I am not here to debate native american spearing right or wrong. I am simply here to present facts. Prior to spearing, this was THE place to go for walleye. Numbers and size. In fact much of northern WI was great for walleye. I once thought I had lost my touch, and hired a guide for 6 years straight on the Chip from around 2004-20010. Boated 3 walleyes in 6 years. Interesting how after around 5 hours they all said;"you wanna try for some crappies?" I have come to realize after fishing the Chip for 20 years, and northern WI for most of my life that trips to the great northwoods are for smallmouth and crappie, walleye are targeted in central WI, MN,and Canada.I still have a few lakes I hit for walleye, but that is done only by checking DNR data that I get every year from Joe Hennesey,608-267-9427, Madison office. Good guy and will send you pdf files for whatever you want regarding spearing data.My honey lake in Vilas county was not speared for 2 years, fishing was great for numbers and really nice size, then, in 2017-2018 they speared over 1600 walleye from an 800 acre lake. Still fished it last year x 2, terrible.Again, I am just stating a reality that the dnr will not discuss for political reasons. Guys, take my advice, go to northern WI and catch some trophy smaliies, great crappies, but be prepared to be frustrated if you're looking for 18-24 inch eyes. Without spewing too much data, I will just give you some numbers from the Chip from around 2006-2019, annual native american harvest. I'm missing like '13'14 for some reason. 1843,1858,1849,1830,2902,1848,1793,1716,1373,and 2019=3379[good year]. The numbers are lower if you trend back to '86. Sorry, all the surveys in the world ain't gonna fix the Chip.Thanks Tom. Great channel.
Grew up every year going to tree lands with my large family. Started going in late 1970s. 4th of July week. Walleye fishing has gotten super tough on the chip. Small mouth has picked up. Some of the best memories of my life up there. Family has possibly our last big trip planned for July 2021. My dads 80th b day. Family been going north since 1967. Started in rhinelander first then started to go to treelands. We have 4 generations going this year. Can’t wait. Ive done my homework so watch out fish. I’m coming hard. Hahaha. Practice catch and release. More stocking programs. 14”/18” is good keeper. Pictures for the rest. Remove some northerns.
I’ve been fishing the Flowage anywhere from 4 to 5 times a year for the past few years and I struggle to catch any walleye at all (I’ve only started fishing seriously in the last five, six years, but I have so much more success in Minnesota). This summer has been especially bad, although I didn’t make it out early in the season due to motor issues. It’s disappointing because it’s right in my backyard. My folks are in the area and it’s where I store my fishing boat. In fact, I’ve been disappointed in a lot of the fishing in the Hayward/Cable/Gordon/Minong area. Again, I’m fairly new to it, and maybe I just have to get better at finding the fish. But I’ve invested lot of time and effort w/o much success. Really enjoy your videos! I’ve watched them in the past for tips and it wasn’t until I saw this one that I realized we fish the same neighborhood! Cheers.
Tom thank you so much for making this video. I get to fish the Flowage once a year and have been noticing the declining numbers of nice quality fish as well. Think the slot is really nice but the fact that it’s legal to keep Walleye over 24 is stupid because I’ve seen it happen more than once, and I’m only up there once a year. I think the pike improvement project is great and I hope keeping on promoting that will limit those small pike from eating a ton of little Walleye.
@@curtanschuetz3434no, where I fish , it takes 15 years of conversations of the species and now catching 20 and 24 more regularly. The slut is 14 to 20 for 6 fish limit all the time, that mean after 5 days of fishing you go home with 6 fish. 6 fish limit in the cooler at home.
Thanks Tom for the video. I agree with you. I live south of you at Holcombe & on the flowage here they have implemented a 3 fish limit, no minimum size, nothing between 14"-18" & only one can be over 18". I believe it's really working here. Walleye fish is the best for me anyway that I've seen it in many years. I'd love to see a 10 limit on the panfish here. I think I'd only help. Keep up your videos! Thanks
Thanks Tom for your great videos. Here in Ontario, Lake Nipissing has a slot size for walleye 2 fish over 18.1". Cannot figure out why government would want us to harvest spawning fish. Easy to catch fish in 15 to 17" but hard for the average fishermen to find and catch fish over 18.1". I agree on your wish to keep smaller fish.
I've fished a lot in Canada - and watched those lakes improve year after year. I think it is a long game - we have to put in slots so the fish keep getting bigger. We all want to catch big fish. I think keeping 3 fish in the 15-18" size with 1 over 24 would be fine. Most of us toss them back anyway so I care more about getting big fish then keeping big fish. Same with the Pike - I want to catch 36" plus pike. I'd even be ok if they just said keep 2 15-18"ers for a few years so we could build those walleye numbers up. Not sure on how the science works but I do know we need to be willing to make some sacrifices now so we can have better fishing in years to come. I don't pan fish much but I think we need to put limits on those fish too or we will loose all our big crappies...
Great video! Haven't fished the Chip in years (from Merrill, live in Madison) but everything you stated sounds responsible and reasonable. I hope whoever is dealing with this survey watches your video!
We went up and spent 10 days on the Chippewa this summer. Frankly, we caught some bass, only a couple of walleyes and several small northerns. It was hot so honestly we fished crappies by the bog in the evenings and then went for more of your predator fish in the morning while fleeing the heat in the afternoon. My personal opinion is that at least on the weekends there was quite a bit of fishing pressure on the weekends but not too bad during the week despite the large number of resorts. Of course, part of that could have been from the heat. Anyway, until the average size starts getting back up there I would only allow 3 walleyes a day between 12 and 15 inches. I think once the average size gets up in 3-4 years that you reintroduce keeping 1 of those between the 15 to 18 inch range. Also, I do agree that there are too many small northern pike. Never caught one good sized northern, I think the biggest was 18 inches. 35 years ago when I lived there and ice fished as well as fished in the boat it was nothing to catch at least one northern over 22 inches. Catching an 18 inch walleye was probably closer to the norm. It's funny you mention Grindstone cause we went swimming there and came out with leeches on us. Anyway, I think having no limit on northern for awhile under 15 inches wouldn't be a bad idea either. I think it would be good to let some of the larger northern have a shot at getting some shoulders as there are still a lot of anglers like myself who would love to pull in a 30 inch pike.
