Bi-national sport fishing survey on Lake Memphremagog

The Memphremagog MRC, Memphremagog Conservation Inc., the Quebec Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks, and the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department have joined forces in a Bi-national Angler Survey on Lake Memphremagog that began at the end of last year and continues through November 2020.

Two clerk teams - one for the Canadian portion of the Lake, the other for the American portion - will interview anglers on the lake 4 days per week, including Saturdays and Sundays during the survey period. Survey activities will include visual counts of anglers, interviews with anglers to obtain information about fishing efforts, catches and harvest rates and biological data such as the length, weight, and age of fish kept by anglers.

The Great Lakes Fishery Commission funded the two-year survey. Three quarters of the lake is in Quebec, but the watershed is in Vermont.

Pete Emerson, Fisheries Biologist with Vermont Fish & Wildlife pointed out that the information gathered is extremely useful in helping manage the lake's fish populations.

Emerson said all information shared with the survey clerks will remain confidential. "Ultimately, anglers providing honest, accurate information will allow you to manage the resource and ensure that quality fishing opportunities remain in Lake Memphremagog for years to come," he said.