AGFC Fish Goals, Objectives, and Strategies
The goal for AGFC is to "provide a diverse recreational trout fishing experience that addresses the full range of angler desires and expectations within the biological and physical capacities of the tailwater." This goal was set in 2006, with a desired completion year of 2011. In order to reach this goal, trout management officials have set several objectives and strategies:
- By 2011, achieve a rainbow trout population in Beaver Tailwater that meets the following criteria:
- Electrofishing catch rate of > 25 fish/hr for fish 13-16 in.
- Electrofishing catch rate of > 5 fish/hr for fish > 16 in.
- Maintain an average angler catch rate of nearly 1 fish/hr.
- Maintain a brown trout population in Beaver Tailwater that meets the following criteria:
- Electrofishing catch rate of ≈ 55 fish/hr.
- Electrofishing catch rate of ≈ 20 fish/hr for fish 13-16 in.
- Electrofishing catch rate of ≈ 10 fish/hr for fish > 16 in.
So how do they plan to meet these lofty goals? Well, lets start with the first. To achieve the desired population of rainbows, trout management officials will monitor growth and mortality rates through a mark-recapture program. This will give them an idea of how close they are to reaching this goal. Additionally, AGFC personnel stocks the tailwater with 96,000 catchable rainbows annually. These fish are on average 11 inches in length. Finally, the AGFC has instituted a new "no bait fishing" zone to reduce angler conflict and allow for assessing hooking mortality.
To achieve the desired brown trout population, the AGFC plans to stock brown trout at a rate of 5,000 fingerlings with an average length of 6 inches on a biennial basis. They also will use the results from a mark-recapture study to assess the successes of the programs. Finally, throughout the tailwater, the AGFC has instituted the following angling regulation package:
- 13-16 inch protected slot limit for all trout. Any trout caught within this slot limit must be released immediately.
- Daily bag limit of 5 trout, only one of which can be over 16 inches.
- Single barbless hook restriction on bait fishing to reduce hooking mortality of released trout.
So how are the trout management officials doing?
2009 AGFC Annual Report
Trout Program personnel conducted their annual population survey of Beaver Tailwater trout in September 2009. Overall, the population rates remained roughly the same from the previous year. However there is good news; it appears the tailwater is starting to produce bigger fish. As I mentioned above, in 2006 the AGFC instituted a 13-16 protected slot limit. At that time, roughly seven percent of rainbows were within the slot limit while none measured greater than 16 inches. For the past 3 years this figure remained about the same, as no substantial change was reported. This was due in part to an inability to measure the water in 2008 following substantial flooding and high water. However, as of the 2009 sample, the proportions of fish within (23%) and above (1%) the slot limit are much higher than in 2006. Additionally, the mean size of rainbows in the tailwater has increased slightly less than one percent. While one percent is not a substantial number, it is important to remember that this is the average size of rainbows. The important figure here is that more fish are within and above the slot limit. This means bigger fish.
Further, the average size of brown trout has increased by nearly 2 inches since 2006. However, it is important to remember that data collected for brown trout is inconsistent from year to year, and likely fluctuates in response to when fish were stocked in the tailwater. Nonetheless, it appears the program is on track to meet its population goals.
The AGFC Trout Program also began an ongoing study to measure the growth and mortality rates of rainbows and browns in the Beaver Tailwater. The program has tagged numerous rainbow with wire tags for easier identification and recapturing. The length data collected demonstrated a growth of less than 1 inch in the first three months of the program (July through December). At that rate, it would take a rainbow trout stocked at 11 inches 1.5 years to grow into the slot limit and over 3 years to grow out of it. Brown trout growth, on the other hand, is much faster. Preliminary estimates from the studies being conducted indicated that brown trout are increasing in size at a rate of roughly 6 inches per year.In regards to mortality rate, shortly after the July stocking, Trout Program personnel began monthly samples. The results indicate that at approximately 5 months after being stocked, mortality of the rainbow trout will approach 100%. This number was not as high for the November stocking, most likely because of factors such as angling pressure and harvest differential. This data will continue to be monitored to obtain seasonal growth and mortality rates.
The Other Side Fly Analysis
After analyzing the above information, we at TOSFly believe the AGFC is doing an excellent job of improving the fish quality in the Beaver Tailwater. The data is already indicating bigger fish and a steady population. In the reports we have already seen this year, the tailwater is definitely producing some large fish including several 20+ inch browns below the dam. If this management pattern continues, don't be surprised if this stream becomes more of a hot spot and destination for Arkansas anglers.
So, if you are ever in or around Carroll county and feel up to it, go out and press your luck against the bruisers swimming around in Beaver Tailwater. And as always, remember to cast to The Other Side! Have fun guys.
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