Angler Distribution in Response to Rainbow Trout Stocked in a Put-and-Take Fishery

Anglers distribute themselves spatially due to a multitude of factors including non-catch-related factors and perceived catch rates.  The shift in angler distribution over time in response to a stocking event is poorly understood.  Rainbow Trout Onchorhynchus mykiss are routinely stocked in waterbodies within the Midwest to provide fishing opportunities.  In 2011, we examined a publicized urban put-and-take Rainbow Trout stocking event in Southeast Nebraska, which provided anglers with the stocking time and location.  We hypothesized that angler distribution would aggregate near the stocking location and disperse over time following stocking.  Furthermore, we hypothesized that the spatial distribution of angler catch rates would rapidly homogenize.  Using creel data from five days post-stocking, we quantified angler distribution, total effort, and catch distribution.  We observed that anglers dispersed from stocking location within several hours post stocking.  Catch rates homogenized through time but remained greatest near the stocking location.  Our results provide fishery managers with information that can be used to increase short-term angler satisfaction in put-and-take fisheries.