Walleye's Or Trout in our cold water rivers.

Every time I see a stocking truck dropping fish into one of our cold water rivers its a truck load of Trout. Why don't I see more Walleye getting stocked into our cold water rivers by the AGFC? Or at least One river that's managed for Walleye fishing and not trout.:confused: I don't know about the rest of you all, but I know which one I prefer eating. I recently saw a Walleye hatchery documentary in MINN so I know they can be hatchery raised. I have fished just about every Cold water river in Arkansas and every one produces 100-1 or more ratio trout to walleye to include the Spring River. It's hard to target the few walleye in our streams with the trout eating you up every cast.

CrappiePro,

Here are some numbers from 2008 to 2010 for NE Arkansas. Walleye are stocked in other water bodies around the state but I don’t have first hand knowledge of the numbers.

Current River:
2008 - Fingerlings - 23,720 fish
2009 - Fingerlings - 24,500 fish
2009 - Catchable - 24,250 fish

11-Point River:
2008 - Fingerlings - 44,800 fish
2009 - Fingerlings - 33,330 fish
2010 - Fingerlings - 43,341 fish
2009 - Fry - 12,113 fish

Spring River:
2009 - Fingerlings - 38,332 fish
2010 - Fingerlings - 16,000 fish

Also in the early 2000's, there was an intense study conducted on the 11-Point River to evaluate the walleye stocking in this river. It looked at whether the stocked walleye contributed to the overall population in the river.

Shortly after that, the walleye population in Spring River was evaluated during an intense three study looking at the sport fish population in the river. We are currently finishing up a study on the Strawberry River and we have seen plenty of walleye there. Next year, we are going to start back on the 11 point river for three years.

The problem with stocking walleye is growing them in a hatchery system. When walleye reach a certain size, they exhibit a high rate of cannibalism. So what you end up with is very few large fingerings. To reduce cannibalism, walleye are stocked at a little smaller size compared to other sport fish. Thus stocking smaller fingerlings means lower survival rates. Currently the Spring River Hatchery is conducting a study to utilize different grow out techniques to increase size of walleye stocked by reducing the cannibalism. This will increase the survival rates of walleye stocked in these fisheries.

There is some work occurring on the walleye population in cold water streams. However, the information may not always get out to the public like it should. We are consistently working on getting information out by utilizing forums like this one.

I hope this helps.

What little walleye stocking has occurred on the White has boosted the population. With the constant flucuation in levels due to hydro releases, the natural spawn is not real productive, but we do have a native population of good fish. I have a 16 on my wall, and have caught quite a few over 10, but the pressure is greater now than ever before. Non trout species are a low priority for our fisheries folks.

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Originally Posted by rockmike

What little walleye stocking has occurred on the White has boosted the population. With the constant flucuation in levels due to hydro releases, the natural spawn is not real productive, but we do have a native population of good fish. I have a 16 on my wall, and have caught quite a few over 10, but the pressure is greater now than ever before. Non trout species are a low priority for our fisheries folks.

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Rock, you could not be more correct, our Game and Fish could care less about what the people would like to see stocked in our waterways around the natural state. If it aint a trout, or a trout related issue then their interest is vague at best. i have said for many years if the AGFC would stock more of the sport species into our lakes and streams the natural state could have some of the best fishing in the United states. We have the lakes and stream to support some of the big time sport fish that draws revenue to many states. However rather than relying on revenue generated through sport fishing, Its easier to say we aint got the revenue to support these kind of stocking programs. Well this is how i see it, you have to spend money to make money, its like a buisiness, the initial investment is costly, but the rewards come from the effort put into it. If i could go bass fishing in The lakes of arkansas and Catch the Kind of Fish that they catch in Lake fork in Texas i would spend more money bass fishing, I had a friend who went to Kentucky lake bass fishing not long ago, They caught on average over 100 bass a day, and they had a average weight of three to four pounds. Tell me of a lake in arkansas that can do that. If a lake can produce bass like that, just imagine how the crappie fishing is, or maybe it has dinner plate sized Bream in it. Thats unheard of in the lakes of Arkansas.

