Evaluation of Two Different Stocking Rates of Small Walleye Fingerlings in Minnesota Lakes

Abstract

We compared the performance of two differing stocking densities of small (mean TL = 72 mm) fingerling Walleyes Sander vitreus in 19 Minnesota lakes. Fingerlings were stocked annually from 2008 to 2011 in June at densities of either 30 (low) or 60 (high) per littoral hectare. Although gill nets yielded low sample sizes, we found no significant difference between gill-net catch rates at age 3 between treatments or years. On average, small Walleye fingerlings contributed 15% (0–72%) to the overall gill-net catches in stocked lakes. In lakes where small fingerlings have had a record of success, we recommend managers stocking this life stage use the lower treatment density (30/littoral hectare) and consider it a maximum rate when seeking stocking efficiencies. Due to low sample sizes, we also recommend following stocking events more closely with other sampling methods, such as fall electrofishing.

Received April 26, 2017; accepted August 2, 2017Published online October 20, 2017

Acknowledgments

We thank Bruce Pittman and Jeff Tellock at the Waterville and New London Hatcheries, respectively, for their efforts to raise the small fingerlings needed each year. Nate Hodgins processed the otoliths in 2011. Many management staff assisted with gill-net surveys and provided input on lake selection. Brad Parsons was responsible for the initial study design. Reviews by Mike McInerny, Dale Logsdon, John Hoxmeier, and Patrick Schmalz were greatly appreciated. This study was supported through Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration grant F-26-R Study 632.