM 11U, 479098, 6226812) and the Cadotte River confluence (UTM 11U, 489124, 6286796), respectively (Figure 1). The 80‐km section of the river has a surface area of 3,422 ha with minimal shoreline access. Surveys were conducted at two sites: 1) in the town of Peace River and 2) at the Whitemud River confluence. The town survey site extended over 300 m and encompassed the confluences of the Heart River (UTM 11U, 481940, 6231767) and Pat’s Creek (UTM 11U, 481679, 6232118). There is shore angling access only. The Whitemud River survey site was located at its confluence to the Peace River (UTM 11U, 489677, 6279822), 61 km downstream of the town of Peace River, and was accessed from Highway 743 and Range Road 213. There is shore angling access and an unmaintained boat launch.

1

Figure 1. Map of Peace River, Alberta, showing the location of the survey area and survey sites. Inset map indicates location of the survey area within the .

2 3.0 MATERIALS AND METHODS

3.1 Creel survey

We conducted a reduced‐effort creel survey (Pollock et al. 1994) at two access sites, Heart River/Pat’s Creek and Whitemud River, on the Peace River from June 3 to September 25, 2013. The survey was stratified into four temporal sampling units: weekday and weekend (including holidays), and morning (0900 – 1530) and evening (1530 – 2130) strata. At each survey site, 37 (17%) of the possible 224 temporal sampling units were surveyed (Table 1). We extrapolated data from sampled strata to calculate estimates of creel survey parameters for the strata that were not surveyed.

Table 1. Number of strata available and surveyed at the Heart River/Pat’s Creek and Whitemud River survey sites on the Peace River, 2013.

Number Number Percent Survey site Strata available surveyed surveyed Heart River/Pat’s Creek Weekday morning 78 10 13 Weekday evening 78 14 18 Weekend morning 34 7 21 Weekend evening 34 6 18

Whitemud River Weekday morning 78 10 13 Weekday evening 78 15 19 Weekend morning 34 7 21 Weekend evening 34 5 15

We collected complete and incomplete trip data from anglers and used this data in the calculations of creel survey parameters. We asked anglers questions regarding the number of hours fished and the number of each fish species harvested and released (Appendix 1).

3.2 Ratio‐of‐use surveys

Although the survey area on the Peace River has several access sites, the majority of anglers used the Heart River/Pat’s Creek and Whitemud River access sites. Therefore, we surveyed these access sites and determined proportional use of other access sites

3 through ratio‐of‐use (ROU) surveys. Estimates of ROU and associated 95% confidence intervals (CI) were derived following Sullivan (2004). The ROU was used to extrapolate the information collected from anglers at the survey sites to the survey area.

The ROU surveys consisted of counting and noting the location of all anglers encountered while travelling either downstream or upstream between the confluences of the Smoky and Cadotte rivers. When we encountered anglers fishing from boats, we asked where they launched the boat. We stratified the ROU surveys into temporal sampling strata similar to the creel survey. We completed 24 ROU surveys during the survey period: eight weekday morning, seven weekday evening, four weekend morning and five weekend evening.

3.3 Biological fish data

When permitted, we collected biological data from fish harvested by anglers, including fork length (FL, mm), total length (TL, mm), weight (g), gender, state of maturity, and ageing structures. Gender and state of maturity were determined following Duffy et al. (2000). For age determination of walleye, we collected otoliths and the first two left pelvic fin rays, following Watkins and Spencer (2009) and Mackay et al. (1990), respectively. It is often difficult to identify the first annulus when ageing walleye otoliths and fin rays; therefore, we used the following equation to estimate its location (Watkins and Spencer 2009):

X = R (L0) / LC

where, X = distance from the focus to first annulus of otolith; R = radius of otolith cross‐section;

L0 = length at age 0 (~120 mm); and

LC = length of fish at capture (FL).

