Post by sam on Jul 24, 2010 13:27:43 GMT -5
Indiana Walleye Fishing, Indiana walleye
The New Hoosier angler magazine We're going to start this out with some Indiana walleye information. Providing Hoosier anglers with the Indiana fishing info they need. For all of our Hoosier eyehunters
When fast action and excellent taste matter, it’s hard to find a better fish than the walleye. Although Indiana isn’t widely known for an abundance of walleye waters, the Hoosier state does offer some fabulous walleye fishing in a number of natural lakes, reservoirs and rivers.
Walleye Waters in Indiana
Anglers pursue walleye more than any other DNR-stocked fish. Surveys indicate that of the nine fish species stocked by the DNR, walleye is No. 1.
While the walleye is native to Indiana, its natural distribution has been limited. As a result, the DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife stocks some lakes and rivers to provide walleye action for anglers.
One of the earliest recorded walleye stockings dates back to 1891. During the ‘30s, fishing enthusiasts annually placed 15-20 million fry (recently hatched walleye) in Indiana waters. The DNR began stocking walleye in 1970.
Since natural walleye reproduction is very limited and contributes little to fishing, biologists use both walleye fry and fingerlings to stock several lakes and rivers with walleye and hybrid walleye (a cross between a female walleye and a male sauger, commonly called a saugeye).
Each April, biologists collect walleye eggs from mature fish at Brookville Lake. This egg collection supplies Indiana’s entire walleye program. Biologists seek some 30 to 35 million eggs. After DNR fish hatcheries work their science, these eggs result in about 17 million walleye fry, one million 1-2 inch fingerlings and 60,000 hybrid walleye fingerlings for stocking.
The DNR currently stocks fifteen impoundments, six natural lakes and one river with walleye or hybrid walleye. Fisheries technicians conduct creel surveys by interviewing anglers. The surveys have documented good walleye fishing at:
Brookville Lake, Franklin and Union counties
Monroe Lake, Brown and Monroe counties
Cagle’s Mill Lake, Putnam and Owen counties
Kokomo Lake, Howard County
Clear Lake, Steuben County
Bass Lake, Starke County
Lake Maxinkuckee, Marshall County
Lake Sullivan, Sullivan County
Pike Lake, Kosciusko County
Pretty Lake, Noble County
Huntingburg Lake, Dubois County
Lake-of-the-Woods, Marshall County
Eagle Creek Reservoir, Marion County
Prairie Creek Reservoir, Delaware County
Summit Lake, Henry County
Fisheries biologists have also developed quality walleye fishing in the tailwaters below dams at Monroe, Salamonie, Mississinewa, Cagle’s Mill, and Freeman lakes. The St. Joseph River in St. Joseph and Elkhart counties is stocked in Indiana with Michigan-raised walleyes. Recent concerns about fish genetics in St. Joseph River motivated the cooperative walleye stocking with Michigan. Walleye Rules Anglers have a 14-inch minimum size limit on walleyes. The 14–inch minimum went into effect in 1996 because previous regulations allowed anglers to harvest stocked walleye before they could reach their growth potential. Fishermen were harvesting many 1– and 2–year-old walleyes that were only 8 to 12 inches long. To provide an opportunity for the fish to grow larger, fisheries officials created the 14–inch minimum size. Sport fishermen led the call for the size limit. Almost half of the anglers questioned in a 1994 statewide angler survey supported or strongly supported a minimum length limit for walleye. The 14–inch minimum length limit applies to all waters except the St. Joseph River in St. Joseph and Elkhart counties, the Ohio River and Sullivan Lake. The St. Joe has a 15-inch minimum size limit to duplicate Michigan’s walleye regulations on the river. Since the St. Joseph River originates in Michigan on its path to Lake Michigan, flows through parts of Indiana then returns to Michigan, one size limit throughout the river provides uniformity in fishing rules and is easier for anglers to follow. Anglers in all Indiana waters may keep up to six walleye singly or in combination with sauger or saugeye.
Walleye Fishing Techniques
Whether you are a boat or shore angler, you can catch walleye successfully.
Lake or Reservoir Fishing
Fisheries biologist Steve Andrews recommends very simple, common fishing techniques for anglers who are just starting to pursue walleye. Dedicated walleye anglers use a variety of tackle, but Andrews says that these specialized rigs are not necessary when you’re just starting out.
Fishing shad imitation or chartreuse colored crank baits along shore lines and points during low-light and dark hours, similar to bass fishing, can produce excellent walleye action. Get your lure down close to the bottom. Use six to eight pound test line.
You can also use crank baits to troll. Trolling is one of the best ways to cover large areas of water in search of walleye. Since walleye school together, you can generally catch several fish in the same area once you locate a group. Use lead head jigs, fished with or without bait, to work potential areas thoroughly.
The large opaque eyes of a walleye are very efficient at gathering light. They tend to retreat to deep, dark water during the day and move into shallower areas (5-10 ft.) to feed at night. Walleye tend to prefer rock or gravel bottoms, drop off areas and points. Standing timber areas in reservoirs can be a good place to fish for walleye in mid summer.
River and Tailwater Fishing
Similar to lake walleye fishing, crank baits and jigs with twister tails can be successful walleye lures in rivers. Biologist Gary Hudson also recommends using a spinner bait, or simply a hook with a nightcrawler or minnow suspended below a float and drifted in the current.Concentrate your efforts in slack water areas.Walleye will often feed right on the edge between slow water and swift current.
Walleye fishing in tailwaters depends greatly on the discharge from dams, but fishing can be excellent from March through May. When flows from the reservoirs are high, fish migrate upstream toward the dam. Some walleye are also flushed from the reservoir and hang below the dam. Reservoir tailwaters provide ample shore fishing areas.
Angler Rules
Anglers have a 14-inch minimum size limit on walleyes. The 14-inch minimum went into effect in 1996 because previous regulations allowed anglers to harvest stocked walleye before they could reach their growth potential.
Fishermen were harvesting many 1- and 2-year-old walleyes that were only 8 to 12 inches long.
To provide an opportunity for the fish to grow larger, fisheries officials created the 14-inch minimum size. Sport fishermen led the call for the size limit. Almost half of the anglers questioned in a 1994 statewide angler survey supported or strongly supported a minimum length limit for walleye.
The 14-inch minimum length limit applies to all waters except the St. Joseph River in St. Joseph and Elkhart counties and the Ohio River.
The St. Joe has a 15-inch minimum size limit to duplicate Michigan’s walleye regulations on the river. Since the St. Joseph River originates in Michigan on its path to Lake Michigan, flows through parts of Indiana then returns to Michigan, one size limit throughout the river provides uniformity in fishing rules and is easier for anglers to follow.
Anglers in all Indiana waters may keep up to six walleye singly or in combination with sauger or saugeye.
For more detailed information about walleye fishing, download Walleye Fishing in the Hoosier State
Walleye Tracking at Monroe Lake
Hoosier Walleye, Tracking at Monroe Lake
Fisheries biologist Debbie King holds a Monroe Lake walleye.
The Indiana DNR is studying the movements of walleye at Monroe Lake using radio telemetry. A radio tag has been surgically implanted in walleye. The IDNR will be tracking the tagged fish throughout the entire lake. The end result will be a better understanding of walleye movement and habitat selection throughout the lake. This will in turn allow biologists to manage for a better walleye fishery and improved walleye fishing at Monroe Lake.
In April, DNR fisheries biologist Sandy Clark-Kolaks and team implanted electronic transmitters in 33 walleye. A yellow spaghetti tag was attached to the back of each of the radio tagged walleye to make identification easy. These spaghetti tags are serially numbered so that individual fish can be identified by sex and length. However, some of these tags may be lost as the year progresses. The radio transmitter antenna is approximately 14 inches long and provides a reliable mark of the tagged fish, although there is no serial number on the antennae.
Click on the video below to watch a walleye being radio tagged
Based on research from other states walleye are known to frequent standing timber in coves during the spring after spawning, and to be highly mobile early in the season. As midsummer approaches, walleye tend to move deeper and to settle into a reduced home range.
Every week, the walleye team races around the entire 11,000-acre lake near Bloomington tracking the fish. The work has already yielded some interesting information. An example is that multiple spawning sites have been located throughout the lake including some tributaries. Also, each series of sightings have been placed on a lake map to provide a progressive record of the walleye distribution. As the year progresses new walleye relocation maps will be posted to this website to provide insight to anglers on walleye locations and aid them in improving fishing success.
If you catch a tagged walleye, please write down the tag number, RELEASE THE FISH, and report the catch. You can call the South Region Fisheries Office at (812) 279-1215 and ask for Sandy or Bob. You will be asked to provide the date, location of capture and tag number. If the yellow spaghetti tag is no longer on the fish, the fish should still be released, and reporting the capture would still be appreciated. I can be reached by email ( sclark-kolaks@dnr.IN.gov sclark-kolaks@dnr.IN.govThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it sclark-kolaks@dnr.IN.gov sclark-kolaks@dnr.IN.govThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ).
PLEASE BE AWARE:
Some of the fish have been found above the causeway, which is an idle zone. In order to find and locate all the fish, the tracking boat may be traveling at speeds greater than idle speed. As always caution and courtesy will be used by the boat operator.
Helpful Information
January 2009 article featured in Indiana Game and Fish entitled "Monroe Lake's World of Walleyes" (View page).
April 2009 article featured in Walleye In-Sider entitled "Dual Purpose Hoosier study benefits walleyes, lures anglers (View page 1) (View page 2)
2008 Walleye locations
The 2008 report for the walleye project has been posted. Scroll down to "Distribution and Movement of Walleye in Monroe Reservoir".