Delavan Lake in southern Wisconsin was killed off and restocked many years ago. The DNR restocked Walleye with a survival rate estimate(and other game fish as well). The population survival exceeded the estimate and the Walleye became stunted due to a lack of forage. With an overabundance of Walleyes the DNR decided to net and relocate the excess and add more forage base to the lake(mimic shiners from Geneva Lake). This action brought the growth rates for the Walleyes back in line(and other game fish as well). Delavan Lake is now a world class fishery and maintains a good predator prey relationship. This is a great example of how a reduced forage base/game fish population can affect a fisheries growth rates. By studying the forage base and its environment in the Chip , a plan can be forged moving forward to improve existing fish populations growth rates. Statistics gathered from several years of Walleye fry stocking in Geneva Lake through the Walleyes for Tomorrow Geneva Lake Chapter portable hatchery revealed some interesting results. Without getting into all the details the group found that female Walleyes in the 17-24 inch length had the highest fertility percentage of all sized fish captured. The larger female Walleyes (greater than 24 inches) fertility dropped off dramatically even though more eggs were produced by these fish. Granted this was done in a more controlled environment than in a natural lake/river/stream system. The group also helped influence a change in the daily bag limit from 5 Walleyes @ 15 inches or larger to 3 @ 18 inches or larger. The thought here was that each fish would reach reproductive maturity between 17-18 inches and would be able to reproduce at least once (hopefully twice) before being harvested. The group felt that having a younger reproductive age for the Walleyes would benefit the fishery with a higher fertility percentage in a natural environment. The Chip is a great body of water and deserves the best efforts to maintain a quality fishery that all can enjoy.
Great video. I don't fish the chippewa much, but believe the walleye regulations in the state of Wisconsin are to relaxed. I think a 2 or 3 fish limit under 15" (1 over 28) if you must, but pictures and a replica are the better option in my opinion. You gotta let the quality fish go to sustain the population. Over new year's i went to mille lacs for the first time. Self guided and caught several trophy eyes. I believe that is due to the regulations set on that water. I'm hooked definitely planning on going back, it was just a great experience and i have several photos to remember it by. Finding quality fish seems to be more challenging these days. I think some stiffer regulations would help that tremendously. I also agree that the panfish should be lowered to a minimum of 10 ( 5 would be better). Of each species, of course. It's a great sport just wish more people would be happy with pictures and the experience instead of trying to fill the freezer. Love the vidoes Tom, keep it up.
Tom I totally agree with you!! I say to keep 2 to 3 fish limit is great 2 fish 15” and under & 1 fish over 15” to 20” and nothing over 20” !! I think if that went in play for 4 to 5 years & if number don’t increase nock the number of fish down to 2 fish kept 15” 16” under!! I would think that would help them reproduce the numbers of fish for sure! I mean really it’s not the number of fish one person can catch for his hole family!! I mean seriously 2 walleyes 16” & under would definitely feed me a meal!! If they need more fish have other family members buy a fishing license & go fish also!! I think that is totally fair!! I think a 5 limit is way to many for one person to keep for sure!! I see many people come to my area & keep everything they catch for pan fish that will fit in a 5 gallon bucket for sure!! I see guys every day carry out way more then the limit of fish they are supposed to catch!! & I have definitely seen a decrease in population in the pan fish even in my area!! Hope that helps out!!
I grew up on summers on the Flowage at Tiger Musky Resort-early 80’s thru late 80’s. No catch and release in those days. People kept a ton of 14-18 inch walleyes then. It does not seem to have recovered since those days. Very sad because even then very poor DNR/Native American co-operation. The major screw up in the mid 80’s of stocking northerns instead of musky fry also seemed to screw with the fish balance in the Flowage. It seems also that the panfish have exploded as the walleye have plummeted. Back in the 80’s 90% of the people targeted walleye’s or musky’s. Now the size or lack of it for both is the issue! Also back then no pontoon boats on the Flowage!
@@curtanschuetz3434 I can't say that as the regs were in place before I started going there (about 17 years now). But it certainly hasn't bolstered a healthy population in that time.
@@curtanschuetz3434 hard saying one thing I know didn't help anything was like 12 years ago they sprayed for milfoil but whatever they sprayed was a pretty general herbicide because it absolutely destroyed several major weedbeds.
We fished Rainy Lake a few years ago and they do exactly what you are suggesting. Our issue was catching walleye SMALL enough to keep! Obviously Rainy is 250k acres so the fish are big in general, but allowing walleye that reach 15/16 inches to be protected up to 20 inches makes a lot of sense.
Ok you catch a lot more fish than me. You talk about not being interested in catching 7 fish a day. That’d be a pretty good day for me. Lol. Good discussion. Totally get your points though and agree with you. Love your videos!
Great videos. Your slot recommendations are spot on for walleye on the flowage. I fish the flowage several times a year and catch way more panfish than I keep (10 per person).
I fish in turtle flambeau Same problems. Everyone blames Indian spearing But I see so many locals that seem to do what they want on numbers But they do throw back the big girls. Our biggest problem is so many 10” fish. Now the last two years it seems the numbers are going down. We are going to your slot regs next year. Hope it works. Hell a 22” is a giant here. Smallmouth and panfish are great now, size and numbers
Hi Tom. I’m messaging you from Lake Erie. It seems like the DNR has set the regulations in place and it probably will just take a couple years. 20 walleye a day... With the regulations in place I’d recommend being patient! I fish all over the North East and seen fisheries with less regulations recover. I’m watching the video because I want to learn a lot and I do. I often learn about fisheries I never fish and I think this gives me a good understanding in the DNRs attempts to fix things and keep us happy. It seems like they are doing a great job. Give it time man and honestly if you’re concerned stop fishing Lures with treble hooks or lures that can mortally harm fish and advocate for this in the fishery. I often see to many complaints but the same guys are not doing their part to help. Nice video man.
@@curtanschuetz3434 Hey negative Nancy. I'm only 33 years old and I can't help that the old timers ruined your fishery. Obviously there's been changes put in place to fix the "suck" issue. People need to pull there own weight as well and help the fishery out instead of just bitching about it. Change comes from people who make it happen. How do I know? Well I'm an active advocate for many fisheries and ethical conservation as well as a combat veteran and I've seen first hand that most people just sit back and complain about how terrible things are for years, grow old and never change leaving a shit mess for the next guy in line which is our children. Nice comment, get a grip on life.
@@TheEverLovingOutdoors Thanks for the input, very informative or something. I am not a keep fisherman, walleye are a sport fish to me, so I'm not sure how I am ruining things for future generations. If you read my posts, you may understand a little more. I rarely complain about northern wisconsin walleye fishing as I rarely do it. Too many other great fisheries close by. I guess my volunteering to help the WI DNR with spring fyke netting, bringing in fish that looked diseased, and bringing in an invasive species from a northern Wi lake that previously was not identified there were examples of me sitting on my ass and complaining and doing nothing.I give my input via e mail and over the phone to fisheries biologists like Mark Mylchrist and Zach Woiak as a way of helping and passing along observations as I spend a ton of time on the water. I shouldn't mention my support for wounded warriors and take a vet fishing but I will anyway. So I will change everything and get a grip on life. Thank you again
@@curtanschuetz3434 if you were here right now I'd give you a tissue. congratulations on not keeping fish I'm sure you don't kill fish, right, lmfao. Stop Trolling for comments and do more. Honestly, throwing a couple reputable names out in a comment just makes you look more like a goon. Also you don't need to fish a certain body of water to be part of it and know what is going on. So if your chucking baits where fish can be mortally harmed and you're only messaging a couple "big name guys" you're still doing more harm than good. Also don't be disrespectful and ride on the coat tails of wounded vets. If you take them fishing good. Be proud don't brag. That's very disrespectful and shows no honor. Now shoosh! No More!
