Shad Kill Report 02-19 Thru 02-21

[JamiePatterson]

We caught several above the state park around the time Ham spoke of. We ate 'em, they were delicious

[BFTMASTER]

So is it catch and release for trout species only? or are we talking about breaking laws? I caught several in the C&R years ago and let them go because I don't like trouble. I anchored in the eddy just left of the outlet and was swinging Rapala's into a hole that was producing a walleye or nice trout on every cast. The walleye always felt like I was hung and a stick trying to pull it against the current. Yes, I switch my hooks to barbless or smash.

[snagged in outlet 3]

"The true test will be in the middle of an epic trip 3years down the road."

Do tell.

Pete

[Ham]

I assume JP was talking about keeping eating walleye. Not knowing what regs applied to the walleye that were never intended to be in the White gave me some pause as well.

For better or worse, the White River has walleye now. I assume that the fish will find a way to survive and find a way to spawn.

[Quillback]

Does anyone know the regs. For Walleye in the white? I had a park ranger tell me that they were fair game at any size, and you could keep them in the C&R areas. That was years ago and I could never really found out on the regulations in print.

As I interpret this, only trout must be released in the C&R areas. If there are no exceptions for walleye, then state wide regulations would apply as far as length and number you can keep.

" In the following areas, trout must be released immediately. Only artificial lures or flies may be used (natural or scented baits are not allowed). All hooking points must be barbless. Chumming is not allowed. Catching bait with bait tackle is not allowed:"

[Clay Goforth]

So in regard to the Walleye in C&R, I don't know that this still holds true, but a few years ago when they opened the flood gates and dumped a bunch of them into the river, I talked to a G&F Officer about the very topic and he said, "keep em." The C&R only pertained to the trout and the walleye were seen as an invasive species that would be eating a lot of trout every year. Considering that the source of income for the white river lodges and guides is primarily tourists coming to catch trout, I think this would hold true. I wouldn't have any problem being caught with walleye in the live well in a C&R area, personally.

[Quillback]

Yes you would be good, release only applies to trout.

[JamiePatterson]

Yes, yes, should have been more clear. We certainly didn't keep any trout above the catch and release line. No law breaking going on here