The use of anglers' catches to monitor fish populations in large water bodies, with particular reference to the River Derwent, Derbyshire, England

Abstract. Nearly 2000 marked coarse fish of four species were introduced into a stretch in the middle reaches of the River Derwent. Derbyshire, England in an attempt to estimate the fish population size from catch returns. It was estimated that 800 dace, 1975 roach, 1481 chub and 366 bream were present in the reach and the density of the fish population (0·35 fish m^?2) was low. The validity of employing anglers as samplers in a mark-recapture exercise to estimate fish population size in large fisheries is discussed. Angler catch data were collected from angling clubs holding competitions on the Hoveringham Fishery on the lower reaches of the River Derwent over the period 1973/1974 to 1983/1984 to assess the impact of achange in management strategy on the fishery in 1979. Catch rates improved gradually until 1979/1980 when a dramatic increase occurred. This elevated catch rate, in excess of 400 g man-h^?1, was maintained and, in recent years, further enhanced (>500 g man-h^?1). The improvement was the result of a strong year-class of chub entering the catchable cohort and dominating anglers' catches and not the change in management policy.