Walleye Virus Question.

[Walleye Express]

It's no secret that the water quality on a lot of Great Lakes and connecting rivers has improved over the last 20 years. Lake Erie, which was once called the dead sea has turned itself around. Lake Huron always seemed cleaner, but the rivers flowing into her were full of industrial pollution. The Saginaw used to steam all winter long and was to polluted to even freeze back in the 60's when I was a kid growing up. And I often get asked by fishing clients who I take both on the Rivers and the Saginaw Bay, if I myself eat the fish, and just how safe is it? They to, either remember the old days or are just concerned about it. I'm always discreat and thruthful about how I handle, clean and eat the walleye fillets I keep, while adding what the States guidlines are. It gets a lot tougher explaining though when we catch a walleye with Dermal Virus Warts on it. These are raspberry size warts or sores that grow (on the outside of the walleyes skin). And can get so severe at times, that they hinder the walleyes gill cover area and their breathing. This virus is spread by touch and seems to be more prolific around spawing time. It is not a cancerous growth, as I got all the info on it from our DNR. In this study paper it said that this virus is as likely to be on fish in Canada as anywhere else. Thats my question to you guys. I know we have plenty of guys on this board from other states and countries. How many of you have seen what I'm talking about on your fish in your areas? Capt: Dan.

[MnWalleyeKiller]

I have seen this on walleyes caught on mille lacs in minnesota.
Interesting info, I have always wonderd what it was.

[reddog]

Dan, Is see these growths on almost every body of water I fish in Southwest Mn. Northwest Ia. and the Missouri river. I have been told it comes from handling of the fish by fisherman and nets and is likely a by-product of catch and release fishing, and DNR handling of the fish during stripping operations. It may not be correct, but thats what I have been told, and it kinda makes some sense to me. I do not believe it is detrimental to eat such fish as there is no sign of the defect into the meat structure. $.02

[Walleye Express]

Reddog.
Yup, your right. It seems almost impossible, but these wart like soars do not penetrate into the flesh and stay on the outer skin. This DNR study paper didn't mention anything about getting the virus from handleing, but just that the virus was spread when the fish had contact with each other. And during spawning seems like the best time for this to happen. Doesn't make for such a great picture though. Capt: Dan.

[ETT]

Yes indeed, we see it in Erie. It's a little more frequent in the western basin, but is present in the deep water as well. Percentage wise, I'd guess around 3 or 4 percent overall.

[bigfish1965]

This virus is called 'lymphocystis'. It is not harmful to humans and is strictly a dermal condition. While I have seen it in the Kawarths and other warm water bodies, I have never heard any concern regarding its proliferation and it seems to be non-fatal to the fish.

[Walizz 1]

I've caught fish with these warts on them at Bay de Noc. I've never seen them on Lake Winnebago fish though.

[manitobawalleye]

i have also caught fish with warts here in manitoba....
usually only 1 per fish but have seen as many as 6 on a fish....
as for eating, i have but not the 1 with 6

[spooled]

I have seen this virus on crappies. It is like a 1/4 " circle and I have heard that it is only a skin disease and will not affect humans if cooked properly. I usually let all of those abnormal ones go. They are kinda narly looking. I would have a hard time eating them. Maybe I would serve it to guest #3

[Jersey John]

I have seen lamprey eel marks on some of the walleye I have caught. I need to look closer to see if this is true on these fish. I usually see it on the tail of the fish, a big red mark. JJ

[Pooch]

Every lake we have fished in Canada has it on an occasional Walleye. I don't remember ever seeing it on a Northern or Lake trout.
Pooch

[Canoehead]

I've seen it in lakes in Northeastern Ontario, but only after the spawn. MNR studies say there are no dangers in eating the fish as the virus does not penetrate the skin - and it never bothered anyone in our party.

[fishhunter]

We have in ND too caught one tonight and it tasted the same as the rest

[Walleye Express]

Spooled.
I think you and Jersey John are seeing something other than this virus. It's not a malformation in the fishes body per-say. It is an outward wart like manifistation on the skin. It can be red in color at times but is usually white like a coliflower head. Capt: Dan.

[fishingerie]

Ive seen that on a few fish out of Erie. We talked to a game warden and he didnt know what it was. If i catch one with the growth i throw it back! But your right the only time ive every seen that is early march april and may. Hope this helps

[LundBob]

Caught a nice 5 pounder last year with a bright red one on the lower jaw. Fish was normal other than that. Called DNR he said it's fine to eat. So i ate it. Best tasting walleye I had all year. Say what you want about the 2 and 3 pounders are better tasting...i'll take a nice thick flaky fillet off a 5 pounder any day of the week over a the scrawny little ones.

[HUMP]

While were on the subject what does sands disease come from you will notice this when you filet the fish and the meat will be rough like sandpaper?

[Walleye Express]

Hump.
I've noticed that a couple times over the years. I can hardly believe that anything could live long with those symtoms. It alomost looks like little fishers in the flesh. Like that flesh eating desease that humans rarely get. If I get a chance, I'll contact our local DNR and see if they got a paper on that one as well. Right now they are busy taggig walleye on the Tittabawassee. Capt: Dan.