So I dont always keep fish but I do when I travel to other places. Now there are places I fish in the fall that starting after sep 1st they bump the 3 pos limit to 5 and take off the min length limit to help eliminate those smaller fish.
I have fished on the Flowage for 40 years the last ten years have not been good I dont normally fish Walleye love the crappies but it has went down considerably
Great VID. I cannot find the survey on Treeland website or the DNR. I just did an online chat with Rebecca at the DNR and she cannot locate on their website. Is it possible you can post the link as well. I like you suggestions size and bag limits. Be safe and tight lines. Great content again.
I've fished the flowage for 30 years and the biggest change I've seen on a boat to boat basis is the current regulations don't account for how technology has changed poor to mediocre walleye fisherman into good walleye fisherman. The days of triangulating trees, throwing out marker buoys on structure, fish cribs, ect is over. GPS, lake chips, spot lock, sidescan, panoptix, it all equates into more anglers finding productive water and in turn catching more fish (which is great don't get me wrong) but a double edged sword. I like the idea of a closed 14"-18" slot, and 1 over 18". But there is the possibility of shifting more pressure then to the 18"+ fish. There is no one cure all, and any lake is in a constant state of change, especially in the face of recent and sustained recruitment failure on a lot of lakes up here. It's hard to please everyone, but in 30 years I have generally been happy with flowage walleye fishing. My favorite regulation on local lakes up here is 3 walleye, but only 1 over 14".
Interesting topic, is there any slot type limits on the size of perch in your area lakes? For a number of reasons I believe perch slots could be beneficial in my area. If you are having a forage base problem increasing the average size of perch could produce a big boost in forage base... Young of the year perch. Then in a few, hopefully, short years having alot of 12+ inch perch to catch would make for alot of happy fishermen. I'm thinking a destination perch lake, primarily ice fishing.
This is a multi issue problem. But the one that stands out as the biggest issue with the Chippewa Flowage is forage. You can have all the regs and stocking you want. If the forage base is struggling then so will the walleye. DNR has started to address that issue by taking out all the snakey pike. But the forage of perch and sucker has declined in the last 25 years on the chip. Fix that issue and you'll see a healthy bump in quality fish.
@@JLeeChronGovernor Doyle negotiated the Native American gaming contracts years ago. This put him and the fisherman of Wisconsin at the bargaining table. Several guides met with Doyle to give input on what many thought would be more reasonable regarding possibly putting limits on lakes, or limits within a tribe etc. Doyle ignored all and gave the Native Americans a sweetheart of a lifetime deal on the gaming contracts with no adjustments on spearing. It will never change.
No worse than the clown Scott Walker. The damage Walker has done to this state will never be rectified in my lifetime. Then these outdoor guys voted for him and he wants to sell off Wisconsin public lands.....dumbshits…...thank goodness he is now gone.
Walleye management needs to consider reproduction as well as harvest. Canada does well with a none over 18 limit and total of 4. This protection of the spawning population is important for the persistence of the species. Keep some of the smaller and more abundant fish but release the spawners.
Tom, great video. I had same exact answers you did. I fish the flowage a lot. No issue catching eyes, but like you said, once they spread out you get a lot of shorts. Prior to the size limits they have now, we used to catch good amounts of eyes in the 15-18 inch range. I’ve seen that decline each year, since the new size limit. I will say, the way it is now, is a good way to perfect techniques on the flowage. For guys that do a lot of walleye fishing, 20 fish days are not that hard. But for the family that comes up for a week a year, they don’t fish much for eyes the rest of the year, they have a tough time getting that amount in a week. If they catch a 15 inch fish, they are going to keep it. I’ve also seen them keep the fish over 24. Most walleye fishermen will not keep a fish over 20. But for the people on vacation for that 1-2 weeks, they are going to keep it. Mainly because they can’t keep any walleyes to eat. On the other side, when the limit was anything under 15, or whatever it was. I did see people keeping 10-12 inch walleyes. If I want to keep any eyes, I will go to a different lake near by, that lake also has some big eyes. I’ve caught more eyes over 24 on that lake, going there a couple times a year, compared to fishing on the flowage. And I’ve been going to the flowage for 15-20 years. Now I’m up there every other weekend. I attribute that to a lot of factors, size limit, lack of quality forage, like the deeper clearer lakes near by. I rambled too. Bottom line, the flowage needs a different size limit out there. If they continue the pike project, that will help. Each spring, one of the resorts has a northern tournament. I cleaned some of those fish. I did check the stomachs, quite a few of the larger northern had walleyes in their stomachs, up to 12 inches long. You mentioned Mille lacs. It used to be one of the best walleye lakes in the country. Fished a few tournaments there. 100 fish days were not uncommon. The eyes declined to a low level, because of several factors. They closed the harvesting of walleyes out there, as you know. However, from what I’ve heard, the walleye fishing has come back. Reason I brought that up, maybe close the walleye season for a few years on the flowage, let it rebound, then put a different size structure on it? People can still fish for them, just can’t keep them. Just my .02 worth.
@@BigOlSmokey Did you hear that in the spring of '19 they speared 3379 spawning walleye, more than double their normal take? Without significant changes in annual spearing harvest, tweaking this and that will have little impact.
