Winter walleye

[clawman]

Anybody been fishing for walleye lately? I have not seen any reports of catches.

[DavidA]

You're not alone. I have been watching 3 main bodies of water since my fall trip there: Potholes, Moses Lake and Banks. My experience and the limited number of reports that have shown up, are very discouraging. I am starting to plan a spring trip but my expectations aren't high.

[Larry3215]

Yeah, Im having the same thoughts. Did the latest Fall Walleye Netting Report from WDFW ever get posted?

Its time to think about making reservations if you're going to camp anywhere this spring and I cant afford more than a couple of trips over the hill this year.

[Larry3215]

Looks like it still isnt out. Here is the 2015 report.

http://wdfw.wa.gov/publications/01822/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Larry3215]

I emailed Mike at WDFW to see if he has the 2016 report ready yet or if he can pass along any snipits or hints. I'll let you know what he says.

Larry

[DavidA]

Great, Larry. Thanks. I think the reports aren't typically ready until March or April, but I'm sure the data is being analyzed. Given the odd state of affairs with walleye that everyone seems to be aware of, I'm sure Mike would be happy to shed any light if he is able.

[Larry3215]

Got this back from Mike. Very interesting results so far.

Larry, I am still working on the report. I just received the data for FDR and Banks Lake so I am analyzing that and incorporating that into the report. I can give you some preliminary results however.

When I refer to Walleye abundance I mean Catch per net of Walleye (i.e. how many walleye per net we catch).

FDR: Walleye abundance is down (below 2014 and 2015). We collected more 8-12 inch walleye but fewer walleye over 12 inches were collected in 2016.

Banks: Highest catch of Walleye since FWIN began in 2002 (8 Walleye per net). We collected more 16-20 inch Walleye than in any previous year. 52% of Walleye collected were in one age-class (age-4). This year-class of Walleye has been strong since 2012 when they were age-0 fish.

Moses Lake: Walleye abundance is up from 2015 (35 walleye per net) and near the long-term average. The relative abundance of 16-24 inch walleye increased.

Potholes: Walleye abundance is down from 2015 and was the second lowest catch rate ever (2011 was lower). Relative abundance of 16-24 inch walleye was up, but again, overall walleye abundance is down.

Scooteney: Walleye abundance was down from 2015 (40 walleye per net in 2015, 19 walleye per net in 2016). Relative abundance of 16-20 inch walleye was up. The majority of walleye collected were age-2.

I will send you the final report when it is completed. Keep checking with me.

Regards,
Mike

Michael Schmuck
Warmwater Fisheries Biologist
WDFW Region Two
1550 Alder St. NW
Ephrata, WA 98823
(509) 754–4624 x 227 (OFFICE)

[DavidA]

That's exactly the sort of info I was hoping to learn about! Thanks Larry and thanks again Mike! Your efforts are definitely appreciated.

[bigfishguy]

Too many OTHER species to catch in the winter for me to bother with tasty walleye. Fall is awesome, however. Tasty little buggers. March can be ok near the Tri-cities on the Columbia River, for huge walleye. August on Banks Lake, and September on Potholes (last year was not great, though) might be your best shots. Moses Lake can be good too.
Good luck!