LANSING – As this year’s open-water fishing season gets underway, anglers at many lakes, rivers and Great Lakes ports may encounter Michigan Department of Natural Resources fisheries staff collecting data about their fishing experiences.

DNR creel clerks are stationed at boat launches and piers around the state, asking anglers questions as they return from fishing trips. Information will be requested on trip length, target species and number and type of fish caught. In some cases, the clerks may ask to measure or weigh fish and to take scales or other body parts for aging — data that is key to helping the DNR manage state fisheries.

“The information we gather from anglers helps us get a clearer picture about fish health, movement and population trends throughout Michigan,” DNR fisheries biologist Tracy Claramunt said. “We really appreciate anglers taking a few minutes to talk with us.”

These efforts are part of the DNR’s Statewide Angler Survey Program.

Information about where creel clerks are stationed and the data they collect is available on the DNR website or by calling Claramunt at 517-282-2887 or Elyse Walter, at 517-284-5839.