NORTHWEST WARM WATER FOUNDATION

[YellowBear]

Today I joined a group of volunteers for the Banks Lake study.
I was interested in what was being caught.
There was a good number of Perch from different year classes which was good to see.
Some of the bigger fish were impressive 12 to 14 inches.
There were not as many Walleyes as I had expected, maybe 30 or so and they ranged from 10 inches to a nice 8 pound er.
The biggest Smallmouth was maybe 3 lbs.
There were 2 Kokanee, both around 15 inches.
There were also Carp and Whitefish.
I understand that they will be at Banks for the next 3 days and then move down to Moses Lake.
I will have more on this study later.

[YellowBear]

Today the WDFW was at Moses lake working on there ongoing study of the Walleyes.
From what I saw, Moses lake should be one hot fishery for eyes.
The nets came in with good numbers of big fish.
The biggest that I heard was weighed was a 12 pound er.
I saw a lot of 4 and 5 pound fish, I believe the total number for today was 281 Walleyes.
They ranged in size from 4 inches to the big one.
They have been feeding well.
I also saw a large number of fair sized Perch but not many bait sized fish.
There were a few Crappie and some Catfish
2 Trout and a number of Carp and Suckers.
I only saw one Smallmouth, maybe a pound but some of the other guys said there were more.
I saw 2 Largemouth, one was maybe three pounds and the other was 3 inches.
The WDFW will be at Potholes next week and I hope to see similar results there.
I have to admit that my feelings towards the WDFW has changed.
The crew that is working on this study are more than willing to answer questions and share information.
They are working hard to improve and protect our fisheries.

Thanks!

[YellowBear]

I found out yesterday that the FWIN study for Potholes was today not next week.
I got over there to late to see the nets but I did get to talk to the crew and see the Walleyes. WOW!
The numbers of fish was impressive and the size was consistent.
Lots of good keepers. The fish seem to be feeding very well.
I saw a few Crappie but nothing big.
The numbers of 2 to 4 inch Perch was good and that seems to be what most of the fish are feeding on.
There were some Catfish and White fish, Carp and I did see a few Large and Smallmouth Bass.
Out of the three lakes I would say that Potholes is in the best shape.

[YellowBear]

I found out yesterday that the FWIN study for Potholes was today not next week.
I got over there to late to see the nets but I did get to talk to the crew and see the Walleyes. WOW!
The numbers of fish was impressive and the size was consistent.
Lots of good keepers. The fish seem to be feeding very well.
I saw a few Crappie but nothing big.
The numbers of 2 to 4 inch Perch was good and that seems to be what most of the fish are feeding on.
There were some Catfish and White fish, Carp and I did see a few Large and Smallmouth Bass.
Out of the three lakes I would say that Potholes is in the best shape.

[Joe Heater]

On one hand I am so gald the study at Banks turned up few and small fish. Because I have had a first hand knowledge as to how false and misleading that study was. Believe me. We haven't even posted half the fish we caught there this year. So from that stand point it helps our group out because that study could possibly lead to less fishing pressure. Not that there is that much right now. So I say send them all to Potholes.

However, the local businesses at Banks could suffer with this report. The word needs to get out, Walleyes are packed in Banks, regardless of what that study showed. I have had too many days of constant fish to believe otherwise with this report.

For that matter, I have not heard much in the way of Potholes Walleye fishing. The tournament did not produce a lot of fish. I was at Mardon and most of the people I talked to said the Walleye fishing was very poor. I went one day for a few hours but quickly moved my act to Banks where I know the walleye fishing was on fire. Im sure there are tons in both lakes, but believe me, the study that indicates Banks doesnn't have many fish is a completely and utterly inaccurate report.

Good fishing.

Joe

[Hal]

Is there any official data from these studies available.

[YellowBear]

Joe,
Most of the reports that I have from Banks lake anglers over the last 2 years indicates Banks to be the hot lake.
As I stated earlier, I was surprised at the low numbers and small size of the fish.
We asked the WDFW how they determine where to set the nets and this question resulted in a heated misunderstanding and we never did get an answer.

Hal,
You can find the results of the FWIN study on the WDFW web site but its (IMHO) a bit watered down.
The NWWF is trying to get more info on this.

Something else that may or may not be of concern.
I now understand that the WDFW has had a Walleye stocking program, I did not know this.
So if anyone has any info on this, please fill me in.
I also heard that they plan to drop it.

The Ring gold hatchery has finally raised some Bluegill and Crappie.
Some of the guys that were involved with the FWIN study also helped move these fish into holding tanks last week.
The word is that these are going to be the last Spiny Rays to be raised in this State.