With all the recent concerns about the walleye hitting crisis levels, I have a question for all you deep thinkers, why doesnt the state start stocking the lake with walleyes? I know that this would be extremely expensive but if the harvest limits are cut, the local communities around the lake areas will be greatly affected financially. The money lost in local revenue would have to be close to that of which the state would spend to raise a few million fingerlings (5-8 inch) each year. Each year the state does release a few million saugeyes throughout our lakes and this alone brings people here from all over the Midwest for fishing. Lowering the limit or losing the title of walleye capital of the world, would def. keep many from traveling to our wonderful lake to fish. I know that with the reduction in limits, charters, hotels restaurants, bait shops, and even gas stations will feel the hit with many probably going under. I am not saying that the state has to produce 25 million fingerlings but maybe a few million each year to compensate for the possible poor hatches that Mother Nature throws at us. Thanks ahead for your responses
cramerk
No need to stock IMO..it is a natural walleye fishery that shouldn't be F'ed with...High and low years are all part of the cycle...its been happening for hundreds of years. Limits can be adjusted according to prospective years and thats about all I'd agree to.
I'd vote for lowering the limit in the lean years.nothing wrong with C&R,no need to feed the neighborhood with our catches,I'm not sure stocking is feasible in lake erie considering what it would take to make a difference.my 2 cents.
I don't know the science to guessing, or estimating the walleye population in Lake Erie, but I find it hard to believe that the ODNR can accurately estimate the population in a 10,000 square mile lake. They claimed a population of over 42 million walleyes that were over two years old in '07, and now they claim the population at 18 million, claiming they were wrong in '07. It's possible that they were right in '07, and wrong now, in my opinion. Last year, I boated a ton of walleyes in the 10-12 inch range. I haven't boated that many sub-legal fish since '05, when we had the boom hatch of '03. I had just as many 30-40 fish days last year than I did when the '03 hatch was of legal size. The fishing for the last two seasons was nothing short of stupendous.
Don't get me wrong, I'd happily go along with whatever they deem necessary to keep the numbers up, I just don't agree with the numbers that they've come up with. Of course, I could be way off base.
Don't get me wrong, I'd happily go along with whatever they deem necessary to keep the numbers up, I just don't agree with the numbers that they've come up with. Of course, I could be way off base.
I have attended three presentations by Travis Hartman of the ODNR outlining the walleye status in Lake Erie. The presentations have have changed each time due to the methods used in an effort to make the walleye count and prediction more accurate. If you would take the time to attend these presentations and listen to what is presented, then ask your questions or offer your comments with the expectation of having them answered, you may be better prepared to comment on a subject as complimated as the past, current, and future walleye population. There is little doubt in my mind that ODNR is doing a good job in addressing problems as well as working with Canada, Michigan, Pennsylvania and New York in an effort to establish the best methods to produce more comprehensive and accurate control data.
A good parallel example is our current perch population which has rebounded due to the efforts and activity of the ODNR along with the dedicated sportsman that took the time to be part of the meetings that led to the revised commercial fishing regulations.
A good parallel example is our current perch population which has rebounded due to the efforts and activity of the ODNR along with the dedicated sportsman that took the time to be part of the meetings that led to the revised commercial fishing regulations.
The perch population has rebounded because of a good hatch or two, which is all we need for the walleye population. As far as the walleye population being in such bad shape, I'm not sure I beleive the DNRs estimates. Last year was my personal best year for walleye. 90% of the walleyes I caught were post '03 fish, most of which rainged 17 to 20". There seemed to be an aweful lot of fish swimming around the western basin last July and August.
What we should do is shut down all those "fishing only" marinas over near the power plant. Those guys stay in their campers all weekend drinking beer all night and fishing all day.......many many limits come back to those camp grounds, and they never have to take the kids, grandkids, and wives on "boat rides" around the islands wasting valuable fishing time and fuel....shut em' down is what I say.....! Give the fish a break...!
Stocking has a low return on investment due to survival rates of fingerlings that run in the 20-30% range in the first year. That and the risks of not fully understanding the impact to the full carrying capacity of the lake and not just one species.
(Example ...Not looking long term like Asian Carp once thought a good idea by wildlife biologists)
Het... I agree and I am going try again on the numbers are out a whack question...lol...
The problem seems to be that the models are flawed and the competition for research funding resources.
(Flaws are documented in the Great lakes TAC executive summary I am not pulling that out of the air or some where dark)
There is a weak incentive and limited funding for those who do biological research especially in this area at the universities. This research is used by the ODNR and Great lakes agencies to resolve the issues with the models used to calculate the full carrying capacity of the lake to support a sustainable fishery.
An example of this is the University of Toledo and University of M-word spends a great deal of biology budget on genetic research. That is the work that is being funded and therefore focused on.
Where there are significant holes in the data models are in areas such as environmental mortality. For example, we need to have a better grip on what changes in the environment impacts the mortality of fish.
The question then becomes how do we create incentives for the appropriate funding into the projects that support our interests in a stronger walleye fishery.