For age determination, we collected cleithra and the first three left pelvic fin rays for northern pike; otoliths, operculum, scales and the first three left pectoral fin rays for

4 goldeye; and otoliths for burbot. The creel and biological data are included in Appendices 2, 3 and 4.

3.4 Test‐angling

Because sport anglers are required to release all walleye and northern pike below a minimum size limit, no biological data were available for these protected‐sized fish in the angler harvest. To generate biological data, we test‐angled fish throughout the survey period and recorded the number of hours fished. For each species, we recorded FL and TL. For age determination, we collected the first two left pelvic fin rays for walleye, the first three left pelvic fin rays for northern pike, and scales and the first three left pectoral fin rays for goldeye. To reduce handling time and fish stress, we did not weigh fish. We used the test‐angled data to estimate average ages and lengths for walleye; sufficient data were not available for other species. Biological data collected during test‐angling are included in Appendix 5.

3.5 Data management

Prior to data analysis, we used weight‐length and length‐age plots to identify and omit any outliers. A bootstrap technique was used to calculate estimates and associated 95% CI for the number of angler trips, angling hours, angling pressure (h/ha) and angler harvest for walleye (Sullivan 2004). A flow chart describing the steps used for calculating estimates of creel survey parameters is presented in Appendix 6. Angler catch rates were calculated as total ratio estimators (Malvestuto 1983). To remove bias of the test‐angling catch rate on the length‐ and age‐class distributions of test‐angled fish, we used the sport fishery’s catch rate.

We calculated yield of walleye as the product of the mean weight of harvested fish and the estimated number of harvested fish; sample sizes for other species were too low for similar analysis. We estimated the number of fish killed as a result of hooking and release by applying a release mortality rate of 5.3% to the total estimated number of walleye released by anglers. This rate was calculated from data collected during nine previous creel surveys, following a multivariate analysis suggested by Reeves (2004).

5 We multiplied the estimated number of mortalities by the mean weight of harvested walleye.

All data were stored in the Fisheries and Wildlife Management Information System (FWMIS) database maintained by ESRD.

4.0 RESULTS

4.1 Heart River/Pat’s Creek survey site

At Heart River/Pat’s Creek, we interviewed 103 anglers who fished for a combined total of 211.5 h (Appendix 3). Total number of trips and fishing hours during the survey period were 566 trips (95% CI = 476 – 656) and 1,167 h (95% CI = 923 – 1,422). Weekday evenings were the busiest strata, and July was the busiest month.

Anglers harvested 17 walleye (95% CI = 3 – 40) at a rate of 0.01 fish/h and released 91 walleye (95% CI = 26 – 189) at a rate of 0.08 fish/h. Total catch rate for walleye was 0.09 fish/h. Anglers harvested six northern pike (95% CI = 1 – 15) and released 16 (95% CI = 3 – 30), with a total catch rate of 0.02 fish/h. Anglers harvested six goldeye (95% CI = 1 – 15) and released 38 (95% CI = 16 – 61), with a total catch rate of 0.04 fish/h. Anglers harvested six burbot (95% CI = 1 – 15) and released 116 (95% CI = 65 – 175), with a total catch rate of 0.10 fish/h. Biological data collected from the sport‐harvest are included in Appendix 2.

The total catch rate for all sport fish species was 0.26 fish/h. Also, 26 flathead chub (Platygobio gracilis) and one longnose sucker (Catostomus catostomus) were captured and released.

4.2 Whitemud River access point

At Whitemud River, we interviewed 56 anglers who fished for a combined total of 114.25 h (Appendix 4). Total number of trips and fishing hours during the survey period were 341 trips (95% CI = 194 – 504) and 697 h (95% CI = 406 – 993). Weekend evenings were the busiest strata, and September was the busiest month.