The problem with general fishing quality across WI and MN are our notions regarding harvest practices. These notions are antiquated, ineffective, and defy common sense. Unfortunately, and for reasons I will never understand, the DNR of both states for the most part builds their regulations around these notions. Some people are figuring out that we have been essentially backwards in our harvest practices for the better part of a century now, and they are releasing the larger fish of all species that are more important to reproduction, as well as maintaining a quality sport fishing resource that produces economic growth. Unfortunately, there is still a very large percentage of fishermen in WI and MN who harvest the large fish that they catch, and in most cases, they are lawfully allowed to do so. Of course, it is good that many of us are starting to get things right, but real improvement will not happen until the law mandates proper harvest habits. Science is very important, but it must be balanced with proper philosophy. In the case of Chippewa Flowage walleyes, there needs to be greater biomass. Even though the Chippewa Flowage is subject to an extensive walleye stocking program, it does have natural reproduction for walleye, which will always be better and more effective than stocking. Regardless of what the WI DNR says or thinks, all walleyes over 24" are vital to the reproductive health of the population as well, and the harvest of any of these fish for any reason should not be allowed. We have the capability of photographs, video, and stunning/durable replicas. Anybody who keeps large fish at this point (weather they admit it or not) just wants to kill something big. The main problem with this practice is that it severely limits the future quality of our gamefish resources. Harvesting fish to eat is a fantastic tradition, and if we can all wrap our brains around the harvest small and medium size fish (depending on specie), we can assuredly harvest more pounds of fish for the table for less resources spent, while preserving great sportfishing and huge populations of gamefish. The WI and MN DNR will down play this notion, saying it is more complicated than that, but it really is just that simple. Hiding behind supposed complexity is just an effective excuse for lack of success. To stick to the subject at hand, a 3 or 4 fish daily bag limit and a maximum size limit of 15" or 16" (no walleye over that length) for Chippewa Flowage walleye would work very well. At that point, there would really be no need for a closed season either, but that is a whole separate discussion in and of itself. As I listen to Tom's words and read many of the comments below, I think there is hope. However, until people who know how things should be collectively speak up and demand proper regulation of our DNRs and legislative bodies, nothing is going to get better. Everyone, including sport fishermen, tribal harvesters, and governmental entities; need to put aside greed, selfishness, and old ideas that don't work. If we can do that, our fishing can be amazing in the very near future and stay that way. If not, it will stay decent as it is now, but will always fail to reach its true potential. Food for thought. Let me know what you think........
I think you're conlusion was good. maybe letting guys keep one maybe two fish 14" or 15" in length, maybe letting them keep one 18", but not more quantity of that size, .. not keeping eyes between 21 and 24" because they are the main egg layers. and then letting one fish larger than the slot limit be kept if the angler is fortunate enough to boat one, wants to mount (skin mount) & does not believe in replicas. Thats a pretty standard base plan for most midwestern eye fisheries. You're passionate about details like this, which is good, but try not to get so caught up on where you have to fish to have a good day of Walleye fishing .. say a 20 fish (quantity day) with most of them ideally yet realistically expecting to be, say 16-18" expecting or at least hoping for a few 19 and 20 inchers if twenty fish are landed. lower twenties lengths are awesomely fun too. .. going back to saying.. in the counties where you fish bud there is an abundance of lakes like that which you wish for.. like you said.. just down the road from the chippewa flowage. Hot lakes with different quantities of ideal year classes will always vary and cycle.. like most Natural processes do. I know you're in with treelands and the chippewa flowage has an over exploited reputation that many out of towners visiting want to see or experience.. but if you are as good as a guide as you think you are, (& I think you have the potential to be).. then you'd be able to get some of these people vacationing on the flowage down the road a hop, skip, and a jump, to better Walleye waters with greater abundance of the ideal/ target length. You know you have bodies of water like that in the counties you frequent.. & many people cant even say that about their counties. .. try not to get butt hurt or overly emotionally distraught about where the fish aren't.. as you are blessed enough to know where the fish of the target length (& quantity of those target length Sander vitreus are). Try and smile cause, after all, you know lakes where those higher quantities of 17-20"ers are. Even if they are not as easily boatable on the flowage. Tight lines. - Ryan
Haven't fished the flowage in a couple years but it's always a fun time out there. Also where did you find this survey? I'm curious to see if they have any for my lake by me.
So, the problem with some fisheries, walleye and otherwise, is that the populations are too high for the available forage base. This creates a situation where the average annual growth rate is impacted by a lack of sufficient forage. On these bodies of water, slot limits "can be" an effective way of improving the overall fishing for a given species. It sounds like this waterway has too many predator species and not enough forage for the numbers. The problem with slot limits is that it can be difficult to convince enough people to keep fish that are on the short end of the slot limit. It sounds like that may be the case on this body of water. Can't get TOO complicated with the regs or they just won't be followed.
The answer could be/is enforcement. When was the last time you saw someone being checked, ticketed or boats being seized? (They’ll take your rig in Canada👍) That creates an additional incentive to follow the guidelines, along with educating about populations, sustainablilty, age and reproduction of species.
Help me out here. Was there really a time that a person could go out any day, any time of year, any weather condition and just catch great fish? Does spearing have an impact? My belief is NO. Guys of old were catching fish at the opportune times. Now that there are guys with their 3D imaging color-coordinating $100,000 boats it's an issue if they can't come up from IL and catch all the fish that they want on any given weekend. My apologies.
If you don't think spearing has an impact, you have not done your research.3379 spawning walleye speared in spring of 19 on the Chippewa Flowage. No mention of that on here.
I live in the area and have fished the Chippewa flowage for 25 years. I agree with the walleye theory. I also think the Crappie took a big hit when the DNR lowered the flowage by 12 feet for several years in a row to kill off weeds. The average depth is only 20 feet and I believe this caused some winter kill.
The crappie did not take a big hit. They are much harder to find when weedbeds disapear. DNR surveys from 5-6 years ago showed an overabundance of crappie and as such, the crappie daily limit went from 10-25 to thin out the population.
Great video and I agree with you 100% I've been going up to the Flowage since the 80's and honestly, the size of the average walleye hasn't changed a ton. I think people are noticing what they think is an abundance of 12-14" fish because they're measuring them now where in the past you'd just keep that 14" fish. My opinion: 3 walleye max, 14" minimum, no fish between 19 and 25, 1 over 25.
100% agreed on everything
Hands down the best northern wisconsin fishing channel on youtube
I'd also add hands down most informative fishing channel on RUclips. I've learned alot of tricks from this channel
I am not here to debate native american spearing right or wrong. I am simply here to present facts. Prior to spearing, this was THE place to go for walleye. Numbers and size. In fact much of northern WI was great for walleye. I once thought I had lost my touch, and hired a guide for 6 years straight on the Chip from around 2004-20010. Boated 3 walleyes in 6 years. Interesting how after around 5 hours they all said;"you wanna try for some crappies?" I have come to realize after fishing the Chip for 20 years, and northern WI for most of my life that trips to the great northwoods are for smallmouth and crappie, walleye are targeted in central WI, MN,and Canada.I still have a few lakes I hit for walleye, but that is done only by checking DNR data that I get every year from Joe Hennesey,608-267-9427, Madison office. Good guy and will send you pdf files for whatever you want regarding spearing data.My honey lake in Vilas county was not speared for 2 years, fishing was great for numbers and really nice size, then, in 2017-2018 they speared over 1600 walleye from an 800 acre lake. Still fished it last year x 2, terrible.Again, I am just stating a reality that the dnr will not discuss for political reasons. Guys, take my advice, go to northern WI and catch some trophy smaliies, great crappies, but be prepared to be frustrated if you're looking for 18-24 inch eyes. Without spewing too much data, I will just give you some numbers from the Chip from around 2006-2019, annual native american harvest. I'm missing like '13'14 for some reason. 1843,1858,1849,1830,2902,1848,1793,1716,1373,and 2019=3379[good year]. The numbers are lower if you trend back to '86. Sorry, all the surveys in the world ain't gonna fix the Chip.Thanks Tom. Great channel.