2009 Walleye locations
This will be the last posting for the project. I appreciate all your questions, comments, and support throughout this project. If you catch a tagged walleye feel free to harvest it, but we would still like the tags back. The final report should be completed next summer and it will be posted to the website. Feel free to continue to email questions and comments. Thanks Sandy.
Walleye locations for September 14th are indicated by red dots (View image). Maximum depths of fish locations, temperature and dissolved oxygen profile (View table). We went up to Pine Grove and found the four walleye still up there.
Walleye locations for August 31st are indicated by red dots (View image). Maximum depths of fish locations, temperature and dissolved oxygen profile (View table).
Walleye locations for August 21st are indicated by red dots (View image). Maximum depths of fish locations, temperature and dissolved oxygen profile (View table).
Walleye locations for August 5th are indicated by red dots (View image). Maximum depths of fish locations, temperature and dissolved oxygen profile (View table).
Walleye locations for July 31st are indicated by red dots (View image). Maximum depths of fish locations(View table)
Walleye locations for July 21st are indicated by red dots (View image). Maximum depths of fish locations, temperature and dissolved oxygen profile (View table).
Walleye locations for July 16th are indicated by red dots (View image). Maximum depths of fish locations, temperature and dissolved oxygen profile (View table).
Tag 724 was returned from an angler. This fish was harvested on May 2, 2009. Here is the tracking history of this fish which was tagged on April 10, 2008 (View image).
Walleye locations for July 6th are indicated by red dots (View image). Maximum depths of fish locations, temperature and dissolved oxygen profile (View table). Tag 724 was returned from an angler. I am still trying to get specifics. We did not go up to Pine Grove and are assuming they will stay up there all summer.
Walleye locations for June 30th are indicated by red dots (View image). Maximum depths of fish locations, temperature and dissolved oxygen profile (View table). We did not go up to Pine Grove and are assuming they will stay up there all summer.
Walleye locations for June 23rd are indicated by red dots (View image). Maximum depths of fish locations (View table). We located a couple of fish above Pine Grove from land and am guessing that 805 and 444 are up there too.
Walleye locations for June 15th are indicated by red dots (View image). Maximum depths and surface water temperatures of fish locations (View table). We lost a couple fish in the Pine Grove boat ramp area. They may be still up there but it is very difficult to navigate up there and we could not get back in there very far.
Walleye locations for June 9th are indicated by red dots (View image). Maximum depths and surface water temperatures of fish locations (View table).
I'm back tracking and should resume weekly tracking for several more months during the summer. We are seeing some very interesting patterns from tagged walleye. Walleye seemed to be hanging in the same areas as last year and walleye seem to have site fidelity to a particular area. Fish 523 was tagged in Saddle Creek in 2008 spent the summer near Fairfax returned in the spring of 2009 to Saddle Creek and now was found this week back at Fairfax (View image). Fish 464 was tagged at the causeway in 2008 spent the summer in Saddle Creek was found up by Fairfax in spring 2009 and was found this week in Saddle Creek (View image). Fish 504 was tagged at the dam in 2008 and stayed in the Fairfax area all of 2008 and so far this year (View image). I have no idea what this all means and why some fish migrate long distances and chose the location they do. Once again research only succeeds in creating more questions than answers but this fish more much more than I would have guessed.
Walleye locations for June 1st are indicated by red dots (View image). Maximum depths and surface water temperatures of fish locations (View table).
Saddle Creek spawning and site fidelity in spawning was confirmed. Walleye 523 was tagged in Saddle Creek on 4/8/09 and then moved into the other side of the lake for the rest of the year. Walleye 523 was then located in the Saddle Creek area in the spring of 2009. The fish moved up into Saddle Creek was located overnight spawning on 4/11/09. (View image) (View image-zoomed).
Walleye locations for April 17th are indicated by red dots (View image). Maximum depths and surface water temperatures of fish locations (View table). Fish seem to be mostly done with spawning and are moving to flooded timber in coves.
Walleye locations for April 9th are indicated by red dots (View image). Maximum depths and surface water temperatures of fish locations (View table).
Walleye locations for April 1st (View image). Walleye were located between 4pm and 11pm to investigate whether spawning is occuring yet.
Walleye locations for March 30th are indicated by red dots (View image). Maximum depths and surface water temperatures of fish locations (View table).
Walleye locations for March 26th are indicated by red dots (View image). Maximum depths and surface water temperatures of fish locations (View table).
Walleye locations for March 17th are indicated by red dots (View image). Maximum depths and surface water temperatures of fish locations (View table). Walleye are moving towards the dam and causeway for spawning.
Walleye locations for March 9th are indicated by red dots (View image). Maximum depths and surface water temperatures of fish locations (View table).
I have received some questions about the study from anglers and am more than happy to answer them. Feel free to email with any questions: sclark-kolaks@dnr.IN.gov sclark-kolaks@dnr.IN.govThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it sclark-kolaks@dnr.IN.gov sclark-kolaks@dnr.IN.govThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Q. There are a number of fish that have not changed location from the first time period to the last (#343 for instance), or from the second time period to the last. Are those fish alive?
A. The fish are making small movements but with the scale of the map these may not be visible. This is more evident with the map from the 24 hour tracking.
Q.The results only show about half of the number of fish tagged - is that because of
difficulty in locating the fish or because of time restraints in searching for all of them?
A. The tags we are using are different from the tags used in the wiper tracking study. In order to get tags with a longer battery life (about 2 years) we had to use tags that are not as powerful. This could be affecting our ability to hear the fish.
Sizes of the tagged fish.
Implantation Date Tag Number Floy tag Length (in) Weight (lb) Reproductive Status Status
3/31/2008 204 5548 18.8 2.3 Male Spillway
3/31/2008 225 5544 17 2 Male
4/16/2008 243 5508 18.1 1.9 Male
4/16/2008 264 5504 17 1.8 Male Spillway
4/1/2008 283 5538 18.8 2 Male
4/16/2008 302 5506 19.6 2.2 Male
4/1/2008 323 5537 17.2 1.5 Male Spillway
10/22/2008 343 5337 20.6 4.5 Unknown
4/7/2008 363 5533 19 2.8 Female
10/22/2008 384 5338 21.8 3.75 Unknown
4/9/2008 403 5528/5529 18.8 2.3 Male
3/31/2008 424 5543 18.6 2.3 Male Spillway
10/22/2008 444 5339 17 2 Unknown
4/10/2008 464 5530 25.4 5.7 Male
3/31/2008 483 5541 17.8 2.5 Male
4/16/2008 504 5502 20.8 3 Male
4/9/2008 523 5531 20.9 3 Male
3/31/2008 544 5550 22.2 3.7 Male
4/7/2008 563 5532 20.8 3.6 Female
3/31/2008 583 5542 20.3 3.5 Male
3/31/2008 603 5549 21.6 3.5 Male
4/1/2008 623 5535 23.8 6.7 Female Spillway
3/31/2008 643 5545 21.9 3.8 Male
4/1/2008 663 5539 23.1 5 Male
10/22/2008 684 5334 25.4 6.25 Unknown
3/31/2008 704 5546 21.7 3.5 Male
4/10/2008 724 5526 25.8 6.5 Male
4/2/2008 743 5534 20.1 3.5 Female
4/16/2008 764 5501 20.8 3 Male
4/16/2008 783 5509 20.1 2.6 Male
4/16/2008 805 5505 25.3 5.4 Male
10/22/2008 823 5336 24.2 5.5 Unknown
3/31/2008 843 5548 22.3 4 Male
Gearing up for Indiana walleye
Written by: Dan Eggertsen
In the natural lakes of Indiana, walleye fishing rates as one of the most popular type of catch that anglers target these days, ranking above even salmon, trout, muskies, and stripers.
In fact, only largemouth bass still seem to outrank the walleye as a favorite in the area. Of course, just a few years ago, Indiana walleye fishing had almost come to a dead halt, ranking so low on the list that it almost wasn't even considered.
This is because, while there were places that walleye could be found, they were few and far between. However, stocking programs have been put into place at several locations that are both innovative and aggressive, and the walleye population has begun to flourish throughout the state.
Perhaps it is the fact that waters in Indiana are slightly warmer than those normally preferred by walleyes, which tend to reside in the Great Lakes and further north into Canada, where the lakes and rivers remain fairly chilly year round.
While walleye grow much more quickly in warmer climates, they also have a much shorter lifespan than in cooler waters where they grow more slowly; this could contribute to smaller and sparser populations. Whatever the reason, natural walleye populations in Indiana have never faired well, and without stocking programs, it may have become highly likely that the species completely disappeared from the state.
With stocking programs at Crooked, Sylvan, and Winona Lakes well into their second decade, Indiana walleye fishing has experienced a huge boost, and some anglers have become fishermen solely of this largest member of the perch family.
While previous attempts to establish a population included both fingerlings (tiny walleye just past the egg stage) and fry (even tinier than fingerlings), new stocking ideas have taken over. What was found in the initial attempts to use these smaller, less expensive specimens is that these small fish were being eaten by larger fish at a high rate, making it impossible for a large enough sample of these tiny fish to grow and breed significant numbers of walleye. This was an investment that was costing too much considering the poor results, and some other idea was needed to boost the population for Indiana walleye fishing.
Unfortunately, the idea of stocking lakes with larger walleye specimens was extremely costly and had been ruled out initially. However, when stocking with larger fish, a greater number will survive and reproduce, saving on the number of fish needed to stock the lake and reducing the initial cost a bit.
Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is commited to providing the best walleye fishing information possible. Get more information on Indiana walleye fishing here: www.askwalleyefishing.com/
Good Fishing to all of our Indiana eyehunters !!
Indiana Fishing PO Box 1270 Martinsville Indiana 46151
Walleye Fishing in the Hoosier State
A product of fish management and angler support
Gary Hudson, Fisheries Supervisor
Tri-Lakes Fisheries Station
5570 North Fish Hatchery Road
Columbia City, Indiana 46725
e-mail: ghudson@dnr.state.in.us ghudson@dnr.state.in.usThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it T
Introduction
Although walleye are thought to be native to Indiana, distribution was limited. One of the earliest recorded stockings was made in 1891, and during the 1930's, 15 to 20 million fry were stocked annually. Modern day management began with the resumption of walleye stocking in 1970. Today, Indiana’s fisheries section annually stocks 12 impoundments, six natural lakes and two rivers with walleye or hybrid walleye
(Table 1). Total acres stocked with walleye or hybrid walleye is 34,171.
Natural reproduction is very limited and contributes little to walleye fishing in the state. Fisheries biologists have focused on providing fishing opportunities for this popular fish throughout the state, increasing sizes and numbers of walleye caught and improving angler satisfaction with walleye fishing.
Brookville Reservoir
Brookville provides some of Indiana’s best walleye fishing. Walleye harvest, documented through creel surveys conducted before the 14 inch minimum length limit was put in place, ranged from 4,500 per year to 15,100 and averaged nearly 8,100 per year. Most harvested walleye were 14-15 inches long but some 24-29 inch walleye were occasionally caught.
In 2000, fewer walleye were caught but they were a little larger, averaging 16.2 inches. The number of walleye harvested was 2,509 and 1,848 were caught and released. The 14 inch size limit and weak year classes since 1996 are reasons for smaller catches in 2000.
Annual fry stockings have exceeded 10 million for 15 consecutive years. Brookville is a 5,260-acre flood control reservoir located in Franklin and Union counties on Highway 101 approximately 30 miles south of Richmond and 50 miles northwest of Cincinnati. A fee is charged to launch boats but there are no restrictions on outboard motor size.
Monroe Reservoir
Monroe has developed into one of the best walleye fisheries in the state. In 1994, 3,816 walleye were harvested and 6,400 more were caught and released. Average length was 16.6 inches while the largest walleye harvested Indiana’s walleye record (14 lbs 4 oz) was set in the 70s and it is shared by two anglers. One of the record-setters came from the Kankakee River; the other from the Tippecanoe River. measured 28½ inches long. Over 7,000 pounds of walleye were harvested. As expected, catch and harvest numbers were lower in 2000 with the 14 inch size limit in place. Fishing was still good as 2,203 walleye were harvested and 5,198 were caught and released. Average length of harvested walleye was 16.8 inches. The largest walleye measured by the creel clerk was 26 inches. About 6% of the anglers fishing Monroe fish for walleye. The reservoir has been stocked with 1½ inch long fingerlings the past 13 years at a density averaging 36 per acre.
Monroe, the state’s largest reservoir at 10,750 acres, is accessible from State Roads 37, 46 and 50. It is located in Brown and Monroe counties about 50 miles south of Indianapolis and 10 miles southeast of Bloomington. There is a fee to launch boats but there is no limit on outboard motor size.
Cagle’s Mill Reservoir
This 1,400-acre flood control reservoir, located in Putnam and Owen counties off I-70 about halfway between Indianapolis and Terre Haute, has been stocked with 1.3- 4.3 million fry 11 consecutive years (1992-2002) to utilize the large gizzard shad population. In 2000, both fry and fingerlings were stocked in Cagle’s Mill. Stocking density in ‘01 and ‘02 averaged 2.8 million fry.
In 1996, 1,742 walleye weighing 2,106 pounds were harvested at Cagle’s Mill. These fish ranged from 8- 21½ inches long and averaged 15.2 inches. An additional 2,563 walleye were caught and released. Ten percent of the anglers interviewed during the 1996 creel survey indicated they fished for walleye or walleye in combination with another species. Anglers harvested 558 walleye weighing 952 pounds from Cagle’s Mill in 2001. These fish ranged from 11 to 26½ inches long and averaged 16 inches. An additional 4,656 walleye were caught and released. Best fishing was in May and July. In 2001, 14% of the fishermen interviewed stated they were fishing for walleye or walleye and another species. A daily or annual fee is charged to launch boats and outboard motors are permitted.
Kokomo Reservoir
This 484-acre impoundment is located three miles east of Kokomo in Howard County. Boat launching is free and outboard motors are permitted.
From 1989 through 1997, the reservoir was stocked with saugeye, a walleye x sauger cross. Concerns for the genetic integrity of native sauger downstream of Kokomo Reservoir prompted fisheries biologists to change the stocking strategy from hybrid walleye to walleye. Starting in 1998, Kokomo has been stocked each year with walleye fingerlings at 50 per acre.
The most recent measure of fish harvest was in 1996 when a seven month long creel survey was conducted. An estimated 821 hybrid walleye were harvested and 790 were caught and released. Average length was 15.3 inches and highest harvest occurred in May (63%) followed by June (17%). An updated measure of fish harvest, fishing pressure and angler interest in walleye fishing at Kokomo is planned for 2003.
Clear Lake
Clear Lake is an 800-acre natural lake located five miles east of Fremont off State Road 120 in Steuben County. There is a public access site on the east side of the lake and outboard motors are permitted. The lake has been stocked 19 consecutive years (1984 through 2002) with 1½ long fingerlings. Stocking density since 1988 has averaged 108 fingerlings/acre. A creel survey was conducted April-October, 2001 to measure walleye harvest five years after implementing the 14 inch minimum length limit. Walleye harvest totaled 613 with an additional 781 caught and released. These fish ranged in length from12 to 21 inches and averaged 16.1 inches. Twelve species were observed in the catches and walleye ranked number one by weight. Over half of the walleye harvested were 16 inches or longer. Walleye harvest was highest at Clear Lake in July followed by August.
Lake Maxinkuckee
Maxinkuckee, the state’s second largest natural lake at 1,854 acres, is located at the town of Culver near State Roads 10 and 17 in Marshall County. Public access is free but parking spaces are limited. Outboard motors are permitted. Maxinkuckee has been stocked with 1½ inch fingerlings (100/acre) the last 12 years (1991 through 2002).
Fewer walleyes were harvested in 1999 (1,352) compared to 1996 (3,198) but that was expected as small fish were protected by the 14 inch minimum length limit. However, average size of harvested walleye (17.2 inches) was the largest documented in six years of measuring angler catches. In addition to the number of walleye harvested, 1,646 were caught and released. Walleye were targeted by 35% of the anglers interviewed. This popular species comprised 27% of the harvest by number and ranked second to bluegill. 93% of the anglers interviewed supported the 14 inch size limit.
Bass Lake
A 6½ month long creel survey was conducted from mid-April through October, 1996. Anglers harvested 1,163 walleye and caught and released 431. Walleye made up 14% of the harvest by number and 21% by weight. July was the best month for catching walleye at Bass Lake. Most of the walleyes harvested were small, averaging 14 inches. 13% of Bass Lake’s anglers targeted walleye. The lake has been stocked with fry 14 of the past 15 years. No walleye were stocked in 2001 in an effort to reduce food competition and improve growth rates. Stocking density has also been reduced from 3,000 fry per acre to 1,500.
This shallow 1,345-acre natural lake is located about six miles south of Knox off U.S. 35 and State Road 10 in Starke County. There is a public access site on the lake and outboard motors are permitted.
Pike Lake
The lake was originally stocked with hybrid walleye at about 50 per acre and good fishing developed. Starting in 1996, 1½ inch long walleye fingerlings were stocked instead of hybrids to see if they would provide the same level of fishing as the hybrids.
The 2000 creel survey was conducted April-September. Eight species were harvested and walleye ranked second (273). An additional 1,314 walleye were caught and released and highest catches occurred in April and May. Average size of harvested walleye was 15 inches. Thirty-one percent of the anglers interviewed fished for walleye and 99 % of them supported the size limit.
T his 22 8- acre natural lake is located within the city limits of Warsaw in Kosciusko County. The lake is open to public fishing and outboard motors are permitted.
Sullivan Lake
This 461-acre impoundment is located in Sullivan County east of Sullivan, Indiana. There is a small fee charged for access and outboard motors are permitted. A relatively large population of hybrid walleye developed at Sullivan following 12 consecutive years of stocking fingerlings. A 1988 creel survey documented the harvest of 1,562 hybrid walleye at Sullivan Lake (3.3 per acre) that averaged 15½ inches in length. Starting in 1995, Sullivan Lake was stocked with walleye instead of hybrids to see if walleye could provide the same high quality fishing that the hybrids provided. After fours years of stocking walleye fingerlings, a creel survey was conducted to evaluate the fishery. Only 257 walleye were harvested in 1998 compared to 1,562 hybrid walleye in 1988. Not only were fewer fish harvested, they averaged two inches smaller than the hybrids did in 1988. In an effort to turn the fishery around, biologists went back to stocking hybrid walleye starting in 1999. About 39,000 fingerlings have been stocked each of the last four years (1999-2002). In 2002, the 14 inch minimum size limit was put in place to protect small hybrids from harvest. A creel survey is planned for 2003 to evaluate the Sullivan Lake hybrid walleye fishery.
