Long-Term Trends of the Brook Trout Recreational Fishery in the Province of Quebec

Brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) is declining throughout their native range. Nevertheless, it is the most exploited sport fish in the province of Quebec. In this study, we assessed the status and trends of the brook trout recreational fishery occuring in relation with fishing pressure, stocking frequency and competitive species. Recreational catch data collected from 1980 to 2010 on more than 4000 lakes managed with annual quota were used to evaluate trends in fishing pressure, mean weight and fishing success. Fishing pressure has decreased by 32% between 1980 and 2010 and the fishing success has diminished from 7.2 to 5.5 catches per angler-day. During the same period, the average weight of brook trout has increased from 140 to 180 g. In lakes where the fishing pressure has increased, the fishing success decreased more dramatically and the increase in weight was less than in the other lakes. Fishing success and mean weight are stable when lakes where stocked at least once every four years. Trends in fisheries statistics were little influenced by competitive species. Changes observed in the brook trout recreational fishery since the last 30 years highlight the need to enhance management strategies for this very important sport fish.