Grew up every year going to tree lands with my large family. Started going in late 1970s. 4th of July week. Walleye fishing has gotten super tough on the chip. Small mouth has picked up. Some of the best memories of my life up there. Family has possibly our last big trip planned for July 2021. My dads 80th b day. Family been going north since 1967. Started in rhinelander first then started to go to treelands. We have 4 generations going this year. Can’t wait. Ive done my homework so watch out fish. I’m coming hard. Hahaha. Practice catch and release. More stocking programs. 14”/18” is good keeper. Pictures for the rest. Remove some northerns.
I’ve been fishing the Flowage anywhere from 4 to 5 times a year for the past few years and I struggle to catch any walleye at all (I’ve only started fishing seriously in the last five, six years, but I have so much more success in Minnesota). This summer has been especially bad, although I didn’t make it out early in the season due to motor issues.
It’s disappointing because it’s right in my backyard. My folks are in the area and it’s where I store my fishing boat. In fact, I’ve been disappointed in a lot of the fishing in the Hayward/Cable/Gordon/Minong area. Again, I’m fairly new to it, and maybe I just have to get better at finding the fish. But I’ve invested lot of time and effort w/o much success.
Really enjoy your videos! I’ve watched them in the past for tips and it wasn’t until I saw this one that I realized we fish the same neighborhood! Cheers.
shit tom, you wear the Montana hat enough...time to come to Fort Peck and get you on a Montana eye
Tom thank you so much for making this video. I get to fish the Flowage once a year and have been noticing the declining numbers of nice quality fish as well. Think the slot is really nice but the fact that it’s legal to keep Walleye over 24 is stupid because I’ve seen it happen more than once, and I’m only up there once a year. I think the pike improvement project is great and I hope keeping on promoting that will limit those small pike from eating a ton of little Walleye.
1 fish over 24 has a miniscule to zero impact on the Chip.
curt anschuetz why do you say that? Wouldn’t you rather have those fish in the system to spawn again?
@@curtanschuetz3434no, where I fish , it takes 15 years of conversations of the species and now catching 20 and 24 more regularly. The slut is 14 to 20 for 6 fish limit all the time, that mean after 5 days of fishing you go home with 6 fish. 6 fish limit in the cooler at home.
Thanks Tom for the video. I agree with you. I live south of you at Holcombe & on the flowage here they have implemented a 3 fish limit, no minimum size, nothing between 14"-18" & only one can be over 18". I believe it's really working here. Walleye fish is the best for me anyway that I've seen it in many years. I'd love to see a 10 limit on the panfish here. I think I'd only help. Keep up your videos! Thanks
Thanks Tom for your great videos. Here in Ontario, Lake Nipissing has a slot size for walleye 2 fish over 18.1". Cannot figure out why government would want us to harvest spawning fish. Easy to catch fish in 15 to 17" but hard for the average fishermen to find and catch fish over 18.1". I agree on your wish to keep smaller fish.
I've fished a lot in Canada - and watched those lakes improve year after year. I think it is a long game - we have to put in slots so the fish keep getting bigger. We all want to catch big fish. I think keeping 3 fish in the 15-18" size with 1 over 24 would be fine. Most of us toss them back anyway so I care more about getting big fish then keeping big fish. Same with the Pike - I want to catch 36" plus pike. I'd even be ok if they just said keep 2 15-18"ers for a few years so we could build those walleye numbers up. Not sure on how the science works but I do know we need to be willing to make some sacrifices now so we can have better fishing in years to come. I don't pan fish much but I think we need to put limits on those fish too or we will loose all our big crappies...
Great video! Haven't fished the Chip in years (from Merrill, live in Madison) but everything you stated sounds responsible and reasonable. I hope whoever is dealing with this survey watches your video!
We went up and spent 10 days on the Chippewa this summer. Frankly, we caught some bass, only a couple of walleyes and several small northerns. It was hot so honestly we fished crappies by the bog in the evenings and then went for more of your predator fish in the morning while fleeing the heat in the afternoon. My personal opinion is that at least on the weekends there was quite a bit of fishing pressure on the weekends but not too bad during the week despite the large number of resorts. Of course, part of that could have been from the heat. Anyway, until the average size starts getting back up there I would only allow 3 walleyes a day between 12 and 15 inches. I think once the average size gets up in 3-4 years that you reintroduce keeping 1 of those between the 15 to 18 inch range. Also, I do agree that there are too many small northern pike. Never caught one good sized northern, I think the biggest was 18 inches. 35 years ago when I lived there and ice fished as well as fished in the boat it was nothing to catch at least one northern over 22 inches. Catching an 18 inch walleye was probably closer to the norm. It's funny you mention Grindstone cause we went swimming there and came out with leeches on us. Anyway, I think having no limit on northern for awhile under 15 inches wouldn't be a bad idea either. I think it would be good to let some of the larger northern have a shot at getting some shoulders as there are still a lot of anglers like myself who would love to pull in a 30 inch pike.
Delavan Lake in southern Wisconsin was killed off and restocked many years ago. The DNR restocked Walleye with a survival rate estimate(and other game fish as well). The population survival exceeded the estimate and the Walleye became stunted due to a lack of forage. With an overabundance of Walleyes the DNR decided to net and relocate the excess and add more forage base to the lake(mimic shiners from Geneva Lake). This action brought the growth rates for the Walleyes back in line(and other game fish as well). Delavan Lake is now a world class fishery and maintains a good predator prey relationship. This is a great example of how a reduced forage base/game fish population can affect a fisheries growth rates. By studying the forage base and its environment in the Chip , a plan can be forged moving forward to improve existing fish populations growth rates. Statistics gathered from several years of Walleye fry stocking in Geneva Lake through the Walleyes for Tomorrow Geneva Lake Chapter portable hatchery revealed some interesting results. Without getting into all the details the group found that female Walleyes in the 17-24 inch length had the highest fertility percentage of all sized fish captured. The larger female Walleyes (greater than 24 inches) fertility dropped off dramatically even though more eggs were produced by these fish. Granted this was done in a more controlled environment than in a natural lake/river/stream system. The group also helped influence a change in the daily bag limit from 5 Walleyes @ 15 inches or larger to 3 @ 18 inches or larger. The thought here was that each fish would reach reproductive maturity between 17-18 inches and would be able to reproduce at least once (hopefully twice) before being harvested. The group felt that having a younger reproductive age for the Walleyes would benefit the fishery with a higher fertility percentage in a natural environment. The Chip is a great body of water and deserves the best efforts to maintain a quality fishery that all can enjoy.