Pretty Lake
This small natural lake (184 acres) has been stocked with walleye fingerlings 10 consecutive years at 100/acre. One hundred fifty walleye ranging from 10½ - 25 inches in length were harvested during a mid-April through September creel survey in 1996. An additional 28 walleye were caught and released. The 14 inch size limit was only in place for about one month of the survey. Average length of harvested walleye was 16.9 inches. Harvest was highest in June and July. Eleven percent of the anglers were fishing specifically for walleye and another 8% fished for walleye in combination with another species. Take State Road 3 about three miles north of South Milford, then go East on CR 500 S to reach Pretty Lake. The public access site is located on the southwest side of the lake. There is no charge to launch boats but there is a 10 mph speed limit on Pretty Lake.
Huntingburg Lake
Huntingburg Lake, is a188 acre impoundment located about two miles west of the town of Huntingburg on State Road 264. The lake has been stocked with hybrid walleye (saugeye) fingerlings 14 of the past 15 years at 50 or more per acre. During a seven month creel survey in 1997, anglers harvested 51 saugeye that averaged 18.5 inches in length. They caught and released 691. The largest saugeye taken from Huntingburg weighed over 8 pounds. Five percent of the anglers interviewed during the creel survey fished for saugeye.
Lake-of-the-Woods
Lake-of-the-Woods, located southwest of Bremen in Marshall County, is a 416 acre natural lake. A state-owned public access site is located on the southwest shore. There is no fee to launch boats and outboard motors are permitted. A creel survey was conducted April through September, 2001 to evaluate the walleye fishery. The lake had been stocked with 1½ inch long walleye fingerlings nine consecutive years, 1993-2001. Walleye ranked third in the anglers’ catches behind white bass and crappie. Walleye comprised 19% of the total fish harvest. 358 walleye were harvested and 1,703 were caught and released. Highest harvest occurred in April but April, May and June were good months for catch and release fishing. 35% of the anglers interviewed were fishing for walleye and 94% supported the 14 inch size limit.
Eagle Creek Reservoir, Prairie Creek Reservoir and Summit Lake
Walleye fisheries at these three impoundments are in the "developing"stage. Eagle Creek has been stocked six consecutive years, mostly with fry; Summit Lake four years mostly with 1½ inch long fingerlings and Prairie Creek two years with fingerlings. Based on fall young-of-the-year, and fish community survey catches, fishable walleye populations are developing at each of these waters. Eagle Creek is a 1,350 acre water supply impoundment northwest of Indianapolis, Prairie Creek is a 1,252 acre water supply for the city of Muncie and Summit Lake is a 600 acre impoundment in Summit Lake State Park north of New Castle.
Tailwater Fishing
Outstanding walleye fishing has developed below the dams at Monroe, Cagle’s Mill, Salamonie and Mississinewa Reservoirs; and Freeman Lake. Large concentrations of walleye occur at the tailwaters from March into May, depending on seasonal water temperatures and flows. Most of the fish are 15-20 inches long but some up to 29 inches long have been observed. The tailwaters provide anglers who don’t have a boat a good opportunity to catch walleye. Some of the largest walleye caught in Indiana each year come from tailwaters.
Mississinewa and Salamonie Tailwaters
Anglers caught 4,270 walleye at the Mississinewa tailwater in April and May 1997. They ranged in length from 14-25 inches. Average length was 15.2 inches. At the Salamonie tailwater, the catch consisted of 782 walleye ranging in length from 12½-28 inches. These fish averaged 17.3 inches. 86% of the anglers interviewed supported the 14 inch size limit.
River Walleye
Indiana’s fishery biologists believe there are few potential walleye lakes remaining in the state. Most lakes thought to be capable of providing walleye fishing have already been stocked and evaluated. Although walleye fishing in natural lakes and impoundments may be improved in the future through changes in fishing regulations and stocking strategies, rivers may represent the best opportunities to significantly increase walleye fishing in the Hoosier state. Stocking has produced good walleye fishing in two impoundments on the St. Joseph River. The impoundment above the Elkhart Dam has been stocked with 1½ inch long fingerlings eight consecutive years (1995-2002). In 1996, during the early years of the fishery, anglers harvested 89 walleye averaging 15.7 inches in length from the impoundment. An additional 129 walleye were caught and released. May was the best month to catch walleye in the impoundment. Fishing was also good in the tailwater below Elkhart Dam where 148 walleye were harvested and 575 were caught and released. 63% of walleye harvest at the tailwater occurred in April.
In 1999, walleye again ranked first in the anglers’ catches at the Elkhart Dam tailwater. 205 walleye weighing 280 pounds were harvested. These fish ranged from13½-20 inches long and averaged 16 inches. The number of walleye caught and released totaled 1,122. 57% of the anglers interviewed were fishing for walleye. Over 80% of the anglers supported the 15 inch minimum length limit. The Twin Branch impoundment has been stocked five consecutive years, 1998-2002. A creel survey to measure walleye catches and attitudes about the walleye program has not been conducted at Twin Branch. However, large catches of young-of-the-year walleye during fall electrofishing, and reports from anglers, indicate the population is developing well.
Large Walleye Fingerling Research
When it comes to stocking fish, bigger is usually better. However, production costs must be weighed against angling benefits.
In 2001, Crooked Lake (Steuben Co.), Winona Lake (Kosciusko Co.) and Sylvan Lake (Noble Co.) were stocked with 6-8 inch long walleye. Stocking density was 20 per acre at Sylvan and Winona lakes and 10 per acre at Crooked. Plans are to stock these lakes three consecutive years to see if the large fingerlings provide fishing where small fingerlings failed. Fry are usually stocked at 2,000-3,000 per acre and the 1½ inch long fingerlings at 100/acre. For comparative purposes, four fry can be produced for a penny and it cost a little over six cents to produce one 1½ inch fingerling. Each 6-8 inch walleye cost $1.45. The large fingerlings required for this research have been purchased from a private hatchery as Indiana currently does not have the rearing ponds needed to grow walleye for the entire summer and still meet other fish production goals. Sampling will be conducted annually to evaluate each of the three experimental stockings.
Prior to 2001, all walleye fishing provided by the DFW has been done with multiple-year stockings of fry or 1½ inch long fingerlings. There have been some waters where biologists felt that fishable walleye populations would have developed if larger fingerlings had been stocked. This hypothesis is what led to the "large fingerling" walleye research.
Sauger Introductions
Biologists are also working to establish self sustaining sauger populations in the East and West Forks of the White River. Sauger are popular members of the perch family of fishes, along with walleye, yellow perch and many species of darters. They are native to some of Indiana’s larger rivers. The E.F. White River was stocked with sauger fingerlings six consecutive years, 1995- 2000. Following the devastating fish kill on the W.F. White River in 1999, the first of three planned sauger stockings was completed in June 2002. Some sampling has already been done and more is scheduled to evaluate these stockings. Again, the goal is to restore naturally reproducing sauger populations in two rivers.
Walleye Size Limit
The fisheries section proposed a 14-inch minimum length limit for walleye at three public meetings in March 1996. Anglers had been asking for a size limit and no one opposed the proposal. Justification for the size limit included:
1. Walleye have greater growth potential than was being realized at most stocked waters.
2. Walleye fishing in Indiana is hatchery Anglers responding to a statewide survey listed walleye #1 when asked, "Which species of fish do you want the Division of Fish and Wildlife to stock?" dependent. It is too costly to stock fish and have them harvested during their first and second summer when they have the capability to live longer and grow larger.
3. Nearly 50% of the respondents to the 1994 Statewide Angler Survey supported or strongly supported a minimum length limit for walleye. Only 15% opposed a size limit and 17% were neutral. The proposed 14-inch minimum length limit for walleye went into effect in August 1996 and it applies to all waters except the St. Joseph River (St. Joseph & Elkhart Counties) and Ohio River. There is a 15-inch minimum length limit on walleye in Indiana’ s portion of the St .Joseph River to be consistent with Michigan’s 15 inch size limit. The St. Joseph River originates in Michigan, flows through parts of Indiana, and then returns to Michigan. One size limit throughout the course of the river makes it easier for anglers to understand and comply with.
The walleye size limit has now been in place for six growing seasons and biologists are starting to compare population structure (numbers, sizes, weights and growth rates) before and after size limit implementation. Indiana’s daily bag limit is six for any combination of walleye, sauger or saugeye. There is no closed season for walleye, sauger or saugeye.
Hatchery Production and Stocking Strategies
Eggs for Indiana’s walleye program are taken from mature fish collected each April at Brookville Reservoir. The goal is 40 million "green" eggs. These eggs will provide about 22 million walleye fry, 1.2 million 1½ inch walleye fingerlings and 40,000 hybrid walleye fingerlings. Walleye stocking densities at lakes are 2,000-3,000 fry/acre or 100 fingerlings/acre. Hybrid walleye and river walleye stocking densities are 50 fingerlings per acre.
Due to concerns about fish genetics, walleye for stocking the St. Joseph River are obtained from Michigan as the St. Joseph River originates in Michigan, then flows south into Indiana before entering Michigan again.
Since Indiana walleyes have excellent visual acuity under low illumination levels, they tend to feed more extensively at dawn and dusk, on cloudy or overcast days and under choppy conditions when light penetration into the water column is disrupted. Although anglers interpret this as light avoidance, it is merely an expression of the walleye's competitive advantage over its prey under those conditions. Similarly, in darkly stained or turbid waters, walleye tend to feed throughout the day.
"Walleye chop" is a term used by walleye anglers for rough water typically with winds of 5 to 15 mph (7 to 24 km/h), and is one of the indicators for good walleye fishing due to the walleye's increased feeding activity during such conditions.