(Example ...Not looking long term like Asian Carp once thought a good idea by wildlife biologists)
Het... I agree and I am going try again on the numbers are out a whack question...lol...
The problem seems to be that the models are flawed and the competition for research funding resources.
(Flaws are documented in the Great lakes TAC executive summary I am not pulling that out of the air or some where dark)
There is a weak incentive and limited funding for those who do biological research especially in this area at the universities. This research is used by the ODNR and Great lakes agencies to resolve the issues with the models used to calculate the full carrying capacity of the lake to support a sustainable fishery.
An example of this is the University of Toledo and University of M-word spends a great deal of biology budget on genetic research. That is the work that is being funded and therefore focused on.
Where there are significant holes in the data models are in areas such as environmental mortality. For example, we need to have a better grip on what changes in the environment impacts the mortality of fish.
The question then becomes how do we create incentives for the appropriate funding into the projects that support our interests in a stronger walleye fishery.
I know what we can do. Let's ban trolling!! Not only will we be "Green" by saving gas, but without trolling a lot of folks couldn't catch fish. :O) Just kidding. I agree that the DNR has the best interest of all of us in mind in handling the lake and conservation. We just need to follow the rules and hope we get some above average hatches before it ever gets to a critical level.
Hey Double J - They did lower the limit in the lean years. I (and I would guess you), remember when my daily limit was either 8 or 10 walleye in the 80's. That being said I am not unhappy taking home 6 plump walleye to be filleted for the table. More than enough fillets to be shared.
In my opinion, the lake is just experiencing a cycle. Some years are good, others are bad. There are, however, two issues that I feel have a tremendous effect on the hatch ratio.
#1 To the best of my knowledge, most of the good spawning reefs are not far from the mouth of the Maumee river. Obviously, when the river runs outrageously high due to heavy rains ( and the run off from the farm fields) it deposits silt that smothers the eggs to the point the a good hatch is nearly impossible. I feel that this has the most drastic effect on the hatch.
#2 Canadian commercial fishing. I think this speaks for itself.
As a final note, I've noticed a growing number of fisherman who do a lot of catch and release fishing for walleyes. This, to me, seems very strange since it's usually a race to see how fast one can obtain their limit. I think it's terrific! They remove a few fish from the system, but release majority of their catch, including always releasing the big ones! Catch and release has been proven to be extremely successful every time that their are many participants. Just take a look at muskie or bass populations. It's a no brainer.
Now, by no means am I saying we shouldn't keep walleyes. I love to eat them just as much as the next guy, but it's a responsibility that we, as fisherman, should share and take part in.
#1 To the best of my knowledge, most of the good spawning reefs are not far from the mouth of the Maumee river. Obviously, when the river runs outrageously high due to heavy rains ( and the run off from the farm fields) it deposits silt that smothers the eggs to the point the a good hatch is nearly impossible. I feel that this has the most drastic effect on the hatch.
#2 Canadian commercial fishing. I think this speaks for itself.
As a final note, I've noticed a growing number of fisherman who do a lot of catch and release fishing for walleyes. This, to me, seems very strange since it's usually a race to see how fast one can obtain their limit. I think it's terrific! They remove a few fish from the system, but release majority of their catch, including always releasing the big ones! Catch and release has been proven to be extremely successful every time that their are many participants. Just take a look at muskie or bass populations. It's a no brainer.
Now, by no means am I saying we shouldn't keep walleyes. I love to eat them just as much as the next guy, but it's a responsibility that we, as fisherman, should share and take part in.
I saw Travis on Sun at BPS and he said they know this is not an exact survey but are trying to compile numbers through the years and it sounded they are just really getting started compiling info. Lets hope that your right Het with all those under fish and get a couple good hatches and all will be well. It would be nice if the Canuck commercial fisherman would start playing fair that would really be nice, you hear way too many stories about them cheating for it not to be true. As far as catch and release that is a great thing, the thing I cant understand is the retired western basin fisherman that fish every day that it is under 4 ft waves and limit out usually , what do they do with all that fish !!! If you caught 6 to 12 fish most guys fish with there wives say 4 to 5 days a week April thru July or Aug or Sept they are the ones that could probably back off a little bit but a majority of there fish are males. I wish we had the answers but we will have to let Mother Nature take care of it. Thanks for giving me a chance to rant a little Joe
Maybe the answer is to put a possesion limit for X amount of days. I like to come there and fish 3-4 days and love to bring home limits so I have fish in my freezer I only fish there about every 4-6 weeks. So the no possesion limit works for me but I can see how that could be abused.
I have to agree with Het that the numbers they report are incorrect. Counting fingerlings in a certain area is only a "guess" at the population. It is no different than those of us chasing the fish around the lake all summer/winter long, one day the fish are there and the next day they are gone. Often they are not far away, but the masses do not stay in any given area for too long. I can only surmise that the fingerlings do the same thing. The walleye fishing can be great on any given day with no rhyme or reason, and can go completely the other way on the next day. Just my 2 cents!!!!
I agree and I equate the walleye of lake Erie to Tuna in the gulf of Mexico and the oceans. They are Palegic in other words they follow the bait walleye of lake Erie do not hold to structure like they do on inland lakes. A whole nuther nut to crack.