Great video. I don't fish the chippewa much, but believe the walleye regulations in the state of Wisconsin are to relaxed. I think a 2 or 3 fish limit under 15" (1 over 28) if you must, but pictures and a replica are the better option in my opinion. You gotta let the quality fish go to sustain the population. Over new year's i went to mille lacs for the first time. Self guided and caught several trophy eyes. I believe that is due to the regulations set on that water. I'm hooked definitely planning on going back, it was just a great experience and i have several photos to remember it by. Finding quality fish seems to be more challenging these days. I think some stiffer regulations would help that tremendously. I also agree that the panfish should be lowered to a minimum of 10 ( 5 would be better). Of each species, of course. It's a great sport just wish more people would be happy with pictures and the experience instead of trying to fill the freezer. Love the vidoes Tom, keep it up.
I love what they do on mille lacs 1 fish..but 21" is to big..should be under to keep
Tom I totally agree with you!! I say to keep 2 to 3 fish limit is great 2 fish 15” and under & 1 fish over 15” to 20” and nothing over 20” !! I think if that went in play for 4 to 5 years & if number don’t increase nock the number of fish down to 2 fish kept 15” 16” under!! I would think that would help them reproduce the numbers of fish for sure! I mean really it’s not the number of fish one person can catch for his hole family!! I mean seriously 2 walleyes 16” & under would definitely feed me a meal!! If they need more fish have other family members buy a fishing license & go fish also!! I think that is totally fair!! I think a 5 limit is way to many for one person to keep for sure!! I see many people come to my area & keep everything they catch for pan fish that will fit in a 5 gallon bucket for sure!! I see guys every day carry out way more then the limit of fish they are supposed to catch!! & I have definitely seen a decrease in population in the pan fish even in my area!! Hope that helps out!!
I grew up on summers on the Flowage at Tiger Musky Resort-early 80’s thru late 80’s. No catch and release in those days. People kept a ton of 14-18 inch walleyes then. It does not seem to have recovered since those days. Very sad because even then very poor DNR/Native American co-operation. The major screw up in the mid 80’s of stocking northerns instead of musky fry also seemed to screw with the fish balance in the Flowage. It seems also that the panfish have exploded as the walleye have plummeted. Back in the 80’s 90% of the people targeted walleye’s or musky’s. Now the size or lack of it for both is the issue! Also back then no pontoon boats on the Flowage!
Eagle river chain has a 3 fish under 15" and or 1 over 18". In the last 10 years the walleye fishery has deteriorated greatly.
So the regs caused the decline?
@@curtanschuetz3434 I can't say that as the regs were in place before I started going there (about 17 years now). But it certainly hasn't bolstered a healthy population in that time.
@@tywhite87 Wonder why the chain was so good in the 60s-70s and early 80s??
@@curtanschuetz3434 hard saying one thing I know didn't help anything was like 12 years ago they sprayed for milfoil but whatever they sprayed was a pretty general herbicide because it absolutely destroyed several major weedbeds.
We fished Rainy Lake a few years ago and they do exactly what you are suggesting. Our issue was catching walleye SMALL enough to keep!
Obviously Rainy is 250k acres so the fish are big in general, but allowing walleye that reach 15/16 inches to be protected up to 20 inches makes a lot of sense.
Someone else commented this already, but pickle the snake northerns to improve the forage base.
Any update on the walleye issue on the Flowage in 2021?
Ok you catch a lot more fish than me. You talk about not being interested in catching 7 fish a day. That’d be a pretty good day for me. Lol.
Good discussion. Totally get your points though and agree with you.
Love your videos!
Great videos. Your slot recommendations are spot on for walleye on the flowage. I fish the flowage several times a year and catch way more panfish than I keep (10 per person).
I fish in turtle flambeau Same problems. Everyone blames Indian spearing
But I see so many locals that seem to do what they want on numbers But they do throw back the big girls.
Our biggest problem is so many 10” fish. Now the last two years it seems the numbers are going down.
We are going to your slot regs next year. Hope it works. Hell a 22” is a giant here. Smallmouth and panfish are great now, size and numbers
Have you ever bothered to check the annual harvest[spearing] on T Flambeau? One of the hardest hit in the state but this has nothing to do with it.
Hi Tom. I’m messaging you from Lake Erie. It seems like the DNR has set the regulations in place and it probably will just take a couple years. 20 walleye a day... With the regulations in place I’d recommend being patient! I fish all over the North East and seen fisheries with less regulations recover. I’m watching the video because I want to learn a lot and I do. I often learn about fisheries I never fish and I think this gives me a good understanding in the DNRs attempts to fix things and keep us happy. It seems like they are doing a great job. Give it time man and honestly if you’re concerned stop fishing Lures with treble hooks or lures that can mortally harm fish and advocate for this in the fishery. I often see to many complaints but the same guys are not doing their part to help. Nice video man.
Its sucked for 20 years. Keep waiting....
@@curtanschuetz3434 Hey negative Nancy. I'm only 33 years old and I can't help that the old timers ruined your fishery. Obviously there's been changes put in place to fix the "suck" issue. People need to pull there own weight as well and help the fishery out instead of just bitching about it. Change comes from people who make it happen. How do I know? Well I'm an active advocate for many fisheries and ethical conservation as well as a combat veteran and I've seen first hand that most people just sit back and complain about how terrible things are for years, grow old and never change leaving a shit mess for the next guy in line which is our children. Nice comment, get a grip on life.
@@TheEverLovingOutdoors Thanks for the input, very informative or something. I am not a keep fisherman, walleye are a sport fish to me, so I'm not sure how I am ruining things for future generations. If you read my posts, you may understand a little more. I rarely complain about northern wisconsin walleye fishing as I rarely do it. Too many other great fisheries close by. I guess my volunteering to help the WI DNR with spring fyke netting, bringing in fish that looked diseased, and bringing in an invasive species from a northern Wi lake that previously was not identified there were examples of me sitting on my ass and complaining and doing nothing.I give my input via e mail and over the phone to fisheries biologists like Mark Mylchrist and Zach Woiak as a way of helping and passing along observations as I spend a ton of time on the water. I shouldn't mention my support for wounded warriors and take a vet fishing but I will anyway. So I will change everything and get a grip on life. Thank you again
@@curtanschuetz3434 if you were here right now I'd give you a tissue. congratulations on not keeping fish I'm sure you don't kill fish, right, lmfao. Stop Trolling for comments and do more. Honestly, throwing a couple reputable names out in a comment just makes you look more like a goon. Also you don't need to fish a certain body of water to be part of it and know what is going on. So if your chucking baits where fish can be mortally harmed and you're only messaging a couple "big name guys" you're still doing more harm than good. Also don't be disrespectful and ride on the coat tails of wounded vets. If you take them fishing good. Be proud don't brag. That's very disrespectful and shows no honor. Now shoosh! No More!
