By Louie Stout

Young Walleye

A survey last fall of the 2021 St. Joseph River walleye stocking indicates lower than expected survival, but it could have been a timing thing.

St. Joseph River biologist Matt Horsley the DNR determines that if it turns up four, one-year-old walleyes per hour the stocking was successful. Last fall, they only got seven in two hours.

“History tells us the stockings do well there, so we still consider it a success,” Horsley said. “Our shocking survey could have been affected by the river, weather and time of year.”

The fish were stocked the previous year in a cooperative effort between the DNR and the Michiana Walleye Association. Another stocking is planned for this fall.

The fisheries crew shocks the same section of river every year. They start at Baugo Bay and work toward Twin Branch dam.

In addition to the little guys, they captured 13 walleyes between 11 and 19 inches that included 3- and 5-year-old fish.

“To me, the walleye fishery is still in good shape,” Horsley said. “Although our survey showed fewer young fish, survivors, we saw survival as well as other year classes. Now, if that trend continues over the next few years you may see a decline in the fishery, but right now we know anglers have been consistently catching walleyes in the river.”

Horsley also noted that the DNR had a surplus of fish that were stocked up-river around Bristol, Ind. The 3,200 will filter down river and some will go up to Mottville, Mich. Biologists know that walleyes typically filter downstream regardless of where they are stocked.

“Michigan didn’t stock for two years and so we decided to put them there,” Horsley added.