6 Anglers harvested 132 walleye (95% CI = 28 – 238) at a rate of 0.18 fish/h and released 365 walleye (95% CI = 112 – 709) at a rate of 0.50 fish/h. Total catch rate was 0.67 fish/h. Anglers harvested five northern pike (95% CI = 1 – 13) and released 54 (95% CI = 8 – 147), with a total catch rate of 0.08 fish/h. No goldeye were harvested and 10 (95% CI = 2 – 23) were released, with a total catch rate of 0.02 fish/h. Anglers harvested 15 burbot (95% CI = 3 – 36) and released 116 (95% CI = 65 – 175), with a total catch rate of 0.07 fish/h. Biological data collected from the sport‐harvest are included in Appendix 2.

The total catch rate for all sport fish species was 0.84 fish/h.

4.3 Whole Peace River survey area between Smoky and Cadotte river confluences

4.3.1 Creel survey

Anglers accessed the river from several points. From the ROU surveys, 53% (95% CI = 42 – 64, n = 72) of the anglers encountered fished at one of the survey sites. The remaining 47% fished at other access sites along the survey area. During the creel survey, an estimated 1,740 anglers (95% CI = 1,283 – 2,323) fished the survey area for 3,575 h (95% CI = 2,602 – 4,821). Corresponding total angling pressure was 1.0 h/ha (95% CI = 0.8 – 1.4).

4.3.2 Ratio‐of‐use surveys

We conducted 24 ROU surveys to determine angler use at our survey sites; no anglers were encountered during eight of the surveys. We encountered 72 anglers at eight locations, consisting of 42 shore anglers and 30 boat anglers from 19 boats. In addition to anglers, we counted 84 recreational boats. These boats included rafts, kayaks, canoes and jet boats. The ROU data are included in Appendix 7.

4.3.3 Fish harvest and release

During the survey, an estimated 284 walleye (95% CI = 78 – 520) were harvested by anglers at a rate of 0.07 fish/h. Anglers released 874 walleye (95% CI = 339 – 1,636) at a

7 rate of 0.23 fish/h. Total catch rate was 0.30 fish/h. Total yield of walleye (harvest + release mortality) was 301.8 kg (95% CI = 108.1 – 525.2) or 0.08 kg/ha (95% CI = 0.03 – 0.15). Twenty northern pike (95% CI = 3 – 45) were harvested and 135 (95% CI = 26 – 318) were released, with an associated total catch rate of 0.04 fish/h. Similar values for goldeye were 11 (95% CI = 2 – 31) harvested, 93 (95% CI = 48 – 154) released, and total catch rate of 0.03 fish/h, and for burbot were 40 (95% CI = 8 – 85) harvested, 272 (95% CI = 158 – 417) released, and total catch rate of 0.09 fish/h.

4.3.4 Walleye population structure

The length distribution of sport‐harvested walleye ranged from 438 to 496 mm TL, with a mean (± SE) length of 469 ± 3 mm TL (n = 17); the majority of fish ranged in size from 450 to 480 mm TL (Figure 2). The length distribution of test‐angled walleye ranged from 320 to 576 mm TL, with a mean length of 433 ± 6 mm TL (n = 67); the majority of fish ranged in size from 370 to 520 mm TL, with peaks at 380 to 390, 430 to 440, and 470 mm TL (Figure 2).

The age distribution of sport‐harvested walleye ranged from 5 to 19 y, with a mean age of 10 ± 1 y (n = 17); the majority of fish were 7 to 12 y (Figure 3). The age distribution of test‐angled walleye ranged from 3 to 21 y, with a mean age of 7 ± 1 y (n = 54); the majority of fish were 4 to 9 y (Figure 3).

8 0.03 Sport‐harvest; n = 17 Test‐angling; n = 67 0.02 (fish/h)

Rate

0.01 Catch

0.00 310 340 370 400 430 460 490 520 550 580 Total Length (mm)

Figure 2. Length distribution of walleye caught during sport‐harvest and test‐ angling, Peace River, 2013.