CPR......I cringe when I see pics of a couple dozen 'eyes by the same guys on the driveway or a board. I'm not saying they're not allowed & I'm not saying I'm telling them to stop it. I'm just saying I cringe.
I think we need a fisheries biologist to tell us what size is best to release, reproduction-wise. Do the 28"+ fish produce the most viable eggs or is it the 23-26" fish that do?
And I'm ready for open water season.......
ErieBoy75
I think we need a fisheries biologist to tell us what size is best to release, reproduction-wise. Do the 28"+ fish produce the most viable eggs or is it the 23-26" fish that do?
And I'm ready for open water season.......
ErieBoy75
Apart from the sheer science of stocking walleye in LE, I think ODNR has done it right by stocking saugeye in inland waters. I don't think people drive to Ohio to catch them (like they do walleye), but I know that "locals" enjoy the plentiful harvest and year-round fishing. There are lots of folks who simply can't fish Erie but they can fish their local water for saugeye. Besides, putting more saugeye in people's back yard increases the number of walleye per angler in Erie. This last "fact" may be a drop in the bucket, but I know folks who simply don't go to Erie any more since they can catch quality saugeye (size, numbers, taste) locally.
) locally.If you read the Ohio Sea Grant board you will find that they have told us over and over what fish are the best producers, but people who don't want fishermen to keep fish never agree with the right answer, they always want the experts to agree with them. As for stocking, READ the Sea Grant board -- IT IS NOT feasible and not in the best interest of Lake Erie.
Fran the problem as I see this is that what do you do when all you catch are 25-27" walleye? I honestly rarely if ever catch many of the below 24" I agree with Hetfield I think the numbers are off of what the ODNR reports and no it isn't an exact science. I honestly don't think anyone has the "correct answer".
If I would have a vote in this I would say close walleye season from ice out to May 1st and let the fish spawn then go with things as they are. Maybe cut back on the netters of Canada also.
For the guys that think the western basin retiree's/campers take daily limits, I say that's a bunch of HOGWASH...! Most of the one's I know, seldom limit every time they go out. I know very few that even fish every single day. After around mid June (Mayfly's), most will start perch fishing for the remainder of the season.
Last summer was extremely good throughout the summer for walleye. But most guys did not want to make the long runs to find the fish which is typical FOR that time of year...but the fish were definately there all season.
As Het mentioned, I caught a bunch of 10-14 inch fish last season which indicates these fish were likely 2-3 year old's. The 2006-07 hatch was not suppose to have been a good hatch. That said, those hatches must have been a lot better than the numbers indicated. Erie is an enormous body of water and it's impossible to get an accurate estimate of the walleye population.
Last summer was extremely good throughout the summer for walleye. But most guys did not want to make the long runs to find the fish which is typical FOR that time of year...but the fish were definately there all season.
As Het mentioned, I caught a bunch of 10-14 inch fish last season which indicates these fish were likely 2-3 year old's. The 2006-07 hatch was not suppose to have been a good hatch. That said, those hatches must have been a lot better than the numbers indicated. Erie is an enormous body of water and it's impossible to get an accurate estimate of the walleye population.
Erieeye, you mentioned the Perch population rebounded because of a good hatch or two. Seems if the Perch had a good hatch, the Walleye should of as well under the same conditions. I think perhaps the Perch rebounded some because the Walleye have not been thinning them out as much. Even if we have a good population of Eyes, it is lower I'm sure. Big Eye's eat little Perch of course. And Big Perch eat little Eye's. So with a healthier Perch population, we will lose a lot more Walleye fry to predation for sure. Big sheephead, white bass and white perch eat little eyes too! And since Walleye fishing has been so good and easy, a lot of people haven't bothered with Perch and that had to help the Perch as well.
If I had my own way, I would lower the limit in October when we're all mostly Hawg hunting anyway and keep it down until March 1st. Then, I would count up all the money they spend or research, trawling or whatever isn't an exact science, in all the US States bordering Lake Erie and send it to Canada in trucks. I would buy out all the Canadian trawlers, make them rich for life so they would stop taking Walleye commercially. Raise em on a farm or catch em yourself. I know the Canucks have a right to em, so buy em off forever; that would have to help in the long run. Probably cost less to buy em off then to keep guestimating what we have swimming. Set a limit and forget it after that, on Perch and Eyes because when you mess with one, you mess with the other.
If I had my own way, I would lower the limit in October when we're all mostly Hawg hunting anyway and keep it down until March 1st. Then, I would count up all the money they spend or research, trawling or whatever isn't an exact science, in all the US States bordering Lake Erie and send it to Canada in trucks. I would buy out all the Canadian trawlers, make them rich for life so they would stop taking Walleye commercially. Raise em on a farm or catch em yourself. I know the Canucks have a right to em, so buy em off forever; that would have to help in the long run. Probably cost less to buy em off then to keep guestimating what we have swimming. Set a limit and forget it after that, on Perch and Eyes because when you mess with one, you mess with the other.
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