Community Fisheries in Eastern South Dakota: Angler Demographics, Use, and Factors Influencing Satisfaction

Greiner, Michael J.

Community Fisheries in Eastern South Dakota: Angler Demographics, Use, and Factors Influencing Satisfaction

Thursday, August 25, 2016: 2:00 PM

Empire A (Sheraton at Crown Center)

Michael J. Greiner , South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks, Ft. Pierre, SD

David O. Lucchesi , South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks, Sioux Falls, SD

Steven R. Chipps , South Dakota State University Department of Natural Resource Management, U. S. Geological Survey, South Dakota Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Brookings, SD

Larry M. Gigliotti , South Dakota Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, United States Geological Survey, Brookings, SD

We surveyed anglers on five community fishing lakes near Brookings, South Dakota to assess angler use and satisfaction. The community lakes attracted younger anglers when compared to statewide and national averages. Overall, satisfaction was generally high (74%) among anglers fishing community lakes. Logistic regression analysis showed that harvest rate, anglers targeting trout, familiarity with the lake, adults fishing with children, and fishing during open water periods were significantly related to angler satisfaction. Angler parties consisting of adults fishing with children were 1.7 times more likely to respond as ‘satisfied’ compared with adults-only angler groups. Fishing opportunities provided by community lakes can enhance participation by younger anglers while simultaneously providing family-oriented recreation (i.e., adults fishing with children) that enhances trip satisfaction.