0.04

0.03 Sport‐harvest; n = 17 Test‐angling; n = 54 (fish/h) 0.02 Rate

0.01 Catch

0.00 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10111213141516171819202122 Age (y)

Figure 3. Age distribution of walleye caught during sport‐harvest and test‐angling, Peace River, 2013.

9 5.0 LITERATURE CITED

Duffy, M., J. McNulty, and T. Mosindy. 2000. Identification of sex, maturity and gonad condition of walleye (Stizostedion vitrium). Produced by Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Kenora, Ontario, Canada. 33 pp.

Mackay, W.C., G.R. Ash, and H.J. Norris (eds.). 1990. Fish ageing methods for Alberta. Produced by R.L. & L. Environmental Services Ltd. in association with Alberta Fish and Wildlife Division, and University of Alberta, , Alberta, Canada. 113 pp.

Malvestuto, S.P. 1983. Sampling the recreational fishery. Pages 397‐419. In: L.A. Nielsen and D.L Johnson. Fisheries techniques. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.

Nelson, J.S., and M.J. Paetz. 1992. The fishes of Alberta. University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. 437 pp.

Pollock, K.H., C.M. Jones, and T.L. Brown. 1994. Angler survey methods and their applications in fisheries management. Special Publication 25, produced by American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. 371 pp.

Reeves, K.A. 2004. Hooking mortality of walleye caught by anglers on Mille Lacs Lake, Minnesota, in 2003. Produced by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Aitkin, Minnesota, USA. 16 pp.

Sullivan, M.G. 2004. Computer simulation of sport fishery parameters. Produced by Alberta Fish and Wildlife Division, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. 16 pp.

Watkins, O.B., and S.C. Spencer. 2009. Collection, preparation and ageing of walleye otoliths. Produced by Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. 9 pp.

10 6.0 APPENDICES

Appendix 1. Creel survey form, Heart River/Pat’s Creek and Whitemud River, Peace River, 2013.

11 Appendix 2. Biological data collected from sport‐harvested fish during the creel survey, Peace River, 2013. (H/P = Heart River/Pat’s Creek, WM = Whitemud River, WALL = walleye, NRPK = northern pike, GOLD = goldeye, BURB = burbot)

Location Sample Species Fork Total Weight Gender Maturity Age number length length (g) (y) (mm) (mm) H/P 2 WALL 445 468 840 F Mature 18 WM 4 WALL 407 429 WM 9 WALL 458 484 1115 M Mature 8 WM 10 WALL 431 458 805 F Mature 5 WM 11 WALL 425 457 945 M Mature 12 WM 12 WALL 458 485 970 F Mature 11 WM 13 WALL 439 468 940 M Mature 9 WM 14 WALL 444 473 920 F Mature 10 WM 15 WALL 470 496 970 M Mature 10 WM 16 WALL 439 467 820 F Mature 9 WM 17 WALL 451 479 695 M Mature 7 WM 18 WALL 444 469 910 M Mature 9 WM 19 WALL 435 455 865 M Mature 11 WM 20 WALL 450 470 980 M Mature 12 WM 21 WALL 448 477 910 M Mature 19 WM 22 WALL 424 449 725 F Mature 7 WM 23 WALL 415 438 815 M Mature 7 WM 24 WALL 446 475 905 M Mature 10 WM 8 NRPK 634 667 1575 M Mature WM 3 GOLD 398 434 H/P 1 BURB 493 550 WM 5 BURB 454 520 F Immature WM 6 BURB 376 280 M Immature WM 7 BURB 615 1145 M Mature

12 Appendix 3. Creel data collected at Heart River/Pat’s Creek, Peace River, 2013. (AM = morning, PM = evening, WALL = walleye, NRPK = northern pike, GOLD = goldeye, BURB = burbot)