Because walleyes are popular with anglers, fishing for walleyes is regulated by most natural resource agencies. Management may include the use of quotas and length limits to ensure that populations are not over-exploited. Hoosier angler magazine
The New Hoosier angler magazine We're going to start this out with some Indiana walleye information. Providing Hoosier anglers with the Indiana fishing info they need. For all of our Hoosier eyehunters
When fast action and excellent taste matter, it’s hard to find a better fish than the walleye. Although Indiana isn’t widely known for an abundance of walleye waters, the Hoosier state does offer some fabulous walleye fishing in a number of natural lakes, reservoirs and rivers.
Walleye Waters in Indiana
Anglers pursue walleye more than any other DNR-stocked fish. Surveys indicate that of the nine fish species stocked by the DNR, walleye is No. 1.
While the walleye is native to Indiana, its natural distribution has been limited. As a result, the DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife stocks some lakes and rivers to provide walleye action for anglers.
One of the earliest recorded walleye stockings dates back to 1891. During the ‘30s, fishing enthusiasts annually placed 15-20 million fry (recently hatched walleye) in Indiana waters. The DNR began stocking walleye in 1970.
Since natural walleye reproduction is very limited and contributes little to fishing, biologists use both walleye fry and fingerlings to stock several lakes and rivers with walleye and hybrid walleye (a cross between a female walleye and a male sauger, commonly called a saugeye).
Each April, biologists collect walleye eggs from mature fish at Brookville Lake. This egg collection supplies Indiana’s entire walleye program. Biologists seek some 30 to 35 million eggs. After DNR fish hatcheries work their science, these eggs result in about 17 million walleye fry, one million 1-2 inch fingerlings and 60,000 hybrid walleye fingerlings for stocking.
The DNR currently stocks fifteen impoundments, six natural lakes and one river with walleye or hybrid walleye. Fisheries technicians conduct creel surveys by interviewing anglers. The surveys have documented good walleye fishing at:
Brookville Lake, Franklin and Union counties
Monroe Lake, Brown and Monroe counties
Cagle’s Mill Lake, Putnam and Owen counties
Kokomo Lake, Howard County
Clear Lake, Steuben County
Bass Lake, Starke County
Lake Maxinkuckee, Marshall County
Lake Sullivan, Sullivan County
Pike Lake, Kosciusko County
Pretty Lake, Noble County
Huntingburg Lake, Dubois County
Lake-of-the-Woods, Marshall County
Eagle Creek Reservoir, Marion County
Prairie Creek Reservoir, Delaware County
Summit Lake, Henry County
Fisheries biologists have also developed quality walleye fishing in the tailwaters below dams at Monroe, Salamonie, Mississinewa, Cagle’s Mill, and Freeman lakes. The St. Joseph River in St. Joseph and Elkhart counties is stocked in Indiana with Michigan-raised walleyes. Recent concerns about fish genetics in St. Joseph River motivated the cooperative walleye stocking with Michigan. Walleye Rules Anglers have a 14-inch minimum size limit on walleyes. The 14–inch minimum went into effect in 1996 because previous regulations allowed anglers to harvest stocked walleye before they could reach their growth potential. Fishermen were harvesting many 1– and 2–year-old walleyes that were only 8 to 12 inches long. To provide an opportunity for the fish to grow larger, fisheries officials created the 14–inch minimum size. Sport fishermen led the call for the size limit. Almost half of the anglers questioned in a 1994 statewide angler survey supported or strongly supported a minimum length limit for walleye. The 14–inch minimum length limit applies to all waters except the St. Joseph River in St. Joseph and Elkhart counties, the Ohio River and Sullivan Lake. The St. Joe has a 15-inch minimum size limit to duplicate Michigan’s walleye regulations on the river. Since the St. Joseph River originates in Michigan on its path to Lake Michigan, flows through parts of Indiana then returns to Michigan, one size limit throughout the river provides uniformity in fishing rules and is easier for anglers to follow. Anglers in all Indiana waters may keep up to six walleye singly or in combination with sauger or saugeye.
Walleye Fishing Techniques
Whether you are a boat or shore angler, you can catch walleye successfully.
Lake or Reservoir Fishing
Fisheries biologist Steve Andrews recommends very simple, common fishing techniques for anglers who are just starting to pursue walleye. Dedicated walleye anglers use a variety of tackle, but Andrews says that these specialized rigs are not necessary when you’re just starting out.
Fishing shad imitation or chartreuse colored crank baits along shore lines and points during low-light and dark hours, similar to bass fishing, can produce excellent walleye action. Get your lure down close to the bottom. Use six to eight pound test line.
You can also use crank baits to troll. Trolling is one of the best ways to cover large areas of water in search of walleye. Since walleye school together, you can generally catch several fish in the same area once you locate a group. Use lead head jigs, fished with or without bait, to work potential areas thoroughly.
The large opaque eyes of a walleye are very efficient at gathering light. They tend to retreat to deep, dark water during the day and move into shallower areas (5-10 ft.) to feed at night. Walleye tend to prefer rock or gravel bottoms, drop off areas and points. Standing timber areas in reservoirs can be a good place to fish for walleye in mid summer.
River and Tailwater Fishing
Similar to lake walleye fishing, crank baits and jigs with twister tails can be successful walleye lures in rivers. Biologist Gary Hudson also recommends using a spinner bait, or simply a hook with a nightcrawler or minnow suspended below a float and drifted in the current.Concentrate your efforts in slack water areas.Walleye will often feed right on the edge between slow water and swift current.
Walleye fishing in tailwaters depends greatly on the discharge from dams, but fishing can be excellent from March through May. When flows from the reservoirs are high, fish migrate upstream toward the dam. Some walleye are also flushed from the reservoir and hang below the dam. Reservoir tailwaters provide ample shore fishing areas.
Angler Rules
Anglers have a 14-inch minimum size limit on walleyes. The 14-inch minimum went into effect in 1996 because previous regulations allowed anglers to harvest stocked walleye before they could reach their growth potential.
Fishermen were harvesting many 1- and 2-year-old walleyes that were only 8 to 12 inches long.
To provide an opportunity for the fish to grow larger, fisheries officials created the 14-inch minimum size. Sport fishermen led the call for the size limit. Almost half of the anglers questioned in a 1994 statewide angler survey supported or strongly supported a minimum length limit for walleye.
The 14-inch minimum length limit applies to all waters except the St. Joseph River in St. Joseph and Elkhart counties and the Ohio River.
The St. Joe has a 15-inch minimum size limit to duplicate Michigan’s walleye regulations on the river. Since the St. Joseph River originates in Michigan on its path to Lake Michigan, flows through parts of Indiana then returns to Michigan, one size limit throughout the river provides uniformity in fishing rules and is easier for anglers to follow.
Anglers in all Indiana waters may keep up to six walleye singly or in combination with sauger or saugeye.
For more detailed information about walleye fishing, download Walleye Fishing in the Hoosier State
Walleye Tracking at Monroe Lake
Hoosier Walleye, Tracking at Monroe Lake
Fisheries biologist Debbie King holds a Monroe Lake walleye.
The Indiana DNR is studying the movements of walleye at Monroe Lake using radio telemetry. A radio tag has been surgically implanted in walleye. The IDNR will be tracking the tagged fish throughout the entire lake. The end result will be a better understanding of walleye movement and habitat selection throughout the lake. This will in turn allow biologists to manage for a better walleye fishery and improved walleye fishing at Monroe Lake.
In April, DNR fisheries biologist Sandy Clark-Kolaks and team implanted electronic transmitters in 33 walleye. A yellow spaghetti tag was attached to the back of each of the radio tagged walleye to make identification easy. These spaghetti tags are serially numbered so that individual fish can be identified by sex and length. However, some of these tags may be lost as the year progresses. The radio transmitter antenna is approximately 14 inches long and provides a reliable mark of the tagged fish, although there is no serial number on the antennae.
Click on the video below to watch a walleye being radio tagged
Based on research from other states walleye are known to frequent standing timber in coves during the spring after spawning, and to be highly mobile early in the season. As midsummer approaches, walleye tend to move deeper and to settle into a reduced home range.
Every week, the walleye team races around the entire 11,000-acre lake near Bloomington tracking the fish. The work has already yielded some interesting information. An example is that multiple spawning sites have been located throughout the lake including some tributaries. Also, each series of sightings have been placed on a lake map to provide a progressive record of the walleye distribution. As the year progresses new walleye relocation maps will be posted to this website to provide insight to anglers on walleye locations and aid them in improving fishing success.
If you catch a tagged walleye, please write down the tag number, RELEASE THE FISH, and report the catch. You can call the South Region Fisheries Office at (812) 279-1215 and ask for Sandy or Bob. You will be asked to provide the date, location of capture and tag number. If the yellow spaghetti tag is no longer on the fish, the fish should still be released, and reporting the capture would still be appreciated. I can be reached by email ( sclark-kolaks@dnr.IN.gov sclark-kolaks@dnr.IN.govThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it sclark-kolaks@dnr.IN.gov sclark-kolaks@dnr.IN.govThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ).
PLEASE BE AWARE:
Some of the fish have been found above the causeway, which is an idle zone. In order to find and locate all the fish, the tracking boat may be traveling at speeds greater than idle speed. As always caution and courtesy will be used by the boat operator.
Helpful Information
January 2009 article featured in Indiana Game and Fish entitled "Monroe Lake's World of Walleyes" (View page).
April 2009 article featured in Walleye In-Sider entitled "Dual Purpose Hoosier study benefits walleyes, lures anglers (View page 1) (View page 2)
2008 Walleye locations
The 2008 report for the walleye project has been posted. Scroll down to "Distribution and Movement of Walleye in Monroe Reservoir".
