Share a Lunker Program

[MoCarp]

we REALLY need something like this in Missouri

 

 

 

[Johnsfolly]

It's a decent program in Texas. You can't spend the money on this type of program without being selective on the species. So what does this program look like in Missouri, river smallmouth, northern largemouth bass, walleye...? I would not advocate further stocking of Florida strain largemouth bass just to build trophy waters across the state. I would rather see this cover a species that is native to Missouri and develop the genetics within the state. I would also imagine that this would be a rather expensive program in order for it to be successful. That would require sponsorship. Texas probably has Toyota cornered for their program. I don't see this being viable just upon a fishing fee.

Maybe set up a trophy goldeye fishery! 

[MoCarp]

I would like to see the native river strain walleye, if it means sampling to get the brood stock..we are close to loosing the genetics that produced 20# class fish..also quality river small mouths...we have some strains in our area that are unique....something to my knowledge Missouri, Arkansas isn't doing at the moment

[tjm]

I thought walleye were nonnative, I have read that some place in the past?

 

[MoCarp]

walleyes are native to rivers in Missouri, the native strain get far bigger than the northern "lake strain" the state record of 22# came from Bullshoals downstream from power site dam....

 

[rumrunner]

I've read people used to line up along the Osage river to catch spawning walleye like we do crappie now.Even into the 1900's. The MO department of conservation lists that historical range as the reason to stock them in Truman Lake.

I really wish smallmouth bass would get the attention trout do in MO.

[Johnsfolly]

It seems that the goal with the Texas program is to raise larger bass to increase out of state fisherman coming to fish these lakes with the hooe of catching a 10+ lb florida strain or hybrid largemouth bass. These lakes must get a tremendous amount of fishing pressure. I would agree that a program to protect as well as enhance the native genetics like the river walleye would greatly benefit that species. The problem is how to do that program without increasing the fishing pressure on these species and how does it get funded without bringing in money from outside of MO? Also there needs to be a lot of pressure to release fish. In the case of walleye that is going to be a huge uphill battle. Trophy stamps may work but very hard to effectively manage. Worth a continued conversation.

[rumrunner]

I agree the Texas program isn't the answer.Increased tourism to fish MO is a good thing.Look at how many people from other states hunt deer and Turkey here.I don't like fishing in a crowd either.But I believe the best answer for increased pressure is more fish and habitat.

I know its tough to find that middle ground.

[MoCarp]

great fishing = more fishermen = worse fishing...theres the rub isn't it?

[mojorig]

MoCarp,

 

MDC is raising Black River Strain of Walleye to be stocked in the Black River drainage only.