Date Strata Anglers Fishing WALL WALL NRPK NRPK GOLD GOLD BURB BURB (D/M/Y) (#) effort harv. rel. harv. rel. harv. rel. harv. rel. (h) (#) (#) (#) (#) (#) (#) (#) (#) 03/06/2013 AM 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 04/06/2013 PM 6 10 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 05/06/2013 AM 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 06/06/2013 PM 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 07/06/2013 AM 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 15/06/2013 PM 1 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 16/06/2013 PM 3 3.5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 17/06/2013 PM 5 6.5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 22/06/2013 AM 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 23/06/2013 AM 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 04/07/2013 PM 4 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 05/07/2013 AM 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 06/07/2013 PM 4 12.5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 07/07/2013 AM 4 3.75 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 16/07/2013 PM 4 11 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 17/07/2013 AM 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 18/07/2013 PM 7 14.5 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 19/07/2013 PM 5 13.25 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 20/07/2013 AM 2 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 29/07/2013 PM 7 11.5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 30/07/2013 PM 8 17 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

13 Appendix 3. Continued

Date Strata Anglers Fishing WALL WALL NRPK NRPK GOLD GOLD BURB BURB (D/M/Y) (#) effort harv. rel. harv. rel. harv. rel. harv. rel. (h) (#) (#) (#) (#) (#) (#) (#) (#) 31/07/2013 AM 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 02/08/2013 PM 3 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 03/08/2013 PM 3 5.75 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 04/08/2013 AM 5 18.75 0 4 0 1 0 1 0 2 05/08/2013 AM 6 9.25 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 17/08/2013 PM 5 10.75 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 18/08/2013 PM 1 1.25 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 19/08/2013 PM 4 4.75 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 20/08/2013 AM 2 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 21/08/2013 AM 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 03/09/2013 PM 2 4.5 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 04/09/2013 AM 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 06/09/2013 PM 6 19.25 2 9 1 1 1 2 0 0 07/09/2013 AM 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 16/09/2013 AM 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 18/09/2013 PM 3 3.75 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

14 Appendix 4. Creel data collected at Whitemud River, Peace River, 2013. (AM = morning, PM = evening, WALL = walleye, NRPK = northern pike, GOLD = goldeye, BURB = burbot)

Date Strata Anglers Fishing WALL WALL NRPK NRPK GOLD GOLD BURB BURB (D/M/Y) (#) effort harv. rel. harv. rel. harv. rel. harv. rel. (h) (#) (#) (#) (#) (#) (#) (#) (#) 09/06/2013 AM 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10/06/2013 PM 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 11/06/2013 AM 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12/06/2103 PM 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 13/06/2013 AM 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 21/06/2013 PM 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 24/06/2013 AM 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 25/06/2013 PM 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 27/06/2013 PM 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 28/06/2013 PM 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 29/06/2013 PM 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 30/06/2013 AM 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 01/07/2013 AM 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 11/07/2013 PM 4 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 12/07/2013 PM 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 13/07/2013 PM 14 24.5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 14/07/2013 AM 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 24/07/2013 PM 4 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 25/07/2013 AM 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 26/07/2013 AM 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 27/07/2013 AM 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

15 Appendix 4. Continued

Date Strata Anglers Fishing WALL WALL NRPK NRPK GOLD GOLD BURB BURB (D/M/Y) (#) effort harv. rel. harv. rel. harv. rel. harv. rel. (h) (#) (#) (#) (#) (#) (#) (#) (#) 09/08/2013 PM 4 14 0 2 0 0 0 1 2 2 10/08/2013 AM 2 4 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 11/08/2013 PM 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12/08/2013 PM 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 13/08/2013 PM 1 0.5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 14/08/2013 AM 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 25/08/2013 AM 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 26/08/2013 PM 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 27/08/2013 AM 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 09/09/2013 PM 6 11 2 11 0 0 0 1 0 0 10/09/2013 AM 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 13/09/2013 AM 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 14/09/2013 PM 10 16 8 30 0 0 0 0 0 0 22/09/2013 PM 4 19.75 9 10 0 8 0 0 0 0 24/09/2013 PM 4 5 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 25/09/2013 AM 1 1.5 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0