2009 Walleye locations
This will be the last posting for the project. I appreciate all your questions, comments, and support throughout this project. If you catch a tagged walleye feel free to harvest it, but we would still like the tags back. The final report should be completed next summer and it will be posted to the website. Feel free to continue to email questions and comments. Thanks Sandy.
Walleye locations for September 14th are indicated by red dots (View image). Maximum depths of fish locations, temperature and dissolved oxygen profile (View table). We went up to Pine Grove and found the four walleye still up there.
Walleye locations for August 31st are indicated by red dots (View image). Maximum depths of fish locations, temperature and dissolved oxygen profile (View table).
Walleye locations for August 21st are indicated by red dots (View image). Maximum depths of fish locations, temperature and dissolved oxygen profile (View table).
Walleye locations for August 5th are indicated by red dots (View image). Maximum depths of fish locations, temperature and dissolved oxygen profile (View table).
Walleye locations for July 31st are indicated by red dots (View image). Maximum depths of fish locations(View table)
Walleye locations for July 21st are indicated by red dots (View image). Maximum depths of fish locations, temperature and dissolved oxygen profile (View table).
Walleye locations for July 16th are indicated by red dots (View image). Maximum depths of fish locations, temperature and dissolved oxygen profile (View table).
Tag 724 was returned from an angler. This fish was harvested on May 2, 2009. Here is the tracking history of this fish which was tagged on April 10, 2008 (View image).
Walleye locations for July 6th are indicated by red dots (View image). Maximum depths of fish locations, temperature and dissolved oxygen profile (View table). Tag 724 was returned from an angler. I am still trying to get specifics. We did not go up to Pine Grove and are assuming they will stay up there all summer.
Walleye locations for June 30th are indicated by red dots (View image). Maximum depths of fish locations, temperature and dissolved oxygen profile (View table). We did not go up to Pine Grove and are assuming they will stay up there all summer.
Walleye locations for June 23rd are indicated by red dots (View image). Maximum depths of fish locations (View table). We located a couple of fish above Pine Grove from land and am guessing that 805 and 444 are up there too.
Walleye locations for June 15th are indicated by red dots (View image). Maximum depths and surface water temperatures of fish locations (View table). We lost a couple fish in the Pine Grove boat ramp area. They may be still up there but it is very difficult to navigate up there and we could not get back in there very far.
Walleye locations for June 9th are indicated by red dots (View image). Maximum depths and surface water temperatures of fish locations (View table).
I'm back tracking and should resume weekly tracking for several more months during the summer. We are seeing some very interesting patterns from tagged walleye. Walleye seemed to be hanging in the same areas as last year and walleye seem to have site fidelity to a particular area. Fish 523 was tagged in Saddle Creek in 2008 spent the summer near Fairfax returned in the spring of 2009 to Saddle Creek and now was found this week back at Fairfax (View image). Fish 464 was tagged at the causeway in 2008 spent the summer in Saddle Creek was found up by Fairfax in spring 2009 and was found this week in Saddle Creek (View image). Fish 504 was tagged at the dam in 2008 and stayed in the Fairfax area all of 2008 and so far this year (View image). I have no idea what this all means and why some fish migrate long distances and chose the location they do. Once again research only succeeds in creating more questions than answers but this fish more much more than I would have guessed.
Walleye locations for June 1st are indicated by red dots (View image). Maximum depths and surface water temperatures of fish locations (View table).
Saddle Creek spawning and site fidelity in spawning was confirmed. Walleye 523 was tagged in Saddle Creek on 4/8/09 and then moved into the other side of the lake for the rest of the year. Walleye 523 was then located in the Saddle Creek area in the spring of 2009. The fish moved up into Saddle Creek was located overnight spawning on 4/11/09. (View image) (View image-zoomed).
Walleye locations for April 17th are indicated by red dots (View image). Maximum depths and surface water temperatures of fish locations (View table). Fish seem to be mostly done with spawning and are moving to flooded timber in coves.
Walleye locations for April 9th are indicated by red dots (View image). Maximum depths and surface water temperatures of fish locations (View table).
Walleye locations for April 1st (View image). Walleye were located between 4pm and 11pm to investigate whether spawning is occuring yet.
Walleye locations for March 30th are indicated by red dots (View image). Maximum depths and surface water temperatures of fish locations (View table).
Walleye locations for March 26th are indicated by red dots (View image). Maximum depths and surface water temperatures of fish locations (View table).
Walleye locations for March 17th are indicated by red dots (View image). Maximum depths and surface water temperatures of fish locations (View table). Walleye are moving towards the dam and causeway for spawning.
Walleye locations for March 9th are indicated by red dots (View image). Maximum depths and surface water temperatures of fish locations (View table).
I have received some questions about the study from anglers and am more than happy to answer them. Feel free to email with any questions: sclark-kolaks@dnr.IN.gov sclark-kolaks@dnr.IN.govThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it sclark-kolaks@dnr.IN.gov sclark-kolaks@dnr.IN.govThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Q. There are a number of fish that have not changed location from the first time period to the last (#343 for instance), or from the second time period to the last. Are those fish alive?
A. The fish are making small movements but with the scale of the map these may not be visible. This is more evident with the map from the 24 hour tracking.
Q.The results only show about half of the number of fish tagged - is that because of
difficulty in locating the fish or because of time restraints in searching for all of them?
A. The tags we are using are different from the tags used in the wiper tracking study. In order to get tags with a longer battery life (about 2 years) we had to use tags that are not as powerful. This could be affecting our ability to hear the fish.
Sizes of the tagged fish.
Implantation Date Tag Number Floy tag Length (in) Weight (lb) Reproductive Status Status
3/31/2008 204 5548 18.8 2.3 Male Spillway
3/31/2008 225 5544 17 2 Male
4/16/2008 243 5508 18.1 1.9 Male
4/16/2008 264 5504 17 1.8 Male Spillway
4/1/2008 283 5538 18.8 2 Male
4/16/2008 302 5506 19.6 2.2 Male
4/1/2008 323 5537 17.2 1.5 Male Spillway
10/22/2008 343 5337 20.6 4.5 Unknown
4/7/2008 363 5533 19 2.8 Female
10/22/2008 384 5338 21.8 3.75 Unknown
4/9/2008 403 5528/5529 18.8 2.3 Male
3/31/2008 424 5543 18.6 2.3 Male Spillway
10/22/2008 444 5339 17 2 Unknown
4/10/2008 464 5530 25.4 5.7 Male
3/31/2008 483 5541 17.8 2.5 Male
4/16/2008 504 5502 20.8 3 Male
4/9/2008 523 5531 20.9 3 Male
3/31/2008 544 5550 22.2 3.7 Male
4/7/2008 563 5532 20.8 3.6 Female
3/31/2008 583 5542 20.3 3.5 Male
3/31/2008 603 5549 21.6 3.5 Male
4/1/2008 623 5535 23.8 6.7 Female Spillway
3/31/2008 643 5545 21.9 3.8 Male
4/1/2008 663 5539 23.1 5 Male
10/22/2008 684 5334 25.4 6.25 Unknown
3/31/2008 704 5546 21.7 3.5 Male
4/10/2008 724 5526 25.8 6.5 Male
4/2/2008 743 5534 20.1 3.5 Female
4/16/2008 764 5501 20.8 3 Male
4/16/2008 783 5509 20.1 2.6 Male
4/16/2008 805 5505 25.3 5.4 Male
10/22/2008 823 5336 24.2 5.5 Unknown
3/31/2008 843 5548 22.3 4 Male
Gearing up for Indiana walleye
Written by: Dan Eggertsen
In the natural lakes of Indiana, walleye fishing rates as one of the most popular type of catch that anglers target these days, ranking above even salmon, trout, muskies, and stripers.
In fact, only largemouth bass still seem to outrank the walleye as a favorite in the area. Of course, just a few years ago, Indiana walleye fishing had almost come to a dead halt, ranking so low on the list that it almost wasn't even considered.
This is because, while there were places that walleye could be found, they were few and far between. However, stocking programs have been put into place at several locations that are both innovative and aggressive, and the walleye population has begun to flourish throughout the state.
Perhaps it is the fact that waters in Indiana are slightly warmer than those normally preferred by walleyes, which tend to reside in the Great Lakes and further north into Canada, where the lakes and rivers remain fairly chilly year round.
While walleye grow much more quickly in warmer climates, they also have a much shorter lifespan than in cooler waters where they grow more slowly; this could contribute to smaller and sparser populations. Whatever the reason, natural walleye populations in Indiana have never faired well, and without stocking programs, it may have become highly likely that the species completely disappeared from the state.
With stocking programs at Crooked, Sylvan, and Winona Lakes well into their second decade, Indiana walleye fishing has experienced a huge boost, and some anglers have become fishermen solely of this largest member of the perch family.
While previous attempts to establish a population included both fingerlings (tiny walleye just past the egg stage) and fry (even tinier than fingerlings), new stocking ideas have taken over. What was found in the initial attempts to use these smaller, less expensive specimens is that these small fish were being eaten by larger fish at a high rate, making it impossible for a large enough sample of these tiny fish to grow and breed significant numbers of walleye. This was an investment that was costing too much considering the poor results, and some other idea was needed to boost the population for Indiana walleye fishing.
Unfortunately, the idea of stocking lakes with larger walleye specimens was extremely costly and had been ruled out initially. However, when stocking with larger fish, a greater number will survive and reproduce, saving on the number of fish needed to stock the lake and reducing the initial cost a bit.
Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is commited to providing the best walleye fishing information possible. Get more information on Indiana walleye fishing here: www.askwalleyefishing.com/
Good Fishing to all of our Indiana eyehunters !!
