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most cost effective way to stimulate natural reproduction. A
Minnesota DNR study showed an increase in the number of live
eggs and fish caught while decreasing the amount of dead eggs
caught by improving spawning habitat in two streams in north
central Minnesota. They built structures called “U” shaped
riffles. The design is fairly simple, with the bottom of the U
facing upstream. This is done to direct current flow to the
center of the stream. The grade of the riffle was anywhere from
20:1 to 40:1. This design is also low maintenance, showing
little to no signs of filling in with sediments. To further
reduce sedimentation the riparian zone around the stream and
lake should be healthy. The roots of plants will help to
stabilize the banks and filter surface water runoff.
Increasing spawning habitat availability in the lake itself is
another option. This would be best done in the winter by adding
piles of rocks and gravel to areas of sandy substrate. I would
also recommend placing the rocks and gravel on the east shore of
the lake or near stream inlets to maximize water circulation
provided by the wind and inflowing water. This will help keep
the substrate free from settling debris as well as to help
oxygenate the lake.
Anglers also need to do their part to help increase the natural
reproduction. Walleyes are generally not sexually mature until
they reach fifteen inches in length. Walleyes above twenty
inches are usually females and should be released to ensure the
viability of the population.
The projects I have listed could be done relatively
inexpensively. Volunteer efforts to help with construction of
the habitat, and possible donations of rock could make it cost
free. For those reasons I believe that this is the most
practical and cost effective way to stimulate natural
reproduction of walleyes.
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On February 14th the LLFC Fisheree drawing was held at the D N
D’s Country Tap in Dundee. To all who purchased raffle tickets,
the Club appreciates your support. The top five winners were:
Polaris 400 ATV – Long Lake Fishing Club
(or $4,000 cash)
Matt Schaub
Savage Remington Rifle, Long Lake Fishing Club Richard Edwards
Golf for Two-18 holes, West Bend Lakes Golf Course
Mary Stepaniuk
Four Tickets, Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
Mel & Shirley Ray
$50 EE U.S. Savings Bond, National Exchange Bank Irene Dhein
Please see Additional Winners on
page 6
Thank you to the top five LLFC Fisheree Raffle ticket sellers*
(Each top seller will receive one year membership)
Tom Bowen
James Kutz
Scott Wirtz
Calvin Flasch
Zachary Stamm
* Must be a non-director of the LLFC |
