Lake Choice for Northern Pike Fishing: A Comparison of Darkhouse Spearers and Anglers

We examine lake choice for Minnesota northern pike Esox lucius anglers and spearers, using results from surveys conducted in 2010. Understanding angling site choice is important in the recreational management of fisheries in order to forecast angling demand and effort. Discrete choice modeling was used to estimate preferences in lake choice. Lake characteristics included: northern pike population expectations (size and abundance), northern pike regulations, and distance from primary residence. Models included: (a) lake characteristics only, (b) lake characteristics and angler demographics, and (c) lake characteristics with angler demographics and catch orientation. Regulations significantly affected lake choice for northern pike. Distance from primary residence also had a big impact on lake choice. Northern pike population expectations had a moderate impact on lake selection. Demographic characteristics had a limited influence on lake choice for northern pike fishing. Angler catch orientation interacted significantly with other lake attributes to predict lake choice in the models. In particular, respondents who indicated that they released more of the northern pike they caught were more open to the variety of regulatory options, including catch-and-release only regulations. The results clarify the trade-offs that anglers make when selecting a place to fish for northern pike.