Indiana Fishing PO Box 1270 Martinsville Indiana 46151
Walleye Fishing in the Hoosier State
A product of fish management and angler support
Gary Hudson, Fisheries Supervisor
Tri-Lakes Fisheries Station
5570 North Fish Hatchery Road
Columbia City, Indiana 46725
e-mail: ghudson@dnr.state.in.us ghudson@dnr.state.in.usThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it T
Introduction
Although walleye are thought to be native to Indiana, distribution was limited. One of the earliest recorded stockings was made in 1891, and during the 1930's, 15 to 20 million fry were stocked annually. Modern day management began with the resumption of walleye stocking in 1970. Today, Indiana’s fisheries section annually stocks 12 impoundments, six natural lakes and two rivers with walleye or hybrid walleye
(Table 1). Total acres stocked with walleye or hybrid walleye is 34,171.
Natural reproduction is very limited and contributes little to walleye fishing in the state. Fisheries biologists have focused on providing fishing opportunities for this popular fish throughout the state, increasing sizes and numbers of walleye caught and improving angler satisfaction with walleye fishing.
Brookville Reservoir
Brookville provides some of Indiana’s best walleye fishing. Walleye harvest, documented through creel surveys conducted before the 14 inch minimum length limit was put in place, ranged from 4,500 per year to 15,100 and averaged nearly 8,100 per year. Most harvested walleye were 14-15 inches long but some 24-29 inch walleye were occasionally caught.
In 2000, fewer walleye were caught but they were a little larger, averaging 16.2 inches. The number of walleye harvested was 2,509 and 1,848 were caught and released. The 14 inch size limit and weak year classes since 1996 are reasons for smaller catches in 2000.
Annual fry stockings have exceeded 10 million for 15 consecutive years. Brookville is a 5,260-acre flood control reservoir located in Franklin and Union counties on Highway 101 approximately 30 miles south of Richmond and 50 miles northwest of Cincinnati. A fee is charged to launch boats but there are no restrictions on outboard motor size.
Monroe Reservoir
Monroe has developed into one of the best walleye fisheries in the state. In 1994, 3,816 walleye were harvested and 6,400 more were caught and released. Average length was 16.6 inches while the largest walleye harvested Indiana’s walleye record (14 lbs 4 oz) was set in the 70s and it is shared by two anglers. One of the record-setters came from the Kankakee River; the other from the Tippecanoe River. measured 28½ inches long. Over 7,000 pounds of walleye were harvested. As expected, catch and harvest numbers were lower in 2000 with the 14 inch size limit in place. Fishing was still good as 2,203 walleye were harvested and 5,198 were caught and released. Average length of harvested walleye was 16.8 inches. The largest walleye measured by the creel clerk was 26 inches. About 6% of the anglers fishing Monroe fish for walleye. The reservoir has been stocked with 1½ inch long fingerlings the past 13 years at a density averaging 36 per acre.
Monroe, the state’s largest reservoir at 10,750 acres, is accessible from State Roads 37, 46 and 50. It is located in Brown and Monroe counties about 50 miles south of Indianapolis and 10 miles southeast of Bloomington. There is a fee to launch boats but there is no limit on outboard motor size.
Cagle’s Mill Reservoir
This 1,400-acre flood control reservoir, located in Putnam and Owen counties off I-70 about halfway between Indianapolis and Terre Haute, has been stocked with 1.3- 4.3 million fry 11 consecutive years (1992-2002) to utilize the large gizzard shad population. In 2000, both fry and fingerlings were stocked in Cagle’s Mill. Stocking density in ‘01 and ‘02 averaged 2.8 million fry.
In 1996, 1,742 walleye weighing 2,106 pounds were harvested at Cagle’s Mill. These fish ranged from 8- 21½ inches long and averaged 15.2 inches. An additional 2,563 walleye were caught and released. Ten percent of the anglers interviewed during the 1996 creel survey indicated they fished for walleye or walleye in combination with another species. Anglers harvested 558 walleye weighing 952 pounds from Cagle’s Mill in 2001. These fish ranged from 11 to 26½ inches long and averaged 16 inches. An additional 4,656 walleye were caught and released. Best fishing was in May and July. In 2001, 14% of the fishermen interviewed stated they were fishing for walleye or walleye and another species. A daily or annual fee is charged to launch boats and outboard motors are permitted.
Kokomo Reservoir
This 484-acre impoundment is located three miles east of Kokomo in Howard County. Boat launching is free and outboard motors are permitted.
From 1989 through 1997, the reservoir was stocked with saugeye, a walleye x sauger cross. Concerns for the genetic integrity of native sauger downstream of Kokomo Reservoir prompted fisheries biologists to change the stocking strategy from hybrid walleye to walleye. Starting in 1998, Kokomo has been stocked each year with walleye fingerlings at 50 per acre.
The most recent measure of fish harvest was in 1996 when a seven month long creel survey was conducted. An estimated 821 hybrid walleye were harvested and 790 were caught and released. Average length was 15.3 inches and highest harvest occurred in May (63%) followed by June (17%). An updated measure of fish harvest, fishing pressure and angler interest in walleye fishing at Kokomo is planned for 2003.
Clear Lake
Clear Lake is an 800-acre natural lake located five miles east of Fremont off State Road 120 in Steuben County. There is a public access site on the east side of the lake and outboard motors are permitted. The lake has been stocked 19 consecutive years (1984 through 2002) with 1½ long fingerlings. Stocking density since 1988 has averaged 108 fingerlings/acre. A creel survey was conducted April-October, 2001 to measure walleye harvest five years after implementing the 14 inch minimum length limit. Walleye harvest totaled 613 with an additional 781 caught and released. These fish ranged in length from12 to 21 inches and averaged 16.1 inches. Twelve species were observed in the catches and walleye ranked number one by weight. Over half of the walleye harvested were 16 inches or longer. Walleye harvest was highest at Clear Lake in July followed by August.
Lake Maxinkuckee
Maxinkuckee, the state’s second largest natural lake at 1,854 acres, is located at the town of Culver near State Roads 10 and 17 in Marshall County. Public access is free but parking spaces are limited. Outboard motors are permitted. Maxinkuckee has been stocked with 1½ inch fingerlings (100/acre) the last 12 years (1991 through 2002).
Fewer walleyes were harvested in 1999 (1,352) compared to 1996 (3,198) but that was expected as small fish were protected by the 14 inch minimum length limit. However, average size of harvested walleye (17.2 inches) was the largest documented in six years of measuring angler catches. In addition to the number of walleye harvested, 1,646 were caught and released. Walleye were targeted by 35% of the anglers interviewed. This popular species comprised 27% of the harvest by number and ranked second to bluegill. 93% of the anglers interviewed supported the 14 inch size limit.
Bass Lake
A 6½ month long creel survey was conducted from mid-April through October, 1996. Anglers harvested 1,163 walleye and caught and released 431. Walleye made up 14% of the harvest by number and 21% by weight. July was the best month for catching walleye at Bass Lake. Most of the walleyes harvested were small, averaging 14 inches. 13% of Bass Lake’s anglers targeted walleye. The lake has been stocked with fry 14 of the past 15 years. No walleye were stocked in 2001 in an effort to reduce food competition and improve growth rates. Stocking density has also been reduced from 3,000 fry per acre to 1,500.
This shallow 1,345-acre natural lake is located about six miles south of Knox off U.S. 35 and State Road 10 in Starke County. There is a public access site on the lake and outboard motors are permitted.
Pike Lake
The lake was originally stocked with hybrid walleye at about 50 per acre and good fishing developed. Starting in 1996, 1½ inch long walleye fingerlings were stocked instead of hybrids to see if they would provide the same level of fishing as the hybrids.
The 2000 creel survey was conducted April-September. Eight species were harvested and walleye ranked second (273). An additional 1,314 walleye were caught and released and highest catches occurred in April and May. Average size of harvested walleye was 15 inches. Thirty-one percent of the anglers interviewed fished for walleye and 99 % of them supported the size limit.
T his 22 8- acre natural lake is located within the city limits of Warsaw in Kosciusko County. The lake is open to public fishing and outboard motors are permitted.
Sullivan Lake
This 461-acre impoundment is located in Sullivan County east of Sullivan, Indiana. There is a small fee charged for access and outboard motors are permitted. A relatively large population of hybrid walleye developed at Sullivan following 12 consecutive years of stocking fingerlings. A 1988 creel survey documented the harvest of 1,562 hybrid walleye at Sullivan Lake (3.3 per acre) that averaged 15½ inches in length. Starting in 1995, Sullivan Lake was stocked with walleye instead of hybrids to see if walleye could provide the same high quality fishing that the hybrids provided. After fours years of stocking walleye fingerlings, a creel survey was conducted to evaluate the fishery. Only 257 walleye were harvested in 1998 compared to 1,562 hybrid walleye in 1988. Not only were fewer fish harvested, they averaged two inches smaller than the hybrids did in 1988. In an effort to turn the fishery around, biologists went back to stocking hybrid walleye starting in 1999. About 39,000 fingerlings have been stocked each of the last four years (1999-2002). In 2002, the 14 inch minimum size limit was put in place to protect small hybrids from harvest. A creel survey is planned for 2003 to evaluate the Sullivan Lake hybrid walleye fishery.
