Eating Big Walleye

ProStaffSteve here’s some good related articles, one about releasing big fish that supports your premise. And the other about differing growth rates from P4 vs Rainy River. And finally one about the 25 year old Mille Lacs walleye that was eye opening.

http://www.outdoorcanada.ca/why-you-should-always-always-always-release-big-fish/

http://www.in-depthoutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Pepin-Walleye-Growth.pdf

http://www.technologicalangler.com/how-old-is-that-fish

Big walleye,Small walleye, in most stocked lakes here in Wis natural reproduction is limited if at all, A bigger fish is just for someone else to catch if released ,it means it can eat bigger fish. They are put and take fisheries, I bet 2 to one it’s the same in Minnesota. Your known lakes that have a successful spawn, well that’s different, I was always told the medium sized females were the best spawners . Years ago I filleted females that held their eggs, which were all black, but these fish came from stocked lakes. Non spawning fish. Like I have said before eat a few,just don’t be a pig about it. Time’s have changed . DK

Each fishery is different but I throw back larger fish not only because they are the big spawners but the meat is more toxic, thats a fact. If its over 18 it goes back.

Also only keep what I can eat that night, that way I have an excuse to go back out “for dinner”. Honestly don’t keep much these days though.

I grew up in Ohio fished Erie and the Maumee, its absolutely insane out there. Biggest threats are over harvest and water quality issues. Enjoy it while we can.

BigWerm wrote:

…finally one about the 25 year old Mille Lacs walleye that was eye opening.

http://www.technologicalangler.com/how-old-is-that-fish

Crazy to think those are the slot walleyes getting eaten out there. I ate half a 22″ walleye last night after leaving the lake. The fillet weighed 11oz and tasted great, regardless of age.

Bass Thumb wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>BigWerm wrote:</div>
…finally one about the 25 year old Mille Lacs <em class=”ido-tag-em”>walleye that was eye opening.

http://www.technologicalangler.com/how-old-is-that-fish

Crazy to think those are the slot walleyes getting eaten out there. I ate half a 22″ walleye last night after leaving the lake. The fillet weighed 11oz and tasted great, regardless of age.

I have to imagine that fish is the outlier, and not normal age for that size. Females likely get that size a lot sooner also.