AUTHORS: Cade Naughton, Eastern Illinois University; Daniel Roth, Eastern Illinois University; Eden Effert-Fanta, Eastern Illinois University; Robert Colombo, Eastern Illinois University
ABSTRACT: The catfish fisheries of the Wabash River is of great historical, cultural, and economic importance to both commercial and recreational anglers. However, this population has declined significantly over the last few decades due to overfishing and other anthropogenic stressors. Catfish populations in the Wabash River require interjurisdictional management strategies as these species are commercially exploited by Illinois and Indiana anglers. This study served to assess the population demographics of three catfish species within the Wabash River, Channel Catfish (Ictalurus Punctatus), Blue Catfish(Ictalurus Furcatus), and Flathead Catfish(Pylodictis Olivaris). Results will inform agencies to make better management decisions to ensure population sustainability. We conducted targeted Catfish sampling in three sections of the Wabash River (border commercial reach, Indiana commercial reach, and non-commercial reach) and a portion of the White River using hoop nets electrofishing (high and low frequency). Different gear types were used to accurately represent species and age distribution in the system. The results showed higher relative abundance in the non-commercial reach and the White River at the sites furthest away from the confluence with the Wabash River compared to the commercially exploited reaches of the Wabash. We also found a low abundance of larger individuals in the commercially exploited reaches. The current harvest regulations only prohibit harvest of Channel Catfish under 13 inches and restrict harvest of those over 28 inches to one per day. Blue and Flathead Catfish also have a 13 inch minimum harvest regulation, but those as large as 35 inches have no harvest limit. Due to the lower relative abundance of catfish and low abundance of larger individuals in the commercial reaches of the Wabash River, we recommend putting a limit on the total number of catfish harvested per day, and a shorter trophy size limit. Implementing a more strict management strategy would help to strengthen the fisheries in both relative abundance and size structure, ensuring that sustainable populations of catfish are available to recreational and commercial fishermen for years to come.
