Assessment of angler use and satisfaction of urban-based fisheries in South Dakota

Angler participation has been declining across the United States, particularly amongst younger age groups.  To enhance fishing opportunities for anglers (both young and old), several state agencies have adopted urban-based fisheries programs that target anglers near populated areas.   We conducted creel surveys on five urban lakes in South Dakota (0.405-11.74ha) from April to November.  Here, we use survey data to assess angler use, harvest, and satisfaction.  Study lakes experienced higher angling pressure (1,222.18 h/ha, SE=66.43) compared to non-urban fisheries (29.63 h/ha, SE=0.38) with most anglers (77%) reporting satisfaction with the fishing experience.  Generalist anglers were the most common constituent (49-53% per lake), though rainbow trout were the most targeted species in lakes where they were stocked (69-100%).  Total catch rates significantly influenced angler use (r²=0.94, d.f.=3, p<.001) and satisfaction (r²=0.99,d.f.=3, p<.001), while harvest rates did not appear to do so (r²=0.33,d.f.=3, p= 0.315).  Participation by anglers younger than age 25 was significantly higher than statewide averages in two of the five study lakes (South Brook East χ²= 23.3, p<.0001; Interstate Lake χ²=15.9, p<.0001).   Our results indicate that efforts to recruit and retain new anglers may be improved by managing for increased catch rates in urban-based fisheries in South Dakota.