|
#1
|
|||
|
|||
Spawning walleye question
I am from Wisconsin. We have been getting above average temperatures so far this winter. Many rivers have not frozen over completely. If this type of winter continues, will the walleyes spawn earlier than normal or will they wait and spawn when the water reaches the normal temps they normally spawn in? If they spawn early and we get a very harsh late-winter, will this damage any reproduction?
|
Sponsored Links | ||
Advertisement | ||
|
#2
|
|||
|
|||
RE: Spawning walleye question
I can`t answer your 2nd question but the first is water temps.,John
__________________
rockys angling pursuits |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
RE: Spawning walleye question
Not to worry my friend. Some of the rivers may be open but, the water temp is still too cool to trigger a spawn. Also, there is more to the spawning season than just water temp. Walleyes will spawn when conditions tell them so. The time of daylight also plays a big role in the spawning season. Long daylight hours (such as in the Spring), coupled with 45-55 degree water will tigger the spawning season. Some years hear in Minn. when we have long hard winters, Some of the Eyes have actually spawned under the ice. In this case water temp. didn't play a role at all for some of the fish. So, agian not to worry, the fish will spawn at the a time that is right for them. In the mean time, enjoy the warmer than normal winter and go fishin' T.W.
|
Sponsored Links | ||
Advertisement | ||
|
#4
|
|||
|
|||
RE: Spawning walleye question
I really don't think the water temps will get up to where they have to be for the eyes to start spawning until Spring. Most pre-spawn walleye's will wait for the water temp to climb into the 40's before they start spawning.
In years where there are difficulties with the spawn due to weather, or water conditions the females usually reabsorb their eggs and wait for the next year. Although I'm not a Marine Biologist I think it would have to be a very severe, and extended cold weather period to damage the egg's once deposited on the riverbed/lake floor. Good luck in the new year! Keith Segar NPAA #260 |
#5
|
|||
|
|||
RE: Spawning walleye question
Hi Carpslayer- I'll take a stab at this but I'm no expert. This is what I know about Wolf River spawning. If the fish have to spawn in the river in moving water there is a good chance that most of it will be lost. When they are able to get into the flooded marshes to spawn the chances are much better for the eggs to hatch and slowly get deposited back into the river and be on their way. We haven't had much snow yet this year so the marshes may not hold enough water in the spring for a good spawn to occur. With the low amount of snow we've had it's like a summer without rain-drought.
If you want more info try the WDNR website. Those guys are a lot smarter than I am. Kendall Kamke at the Oshkosh office would be a good source. You can ask for him on the Lake Winnebago Walleye website. I hope this helps a little. Good Luck. Dale Frank #251 |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
RE: Spawning walleye question
Carpslayer.
Walleye have an internal clock that starts their bodily egg production about the same time every year, no matter what the conditions. But, the spawning water temps have to reach that ideal temperature (44/50)to key them into actually spawning. Oh the water temps may speed them up or slow them down, as far as their migration and feeding attitude goes. But, they'll wait around the spawning grounds until that right water temp gives their bodies the OK. Big Females spawn on baseball size rock and can drop all their eggs in one night when the right temps are present. They broadcast their eggs versus building a nest, and that can start as early as late February or as late as Mid-May. Once they are fertilized, colder water temp will only delay the hatching and not kill the immerging fry. Things could get tough for the fry after that though, if the water temp continue to get colder. They depend on the plankton and microscopic organisms that thrive for food as the water warms. Hope I answered some of your questions, Capt: Dan. |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|