Quote Originally Posted by fishingtim View Post
Craig,

Since the length limit of walleye was raised to 21”, at Cheney, catching a 25” + walleye is a common along with hearing of people catching a 10lb walleye out there. With El Dorado length limits now matching Cheney catching bigger walleye more often at El Dorado should follow suit, similar to Cheney. Has there been any talk or research to try to make the lakes “trophy” walleye lakes? Instead of having a 21in length limit you would set a length limit that you could keep walleye between 21in and 27in, or somewhere around there, and release everything over 27in. Similar to what they do in a lot of Canadian lakes. Do you think Kansas walleye fishermen in general would like or dislike this idea? Or KDWP would ever consider this? Would this be a biologist or anger decision or both? One downside is that you did catch a 29in walleye, you couldn’t take it home to put it on the wall, you would have to measure it and get a replica.

Just courious of your thoughts on this.
Thanks,
Tim.
Tim,

Great questions! Biologists are always asking the 'what if' questions when it comes to fish populations. A recently published study Exploitation of walleye in a Great Plains reservoir: harvest patterns and management scenarios contains the most recent information on Kansas walleye management options. Several management scenarios are discussed in detail with strengths and weaknesses given. The walleye tagging portion of this study was conducted at Glen Elder Reservoir from 2000 though 2003.

Walleye management in Kansas can be quite the controversial topic as various angler groups have different expectations of a walleye fishery. Some walleye anglers fish strictly to put walleye fillets on the table and they are usually not in support of restrictive length limits. Some walleye anglers fish for (like you mentioned) 'trophy' walleye and don't have a problem releasing smaller fish if they have increased chances of catching larger walleye, while keeping the occasional fish for the table. It is difficult to make both sides happy on one water body. However, as you will read in the study there are some options that may assist in reducing the friction between these two types of walleye anglers at Glen Elder, and possibly other Kansas reservoirs, while improving the quality of available walleye angling opportunities.

The study discusses slot length limits for walleye and why they are probably not the best solution for improving Kansas walleye populations.

Take a look at the study at the link provided above. I think you will find it most informative.