As the ice fishing season gets fully under way on the Bay of Quinte, anglers are urged to voluntarily limit the number of large walleye they keep.
Female walleye in the Bay mature at about age three and 19 inches in length. As the fish grow even larger they are capable of producing greater egg masses. The bigger the fish, the more eggs are produced. Fish over 19 inches are most important to rebuild depleted stocks in the Bay of Quinte, and anglers should be encouraged to limit their harvest of mature fish, explains O.F.A.H. Fisheries Biologist Dave Brown.
Over the past decade walleye stocks have, for several reasons, plunged precipitously, and researchers believe there may be as few as 160,000 walleye remaining in the Bay area that once supported over a million. During the ice fishing season, these remaining fish may be concentrated in a relatively small area and are more frequently caught.
Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters Executive Director Mike Reader said, voluntarily abiding by size limits is appropriate during the period of public consultation and discussion. It is also imperative that all communities with an interest in the fishery work together to stop or limit the harvest of breeding age fish.
The O.F.A.H. also wants to ensure anglers, or anyone with concerns on this issue, have the opportunity to comment. A special web site section has been set up at www.ofah.org where a brief but important poll and comment section has been set up.
It is the O.F.A.H.’s intention to bring those comments forward to the M.N.R during the decision-making process, Mr. Reader said.