So I dont always keep fish but I do when I travel to other places. Now there are places I fish in the fall that starting after sep 1st they bump the 3 pos limit to 5 and take off the min length limit to help eliminate those smaller fish.
I have fished on the Flowage for 40 years the last ten years have not been good I dont normally fish Walleye love the crappies but it has went down considerably
Great VID. I cannot find the survey on Treeland website or the DNR. I just did an online chat with Rebecca at the DNR and she cannot locate on their website. Is it possible you can post the link as well. I like you suggestions size and bag limits. Be safe and tight lines. Great content again.
I've fished the flowage for 30 years and the biggest change I've seen on a boat to boat basis is the current regulations don't account for how technology has changed poor to mediocre walleye fisherman into good walleye fisherman. The days of triangulating trees, throwing out marker buoys on structure, fish cribs, ect is over. GPS, lake chips, spot lock, sidescan, panoptix, it all equates into more anglers finding productive water and in turn catching more fish (which is great don't get me wrong) but a double edged sword. I like the idea of a closed 14"-18" slot, and 1 over 18". But there is the possibility of shifting more pressure then to the 18"+ fish. There is no one cure all, and any lake is in a constant state of change, especially in the face of recent and sustained recruitment failure on a lot of lakes up here. It's hard to please everyone, but in 30 years I have generally been happy with flowage walleye fishing. My favorite regulation on local lakes up here is 3 walleye, but only 1 over 14".
Goods recommendation. Please forward these thoughts to the dnr for the wisconsin river too.
Interesting topic, is there any slot type limits on the size of perch in your area lakes? For a number of reasons I believe perch slots could be beneficial in my area. If you are having a forage base problem increasing the average size of perch could produce a big boost in forage base... Young of the year perch. Then in a few, hopefully, short years having alot of 12+ inch perch to catch would make for alot of happy fishermen. I'm thinking a destination perch lake, primarily ice fishing.
This is a multi issue problem. But the one that stands out as the biggest issue with the Chippewa Flowage is forage. You can have all the regs and stocking you want. If the forage base is struggling then so will the walleye. DNR has started to address that issue by taking out all the snakey pike. But the forage of perch and sucker has declined in the last 25 years on the chip. Fix that issue and you'll see a healthy bump in quality fish.
Umm, indian spearing in the spring during spawning sure might have a thing to do with it.
Definitely a good point to make.
Absolutely it does..
That needs to go eventually, population and pressure cannot sustain it
@@JLeeChronGovernor Doyle negotiated the Native American gaming contracts years ago. This put him and the fisherman of Wisconsin at the bargaining table. Several guides met with Doyle to give input on what many thought would be more reasonable regarding possibly putting limits on lakes, or limits within a tribe etc. Doyle ignored all and gave the Native Americans a sweetheart of a lifetime deal on the gaming contracts with no adjustments on spearing. It will never change.
No worse than the clown Scott Walker. The damage Walker has done to this state will never be rectified in my lifetime. Then these outdoor guys voted for him and he wants to sell off Wisconsin public lands.....dumbshits…...thank goodness he is now gone.
I fish eye alot but mainly bago the bay and poygan I keep a couple up to 14 anything over 14 goes back if I'm fishing the bay or depere same
i fish crotch lake in ontario can. our slot size is 40 to 50 cm 4 fish limit more big fish in the lake now
Walleye management needs to consider reproduction as well as harvest. Canada does well with a none over 18 limit and total of 4. This protection of the spawning population is important for the persistence of the species. Keep some of the smaller and more abundant fish but release the spawners.
Which Simm's hoodie are you wearing?
Katafront jacket. It's a beast. I literally wear it everywhere
Tom, great video. I had same exact answers you did. I fish the flowage a lot. No issue catching eyes, but like you said, once they spread out you get a lot of shorts. Prior to the size limits they have now, we used to catch good amounts of eyes in the 15-18 inch range. I’ve seen that decline each year, since the new size limit. I will say, the way it is now, is a good way to perfect techniques on the flowage.
For guys that do a lot of walleye fishing, 20 fish days are not that hard. But for the family that comes up for a week a year, they don’t fish much for eyes the rest of the year, they have a tough time getting that amount in a week. If they catch a 15 inch fish, they are going to keep it. I’ve also seen them keep the fish over 24. Most walleye fishermen will not keep a fish over 20. But for the people on vacation for that 1-2 weeks, they are going to keep it. Mainly because they can’t keep any walleyes to eat. On the other side, when the limit was anything under 15, or whatever it was. I did see people keeping 10-12 inch walleyes.
If I want to keep any eyes, I will go to a different lake near by, that lake also has some big eyes. I’ve caught more eyes over 24 on that lake, going there a couple times a year, compared to fishing on the flowage. And I’ve been going to the flowage for 15-20 years. Now I’m up there every other weekend.
I attribute that to a lot of factors, size limit, lack of quality forage, like the deeper clearer lakes near by.
I rambled too. Bottom line, the flowage needs a different size limit out there. If they continue the pike project, that will help. Each spring, one of the resorts has a northern tournament. I cleaned some of those fish. I did check the stomachs, quite a few of the larger northern had walleyes in their stomachs, up to 12 inches long.
You mentioned Mille lacs. It used to be one of the best walleye lakes in the country. Fished a few tournaments there. 100 fish days were not uncommon. The eyes declined to a low level, because of several factors. They closed the harvesting of walleyes out there, as you know. However, from what I’ve heard, the walleye fishing has come back.
Reason I brought that up, maybe close the walleye season for a few years on the flowage, let it rebound, then put a different size structure on it? People can still fish for them, just can’t keep them.
Just my .02 worth.
Make it a no go for a decade. Limit 0 for 8 years at least. We have done this in Canada. On the French River
The chippewas spring spearing wiped out the walleye by us and our panfish is 10/10/5 I
People spear walleye? Havent heard of that before
Yeah somewhere in the 80's they found it in the treaty
@@BigOlSmokey Did you hear that in the spring of '19 they speared 3379 spawning walleye, more than double their normal take? Without significant changes in annual spearing harvest, tweaking this and that will have little impact.
