The Fishery for Paddlefish at Intake, Montana during 1973 and 1974

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Abstract
Stratified estimates of fishing intensity and harvest of paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) in the Yellowstone River at Intake, Montana were made during 1973 and 1974. An estimated 25.9 and 46.3% of the fishermen were contacted during 1973 and 1974, respectively. The fishery sustained an estimated 2,386 fisherman days of use in 1973 and 3,363 days in 1974. The seasonally pooled catch rates were 0.45 and 0.39 fish per hour in 1973 and 1974, respectively. The estimated total number of fish caught was 4,544 in 1973 and 4,359 in 1974. The weight of fish removed was estimated to be 45 and 39 metric tons in 1973 and 1974, respectively. The ratio of males to females in the run was estimated to be approximately 2:1 during 1973 and 1974. Males in the catch during 1974 averaged 0.889 kg more in weight, 6.4 cm greater in length, and the dominant age group was 1 year older than in 1964. Tag returns were 14.8% in 1974; however, only 8.2 and 9.5% of males and females were kept in 1974. It was concluded that the current rate of exploitation is not detrimental to the population.

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