Creel census information availible for TVA reservoirs consisted largely of samples of the catch during the peak spring fishing period. Estimates of total fishing pressure were scarce and economic data nonexistent. To obtain such information, TVA and the Tennessee Game and Fish Commission conducted a one-year sport fishing survey of Norris Reservoir. This report describes census design and methods developed with the assistance of the Institute of Statistics at North Carolina State University. The reservoir was divided into three major areas. Expanded estimates of boat and bank fisherman use, catch, and expenditures in each area were completed biweekly. Total hours of pressure and numbers of fishermen were determined from aerial counts and boat rental records from selected boat docks. Harvest information was collected by creel clerks Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday, and two other week days selected randomly. Economic data were obtained from 10 per cent of the fishermen contacted.