Pretty Lake
This small natural lake (184 acres) has been stocked with walleye fingerlings 10 consecutive years at 100/acre. One hundred fifty walleye ranging from 10½ - 25 inches in length were harvested during a mid-April through September creel survey in 1996. An additional 28 walleye were caught and released. The 14 inch size limit was only in place for about one month of the survey. Average length of harvested walleye was 16.9 inches. Harvest was highest in June and July. Eleven percent of the anglers were fishing specifically for walleye and another 8% fished for walleye in combination with another species. Take State Road 3 about three miles north of South Milford, then go East on CR 500 S to reach Pretty Lake. The public access site is located on the southwest side of the lake. There is no charge to launch boats but there is a 10 mph speed limit on Pretty Lake.
Huntingburg Lake
Huntingburg Lake, is a188 acre impoundment located about two miles west of the town of Huntingburg on State Road 264. The lake has been stocked with hybrid walleye (saugeye) fingerlings 14 of the past 15 years at 50 or more per acre. During a seven month creel survey in 1997, anglers harvested 51 saugeye that averaged 18.5 inches in length. They caught and released 691. The largest saugeye taken from Huntingburg weighed over 8 pounds. Five percent of the anglers interviewed during the creel survey fished for saugeye.
Lake-of-the-Woods
Lake-of-the-Woods, located southwest of Bremen in Marshall County, is a 416 acre natural lake. A state-owned public access site is located on the southwest shore. There is no fee to launch boats and outboard motors are permitted. A creel survey was conducted April through September, 2001 to evaluate the walleye fishery. The lake had been stocked with 1½ inch long walleye fingerlings nine consecutive years, 1993-2001. Walleye ranked third in the anglers’ catches behind white bass and crappie. Walleye comprised 19% of the total fish harvest. 358 walleye were harvested and 1,703 were caught and released. Highest harvest occurred in April but April, May and June were good months for catch and release fishing. 35% of the anglers interviewed were fishing for walleye and 94% supported the 14 inch size limit.
Eagle Creek Reservoir, Prairie Creek Reservoir and Summit Lake
Walleye fisheries at these three impoundments are in the "developing"stage. Eagle Creek has been stocked six consecutive years, mostly with fry; Summit Lake four years mostly with 1½ inch long fingerlings and Prairie Creek two years with fingerlings. Based on fall young-of-the-year, and fish community survey catches, fishable walleye populations are developing at each of these waters. Eagle Creek is a 1,350 acre water supply impoundment northwest of Indianapolis, Prairie Creek is a 1,252 acre water supply for the city of Muncie and Summit Lake is a 600 acre impoundment in Summit Lake State Park north of New Castle.
Tailwater Fishing
Outstanding walleye fishing has developed below the dams at Monroe, Cagle’s Mill, Salamonie and Mississinewa Reservoirs; and Freeman Lake. Large concentrations of walleye occur at the tailwaters from March into May, depending on seasonal water temperatures and flows. Most of the fish are 15-20 inches long but some up to 29 inches long have been observed. The tailwaters provide anglers who don’t have a boat a good opportunity to catch walleye. Some of the largest walleye caught in Indiana each year come from tailwaters.
Mississinewa and Salamonie Tailwaters
Anglers caught 4,270 walleye at the Mississinewa tailwater in April and May 1997. They ranged in length from 14-25 inches. Average length was 15.2 inches. At the Salamonie tailwater, the catch consisted of 782 walleye ranging in length from 12½-28 inches. These fish averaged 17.3 inches. 86% of the anglers interviewed supported the 14 inch size limit.
River Walleye
Indiana’s fishery biologists believe there are few potential walleye lakes remaining in the state. Most lakes thought to be capable of providing walleye fishing have already been stocked and evaluated. Although walleye fishing in natural lakes and impoundments may be improved in the future through changes in fishing regulations and stocking strategies, rivers may represent the best opportunities to significantly increase walleye fishing in the Hoosier state. Stocking has produced good walleye fishing in two impoundments on the St. Joseph River. The impoundment above the Elkhart Dam has been stocked with 1½ inch long fingerlings eight consecutive years (1995-2002). In 1996, during the early years of the fishery, anglers harvested 89 walleye averaging 15.7 inches in length from the impoundment. An additional 129 walleye were caught and released. May was the best month to catch walleye in the impoundment. Fishing was also good in the tailwater below Elkhart Dam where 148 walleye were harvested and 575 were caught and released. 63% of walleye harvest at the tailwater occurred in April.
In 1999, walleye again ranked first in the anglers’ catches at the Elkhart Dam tailwater. 205 walleye weighing 280 pounds were harvested. These fish ranged from13½-20 inches long and averaged 16 inches. The number of walleye caught and released totaled 1,122. 57% of the anglers interviewed were fishing for walleye. Over 80% of the anglers supported the 15 inch minimum length limit. The Twin Branch impoundment has been stocked five consecutive years, 1998-2002. A creel survey to measure walleye catches and attitudes about the walleye program has not been conducted at Twin Branch. However, large catches of young-of-the-year walleye during fall electrofishing, and reports from anglers, indicate the population is developing well.
Large Walleye Fingerling Research
When it comes to stocking fish, bigger is usually better. However, production costs must be weighed against angling benefits.
In 2001, Crooked Lake (Steuben Co.), Winona Lake (Kosciusko Co.) and Sylvan Lake (Noble Co.) were stocked with 6-8 inch long walleye. Stocking density was 20 per acre at Sylvan and Winona lakes and 10 per acre at Crooked. Plans are to stock these lakes three consecutive years to see if the large fingerlings provide fishing where small fingerlings failed. Fry are usually stocked at 2,000-3,000 per acre and the 1½ inch long fingerlings at 100/acre. For comparative purposes, four fry can be produced for a penny and it cost a little over six cents to produce one 1½ inch fingerling. Each 6-8 inch walleye cost $1.45. The large fingerlings required for this research have been purchased from a private hatchery as Indiana currently does not have the rearing ponds needed to grow walleye for the entire summer and still meet other fish production goals. Sampling will be conducted annually to evaluate each of the three experimental stockings.
Prior to 2001, all walleye fishing provided by the DFW has been done with multiple-year stockings of fry or 1½ inch long fingerlings. There have been some waters where biologists felt that fishable walleye populations would have developed if larger fingerlings had been stocked. This hypothesis is what led to the "large fingerling" walleye research.
Sauger Introductions
Biologists are also working to establish self sustaining sauger populations in the East and West Forks of the White River. Sauger are popular members of the perch family of fishes, along with walleye, yellow perch and many species of darters. They are native to some of Indiana’s larger rivers. The E.F. White River was stocked with sauger fingerlings six consecutive years, 1995- 2000. Following the devastating fish kill on the W.F. White River in 1999, the first of three planned sauger stockings was completed in June 2002. Some sampling has already been done and more is scheduled to evaluate these stockings. Again, the goal is to restore naturally reproducing sauger populations in two rivers.
Walleye Size Limit
The fisheries section proposed a 14-inch minimum length limit for walleye at three public meetings in March 1996. Anglers had been asking for a size limit and no one opposed the proposal. Justification for the size limit included:
1. Walleye have greater growth potential than was being realized at most stocked waters.
2. Walleye fishing in Indiana is hatchery Anglers responding to a statewide survey listed walleye #1 when asked, "Which species of fish do you want the Division of Fish and Wildlife to stock?" dependent. It is too costly to stock fish and have them harvested during their first and second summer when they have the capability to live longer and grow larger.
3. Nearly 50% of the respondents to the 1994 Statewide Angler Survey supported or strongly supported a minimum length limit for walleye. Only 15% opposed a size limit and 17% were neutral. The proposed 14-inch minimum length limit for walleye went into effect in August 1996 and it applies to all waters except the St. Joseph River (St. Joseph & Elkhart Counties) and Ohio River. There is a 15-inch minimum length limit on walleye in Indiana’ s portion of the St .Joseph River to be consistent with Michigan’s 15 inch size limit. The St. Joseph River originates in Michigan, flows through parts of Indiana, and then returns to Michigan. One size limit throughout the course of the river makes it easier for anglers to understand and comply with.
The walleye size limit has now been in place for six growing seasons and biologists are starting to compare population structure (numbers, sizes, weights and growth rates) before and after size limit implementation. Indiana’s daily bag limit is six for any combination of walleye, sauger or saugeye. There is no closed season for walleye, sauger or saugeye.
Hatchery Production and Stocking Strategies
Eggs for Indiana’s walleye program are taken from mature fish collected each April at Brookville Reservoir. The goal is 40 million "green" eggs. These eggs will provide about 22 million walleye fry, 1.2 million 1½ inch walleye fingerlings and 40,000 hybrid walleye fingerlings. Walleye stocking densities at lakes are 2,000-3,000 fry/acre or 100 fingerlings/acre. Hybrid walleye and river walleye stocking densities are 50 fingerlings per acre.
Due to concerns about fish genetics, walleye for stocking the St. Joseph River are obtained from Michigan as the St. Joseph River originates in Michigan, then flows south into Indiana before entering Michigan again.
Since Indiana walleyes have excellent visual acuity under low illumination levels, they tend to feed more extensively at dawn and dusk, on cloudy or overcast days and under choppy conditions when light penetration into the water column is disrupted. Although anglers interpret this as light avoidance, it is merely an expression of the walleye's competitive advantage over its prey under those conditions. Similarly, in darkly stained or turbid waters, walleye tend to feed throughout the day.
"Walleye chop" is a term used by walleye anglers for rough water typically with winds of 5 to 15 mph (7 to 24 km/h), and is one of the indicators for good walleye fishing due to the walleye's increased feeding activity during such conditions.
Because walleyes are popular with anglers, fishing for walleyes is regulated by most natural resource agencies. Management may include the use of quotas and length limits to ensure that populations are not over-exploited. Hoosier angler magazine