16 Appendix 5. Biological data collected from test‐angling, Peace River, 2013. (H/P = Heart River/Pat’s Creek, WM = Whitemud River, CR = Cadotte River, WALL = walleye, NRPK = northern pike, GOLD = goldeye, BURB = burbot, F = female, M = male)

Location Sample Species Fork length Total length Gender Maturity Age number (mm) (mm) (y) WM TA3 WALL 335 355 4 WM TA8 WALL 358 377 4 WM TA12 WALL 396 421 7 WM TA13 WALL 403 429 9 WM TA14 WALL 440 466 F Mature 7 WM TA15 WALL 432 455 F Mature 8 WM TA16 WALL 366 387 5 WM TA17 WALL 363 385 5 WM TA19 WALL 340 359 4 CR TA22 WALL 479 506 7 CR TA23 WALL 425 451 CR TA24 WALL 352 371 5 CR TA25 WALL 398 433 4 CR TA26 WALL 388 412 WM TA31 WALL 351 372 4 WM TA32 WALL 371 392 5 WM TA33 WALL 390 412 5 WM TA34 WALL 521 555 M Mature 21 WM TA35 WALL 394 418 WM TA36 WALL 473 501 5 CR TA37 WALL 399 421 6 CR TA38 WALL 390 410 5 CR TA39 WALL 395 417 CR TA41 WALL 537 576 F Mature 19 CR TA42 WALL 480 508 M Mature 8 CR TA44 WALL 429 456 M Mature 8 WM TA46 WALL 398 421 7 WM TA47 WALL 396 419 6 WM TA48 WALL 348 368 WM TA49 WALL 360 380 WM TA50 WALL 421 443 7 WM TA51 WALL 405 430 7 WM TA52 WALL 360 387 6 WM TA53 WALL 408 430 6

17 Appendix 5. Continued

Location Sample Species Fork length Total length Gender Maturity Age number (mm) (mm) (y) WM TA54 WALL 385 409 8 WM TA55 WALL 357 382 5 WM TA56 WALL 399 425 WM TA57 WALL 420 445 4 WM TA58 WALL 294 320 4 WM TA59 WALL 465 492 F Mature 5 WM TA60 WALL 396 421 6 WM TA61 WALL 360 381 WM TA62 WALL 388 412 10 WM TA63 WALL 397 422 5 WM TA64 WALL 498 545 F Mature WM TA65 WALL 355 374 WM TA66 WALL 367 390 8 CR TA67 WALL 467 491 5 CR TA68 WALL 427 458 CR TA69 WALL 387 411 4 CR TA70 WALL 415 438 8 CR TA71 WALL 496 525 11 CR TA72 WALL 426 455 9 CR TA73 WALL 423 451 10 CR TA75 WALL 438 465 8 CR TA76 WALL 390 412 CR TA77 WALL 421 446 7 CR TA78 WALL 384 409 6 CR TA79 WALL 375 396 3 CR TA80 WALL 475 497 6 CR TA81 WALL 496 528 M Mature 14 CR TA82 WALL 453 477 CR TA83 WALL 456 483 9 CR TA84 WALL 410 435 5 CR TA85 WALL 446 472 6 CR TA86 WALL 431 458 6 CR TA87 WALL 358 380 4 WM TA28 NRPK 630 660 WM TA29 NRPK 558 589 WM TA30 NRPK 623 658 CR TA40 NRPK 562 596

18 Appendix 5. Continued

Location Sample Species Fork length Total length Gender Maturity Age number (mm) (mm) (y) CR TA45 NRPK 656 696 CR TA74 NRPK 565 595 WM TA10 GOLD 350 380 WM TA11 GOLD 325 352 CR TA27 GOLD 360 388 CR TA43 GOLD 319 346 H/P TA1 BURB 429 H/P TA2 BURB 508 H/P TA4 BURB 449 H/P TA5 BURB 340 WM TA6 BURB 390 WM TA7 BURB 349 WM TA9 BURB 479 WM TA18 BURB 506 WM TA20 BURB 493 WM TA21 BURB 436

19 Appendix 6. Flow chart outlining the process used to calculate the survey area estimate, Peace River, 2013. Ovvals represent values with no variance (i.e., observed data), and rectangles represent data with variance.

