Rip Rap

[cwater]

Are the walleye moving toward the dam yet? I haven't been able to get out much because of work.

[Dutch]

If they are people sure are keeping it quiet.

[Bird Watcher]

I would think it's been way too cold still, but I am by no means an expert on them. I have seen a lot of them caught up there, but had very little success myself.

I think the water temp has to come up to the high 40s before that really turns on.

[straw hat]

Walleye spawning is controlled by photoperiod (daylength). Extremely cold or snowy conditions will only postpone spawning a few days at the most. During cold winters in our northern states walleye have even been shown to spawn under the ice. White Bass spawning is also controlled by photoperiod. Of course they spawn a lot later in the spring. All of our warm water species are heavily effected by water temperature while species like bass and crappie spawning are nearly completely controlled by water temperature.

[straw hat]

I just wanted to clarify my earlier statements. Obviously it is not spawning time yet. This would be the prespawn season now. In addition I would like to note that obvously note all walleye spawn at the same time. Walleye spawning typically lasts about 3 to 4 weeks in Missouri. And when the correct daylength is reached up north the northern walleye will usually be spawning at water temperatures of 41F to 44F unless it has been a severe winter then he temperatures may be lower. Our waters, being warmer, by the time the days are long enough for spawning the temps are 46F to 48F.