The problem with general fishing quality across WI and MN are our notions regarding harvest practices. These notions are antiquated, ineffective, and defy common sense. Unfortunately, and for reasons I will never understand, the DNR of both states for the most part builds their regulations around these notions. Some people are figuring out that we have been essentially backwards in our harvest practices for the better part of a century now, and they are releasing the larger fish of all species that are more important to reproduction, as well as maintaining a quality sport fishing resource that produces economic growth. Unfortunately, there is still a very large percentage of fishermen in WI and MN who harvest the large fish that they catch, and in most cases, they are lawfully allowed to do so. Of course, it is good that many of us are starting to get things right, but real improvement will not happen until the law mandates proper harvest habits. Science is very important, but it must be balanced with proper philosophy.
In the case of Chippewa Flowage walleyes, there needs to be greater biomass. Even though the Chippewa Flowage is subject to an extensive walleye stocking program, it does have natural reproduction for walleye, which will always be better and more effective than stocking. Regardless of what the WI DNR says or thinks, all walleyes over 24" are vital to the reproductive health of the population as well, and the harvest of any of these fish for any reason should not be allowed. We have the capability of photographs, video, and stunning/durable replicas. Anybody who keeps large fish at this point (weather they admit it or not) just wants to kill something big. The main problem with this practice is that it severely limits the future quality of our gamefish resources.
Harvesting fish to eat is a fantastic tradition, and if we can all wrap our brains around the harvest small and medium size fish (depending on specie), we can assuredly harvest more pounds of fish for the table for less resources spent, while preserving great sportfishing and huge populations of gamefish. The WI and MN DNR will down play this notion, saying it is more complicated than that, but it really is just that simple. Hiding behind supposed complexity is just an effective excuse for lack of success. To stick to the subject at hand, a 3 or 4 fish daily bag limit and a maximum size limit of 15" or 16" (no walleye over that length) for Chippewa Flowage walleye would work very well. At that point, there would really be no need for a closed season either, but that is a whole separate discussion in and of itself.
As I listen to Tom's words and read many of the comments below, I think there is hope. However, until people who know how things should be collectively speak up and demand proper regulation of our DNRs and legislative bodies, nothing is going to get better. Everyone, including sport fishermen, tribal harvesters, and governmental entities; need to put aside greed, selfishness, and old ideas that don't work. If we can do that, our fishing can be amazing in the very near future and stay that way. If not, it will stay decent as it is now, but will always fail to reach its true potential.
Food for thought. Let me know what you think........
Also what is the walleye eating in this body of water and how is the growth rate?
I think you're conlusion was good. maybe letting guys keep one maybe two fish 14" or 15" in length, maybe letting them keep one 18", but not more quantity of that size, .. not keeping eyes between 21 and 24" because they are the main egg layers. and then letting one fish larger than the slot limit be kept if the angler is fortunate enough to boat one, wants to mount (skin mount) & does not believe in replicas. Thats a pretty standard base plan for most midwestern eye fisheries. You're passionate about details like this, which is good, but try not to get so caught up on where you have to fish to have a good day of Walleye fishing .. say a 20 fish (quantity day) with most of them ideally yet realistically expecting to be, say 16-18" expecting or at least hoping for a few 19 and 20 inchers if twenty fish are landed. lower twenties lengths are awesomely fun too. .. going back to saying.. in the counties where you fish bud there is an abundance of lakes like that which you wish for.. like you said.. just down the road from the chippewa flowage. Hot lakes with different quantities of ideal year classes will always vary and cycle.. like most Natural processes do. I know you're in with treelands and the chippewa flowage has an over exploited reputation that many out of towners visiting want to see or experience.. but if you are as good as a guide as you think you are, (& I think you have the potential to be).. then you'd be able to get some of these people vacationing on the flowage down the road a hop, skip, and a jump, to better
Walleye waters with greater abundance of the ideal/ target length. You know you have bodies of water like that in the counties you frequent.. & many people cant even say that about their counties. .. try not to get butt hurt or overly emotionally distraught about where the fish aren't.. as you are blessed enough to know where the fish of the target length (& quantity of those target length Sander vitreus are). Try and smile cause, after all, you know lakes where those higher quantities of 17-20"ers are. Even if they are not as easily boatable on the flowage.
Tight lines.
- Ryan
"fish are" * .. not "wish for".
Haven't fished the flowage in a couple years but it's always a fun time out there. Also where did you find this survey? I'm curious to see if they have any for my lake by me.
Why not put a limit on big pike. Take a bunch of little one.
Caught and released my biggest walleye 28.25" just south of lake chip campground by the bridge.
Congrats. Not sure how that fits in here but thanks anyways.
So, the problem with some fisheries, walleye and otherwise, is that the populations are too high for the available forage base. This creates a situation where the average annual growth rate is impacted by a lack of sufficient forage. On these bodies of water, slot limits "can be" an effective way of improving the overall fishing for a given species. It sounds like this waterway has too many predator species and not enough forage for the numbers. The problem with slot limits is that it can be difficult to convince enough people to keep fish that are on the short end of the slot limit. It sounds like that may be the case on this body of water. Can't get TOO complicated with the regs or they just won't be followed.
The answer could be/is enforcement. When was the last time you saw someone being checked, ticketed or boats being seized? (They’ll take your rig in Canada👍)
That creates an additional incentive to follow the guidelines, along with educating about populations, sustainablilty, age and reproduction of species.
@@JLeeChron I check the annual harvest from spearing. 3379 spawning walleye last year were killed. You're way off guy.
The fishing has gone down hill in the last decade.
Help me out here. Was there really a time that a person could go out any day, any time of year, any weather condition and just catch great fish? Does spearing have an impact? My belief is NO. Guys of old were catching fish at the opportune times. Now that there are guys with their 3D imaging color-coordinating $100,000 boats it's an issue if they can't come up from IL and catch all the fish that they want on any given weekend. My apologies.
If you don't think spearing has an impact, you have not done your research.3379 spawning walleye speared in spring of 19 on the Chippewa Flowage. No mention of that on here.
I live in the area and have fished the Chippewa flowage for 25 years. I agree with the walleye theory. I also think the Crappie took a big hit when the DNR lowered the flowage by 12 feet for several years in a row to kill off weeds. The average depth is only 20 feet and I believe this caused some winter kill.
The crappie did not take a big hit. They are much harder to find when weedbeds disapear. DNR surveys from 5-6 years ago showed an overabundance of crappie and as such, the crappie daily limit went from 10-25 to thin out the population.
SKODEN, i've never been 1st here haha
Great video and I agree with you 100%
I've been going up to the Flowage since the 80's and honestly, the size of the average walleye hasn't changed a ton. I think people are noticing what they think is an abundance of 12-14" fish because they're measuring them now where in the past you'd just keep that 14" fish. My opinion: 3 walleye max, 14" minimum, no fish between 19 and 25, 1 over 25.
Start keeping more fish.... u have sht load too many.