20 Appendix 7. Ratio‐of‐use angler data collected within the survey area, Peace River, 2013. (UTM 11U: a = 368436 6278597, b = 362203 6297763, c = 357362 6233920, d = 365270 6245654, e = 362680 6307290, f = 357770 6231171)

Date Strata Fishing Anglers Shore Location Launch location (D/M/Y) boats fishing anglers (#) in boat (#) (#) 18/06/2013 AM 0 0 2 Pat’s Creek 07/07/2013 AM 0 0 2 Whitemud River 07/07/2013 PM 0 0 1 Pat’s Creek 07/07/2013 PM 0 0 1 Heart River 1 km upstream 22/07/2013 AM 1 2 0 Whitemud River of Whitemuda 22/07/2013 PM 0 0 2 Pat’s Creek 22/07/2013 PM 0 0 1 Heart River 04/08/2013 PM 0 0 1 Heart River 04/08/2013 PM 0 0 4 Pat’s Creek 04/08/2013 PM 0 0 2 Whitemud River 04/08/2013 PM 1 1 0 Cadotte River Whitemud River 04/08/2013 PM 1 1 0 Cadotte River Sunny Valleyb 04/08/2013 PM 0 0 1 Heart River 04/08/2013 PM 0 0 1 Pat’s Creek 04/08/2013 PM 1 3 0 Smoky River North Endc 08/08/2013 PM 0 0 1 DMI bridged 08/08/2013 PM 0 0 1 North End 08/08/2013 PM 0 0 2 Pat’s Creek 16/08/2013 PM 0 0 1 Heart River 24/08/2013 AM 1 1 0 Smoky River North End 24/08/2013 AM 0 0 1 North End 24/08/2013 AM 0 0 2 Whitemud 24/08/2013 AM 1 1 0 Cadotte River Sunny Valley 24/08/2013 AM 1 1 0 Cadotte River Sunny Valley 24/08/2013 AM 1 1 0 Cadotte River Weasels Flatse 24/08/2013 PM 0 0 1 Pat’s Creek 28/08/2013 PM 0 0 1 Pat’s Creek 08/09/2013 AM 1 1 0 Smoky River Lower Westf 08/09/2013 AM 0 0 2 Whitemud River 08/09/2013 AM 1 3 0 Cadotte River Sunny Valley 08/09/2013 AM 1 1 0 Cadotte River Weasels Flats 08/09/2013 AM 1 3 0 Cadotte River Weasels Flats

21 Appendix 7. Continued

Date Strata Fishing Anglers Shore Location Launch location (D/M/Y) boats fishing anglers (#) in boat (#) (#) 08/09/2013 AM 1 1 0 Cadotte River Weasels Flats 21/09/2013 AM 0 0 1 North End 21/09/2013 AM 0 0 2 Whitemud River 21/09/2013 PM 1 2 0 Cadotte River North End 21/09/2013 PM 1 2 0 Cadotte River North End 21/09/2013 PM 1 1 0 Cadotte River Weasels Flats 21/09/2013 PM 0 0 3 Pat’s Creek 21/09/2013 PM 0 0 2 Heart River 30/09/2013 AM 0 0 2 Whitemud River 30/09/2013 AM 1 2 0 Cadotte River Whitemud River 30/09/2013 PM 1 2 0 Cadotte River Whitemud River 30/09/2013 PM 0 0 2 Pat’s Creek 30/09/2013 PM 1 1 0 Smoky River Lower West

22

Alberta Conservation Association acknowledges the following partner for their generous support of this project: