Buster's Big Walleye Had A Gut Full Of Bass

[Ham]

Good and interesting comments! Bill, or anyone else, I am just curious, has the MDC or AGFC given any natural reproduction percentages on the walleye in Bull Shoals? I know conditions vary yearly, but just a rough average. Also, any other info on the comment of the 15 to 20 inch class being the best spawners? I did not know that. Thanks.

i looked high and low for this beofre and maybe mojo rig will have the real deal intell and set us all straight, but my understanding is that the % of the population that is from natural reproduction is 20-35%. They hatch great, but the lack of vegetation leaves the fry very exposed and Green Sunfish take a heavy toll. So Eat a Green Sunfish and save a walleye. Lol.

[Quillback]

Yeah I remember reading something from the AGFC that they estimated that about 20% of the walleye that made it to catchable size in Beaver were naturally reproduced. That's a recollection from memory which may be faulty.

[rps]

The 15 to 20 inch spawner comment was mine and based upon much reading. First, as mentioned, there are more 15 to 20 inch fish out there. Second, think of it in terms of teenagers and 20 year olds. Fertile as heck and ready. Last, the percentage to hatch and viability goes way down in fish old enough to reach 10 pounds.

[powerdive]

My takeaway: If you wanna catch a monster, use big baits. Buster is a-rocking that pond!

Bill nailed it. Walleyes are native to the river system, but the impoundments and their fluctuating water levels don't lend themselves to recruitment of the walleye fry. Almost all starve out or get eaten in most years. The "up-north" attitude doesn't fit these waters.

Don't think the "up-north" attitude really fits the up-north waters either. That's so 80's...old In-Fisherman stuff, like spawning peaking at the full moon.

I think those numbers above are way too high for the natural fish percentage. That probably represents the occasional high-water spring situation only. I think most years, natural survival is more like in the low single digits. Mojo Rig, you got anything on this?

[Tanderson15]

I'm going to find out Sunday about the natural spawn in beaver and bull shoals. I think I was told it was pretty high in BS I do know I was told during the flood times it was pretty good. He is a supervisor for fish and game. I'll let you know.

[Walleye Jenkins]

Most die hard walleye guys do not keep the large walleyes. A would have to disagree with the 15-20 inch walleye being the best spawners. Or maybe that's a Bull Shoals thing. On the Mississippi river the best spawners are above the 20 inch mark. The slot limit is 15-20 inches. The attitude of keeping everything you catch or filleting a 10 pound walleye is very unimpressive to me, meaning not impressed. Yes you can do it and are allowed but not impressed with a mans ego. Intelligent fisherman know the hazards of eating larger fish compared to the smaller ones, yes the larger the fish the more mercury. So go ahead and eat as many big fish as you like. As far as why the Bass guys don't like walleye not sure why. Walleye fishing has always been more technical for me as they are creatures of the night for the most part. Bass fishing not nearly the challenge even know still plenty of fun.

[Tanderson15]

I agree with walleye Jenkins. I really don't know but from what I remember that's why we had the slot limit up north. I guess to old to remember anything.

[Jeff Olson]

Thanks for the replies guys! Tanderson, I hope that % - # you get will be pretty good. If not I guess I will understand a little better that it really does not matter if those Pre- Spawn females are released or not. RPS, I agree on the info, but I would be curious to know the lower #"s on the 10 lb plus fish, compared to the much-much larger amount of eggs that these big fish carry? I guess like P-D said, I am from up north and old school, and set in my ways. I kind of view it like when I used to fish muskies, if I catch a trophy size fish, if it is not going to go on the wall, I will release it to grow and to be there for another angler another day to catch, and hopefully do the same. To nice of a fish to be put in a frying pan. Plenty of eater size fish and different species out there to eat. Just like QDM- let them go & they will grow!

[powerdive]

Don't get me wrong, gents...I practice the same deal, release the larger fish. I'm from up north too. But it's a very different situation here, and spouting that opinion will NOT make a difference. Note also that those who fish the Great Lakes generally butcher the large fish they catch too.

Everybody is welcome to do as they wish, within the law. It's a choice we all make.

I always thought that the 20-25 inch fish were the most prolific spawners. I do know that the older, larger female eyes start to lose their ability to spawn successfully due to declining egg efficacy. Like humans, their functions deteriorate with age, as rps hinted.

[Walleye Jenkins]

They are just opinions. But I have influenced other fisherman in my boat in a positive way. At the end of the day how you feel when you have a nice stringer full of eaters and you released a few is priceless to me. I'm pretty sure most guides will practice this also. I've seen the same thing in the hunting world. Illinois deer populations has diminished dramatically. Your allowed two bucks and as many does as you like. Problem is some guys are slaughtering the population in their area. Then when ts to late they wonder why the population dwindled. Usually there is a lag time from when the DNR catches this and when the regulations are changed, in the mean time your favorite hunting grounds are washed up. At one time Lake of the woods almost had no walleye from over fishing. I know these are extreme examples but it does happen. I apologize for the rant. Good luck out there.