Recreational fishery in Alto Lindoso reservoir (River Lima, north Portugal)

Abstract

The presence of anglers in Alto Lindoso reservoir, at the Peneda Geres National Park, was noted during the entire fishing seasons of 1995 and 1996. Anglers presence was irregular, more intense on weekends and holidays, declining as the season progressed. Site choice was mainly determined by road accessibility. Inadequate fishing conditions, the poor and irregular catch results, and the changes in the fish community of the recent Alto Lindoso reservoir might be the causes for the observed decline of angler competition. Study of the fish community, based on angleris catch and gill net samples, revealed that the fish community was mainly formed by Iberian cyprinids. Angling appraisal and knowledge of the fish communities is needed before the development of a correct management strategy.