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and release fishing. Total use of the upper North Platte River was unchanged for resident users, however, there was a 43% decline by non-resident users. The slowdown in the Colorado economy may partially explain the drop in use by non-residents, considering that Colorado visitors comprise a majority of the non-residents. Bank fishing pressure has declined since 1979. High flows during 1986 undoubtedly had a negative impact on bank fishing. Boat pressure in the study area remained essentially the same when compared to 1979. Boat pressure tended to increase below and decrease above Treasure Island. Catch rates within the slot limit regulation area doubled for bank fishermen and remained essentially the same for boat fishermen. Catch rates below the special regulation boundary decreased slightly for bank fishermen and remained the same for boat fishermen. There have been no significant changes in the downstream trout populations since implementation of the special regulation. Deletion of fish stocking has not had a negative effect and trout populations may be maintaining their numbers by downstream drift. The present low pressure and harvest estimates do not indicate the need for more restrictive regulations on the river below Saratoga. Indications from the 1986 fishermen survey are that in the area below the regulation boundary, 67% of fish caught are released. The percentage is higher (80%) for guided fishermen. A fishermen attitude survey was conducted during the programmed creel survey to obtain opinions on the current regulations. Of all surveyed fishermen, 94% agreed with continuing the existing fishing regulations. FUTURE PLANS The Department does not anticipate any major changes in the current regulations. The present management plan on the North Platte River provides for a diversified fishing opportunity on the same river system. Anglers below Saratoga are re 1 eas i ng a 1 arger percentage of total fi sh caught although not required to by regulation. This area provides the opportunity to that segment of the fishing public that wishes to fish with bait and keep some fish. If in the future, fishing pressure and harvest become detrimental to the trout population, more restrictive regulations may be considered. Trout popul at ions, fi shermen use and harvest will be moni tored in future years. Ri ver habitat preservat i on and improvement shoul d be encouraged. The Department is currently in the process of upgrading public fishing easements at Treasure Island, Foote, Pick Bridge and Rochelle. Improved access areas and increased public awareness of this fishery resource may serve to increase use of the upper North Platte River System. 9