When we quit funding the G&F through user fees, and passed the sales tax, the G&F no longer had to be responsive to the average hunter or fisherman's wants or needs. As long as they keep the commission appointees placated, they can pretty much do as they want. You don't see many average fishermen on the commission.

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Originally Posted by rockmike

When we quit funding the G&F through user fees, and passed the sales tax, the G&F no longer had to be responsive to the average hunter or fisherman's wants or needs. As long as they keep the commission appointees placated, they can pretty much do as they want. You don't see many average fishermen on the commission.

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Glad I got that out of my system.

Hard to believe but i was told that electroshocking above dam 3 on the spring turned up more walleyes than trout. Just nobody fishes for them. Right after I caught an 11.75 eye in greers i was on the spring near the confluence with the black. Ran into a guy that had caught a 19.33 there. I caught 4-5 that day all around 5 lbs. thought I had found a new technique. Went back next week and couldn't find a one.

i knowww walleye tourism could be as big as trout tourism if they put more effort into it. have you tasted a walleye....:D:D:D:D:D they are as good as if not better than crappie. way better than trout. plus theres a good sized fillet on them. id love to have a GOOD river walleye fishery in arkansas. i make 2 trout trips a year but if it were for walleye i would at least double that,

Crappie are hard to catch, walleye are harder. I finally caught my first eye this year on greers, it was good. I ain't trying to stir anything up but trout are a lot easier to catch, so maybe more is put into them for the weekend or family vacationers/tourist, same way with the hybrids that everybody who fishes once a month or once a summer on greers just loves to catch, they get a kick out of catching them and anyone can do it. There are a whole lot more occasional anglers than there are die hard fishermen like ya'll (I mean us I just don't get to go enough).

Everyone has made good points and I know absolutly nothing about the G F. My two cents

Mojorig, thanks for your response I appriciate it and shows there is good work being done. There is enough beautiful cold water streams for both species in Arkansas and I see the benifits of the trout in our streams. But I also see the benifits for the AGFC to promote a very active walleye program and walleye stockings across the state in our streams and maybe feature at least one of those streams as a world class walleye fishery. Like already mentioned, it just seems like a WIN WIN situation, for the fisherman,tourism, and more license sold for the AGFC. The info you provided in this thread is great info, I think we would all like to see more of.:)

I would like to know about the walleye population on Greers, seems to me it just isn't putting out the numbers or size of the 80's n 90's we saw caught even thou limits were reduced. My guess is still fishing pressure? Is there a record of how many walleye are being stocked in this lake or what shock tests are showing? are you aware of any study's or stocking programs to help the walleye population on Greers? I would appriciate any info you can provide, and thanks agian for your response Sir.

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Originally Posted by rockmike

When we quit funding the G&F through user fees, and passed the sales tax, the G&F no longer had to be responsive to the average hunter or fisherman's wants or needs. As long as they keep the commission appointees placated, they can pretty much do as they want. You don't see many average fishermen on the commission.

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THEY ARE MORE INTERESTED IN POLITICS AND BIG MONEY. LOOK AT ALL THE NATURE CENTERS AND OTHER NON FISHING AND HUNTING THINGS THEY ARE SPENDING MILLIONS ON INSTEAD OF MANAGEMENT. YOU NOT THINK IT'S POLITICS THESE DAYS? TRY DRIVING OFF A ROAD ON A WMA OR PICKING ANYTHING. WE ARE LIMITED ON WHAT IS ALLOWED ON WMA (ARKANSAS OWNED WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS ). YET SOME POLITICANS FAMILIES HAVE FARMS ADJOINING WMA's AND FENCE IN PUBLIC LANDS WITH THEIR OWN. THEY RUN LIVESTOCK ON IT ,JUST LIKE IT'S THEIRS. THIS IS STRICTLY ILLEGAL AND THE COMMISSION KNOWS IT. IT HAS BEEN REPORTED SEVERAL TIMES YET THEY WILL NOT ADDRESS THE ISSUE BECAUSE OF WHO IT IS! THE AGFC EMPLOYEES WE KNOW TOLD US THEY COULD NOT TALK ABOUT IT. WE CALLED LR HQ AND NO HELP THERE EITHER. TRIED EMAILING SPORTS WRITER AT OUR STATE PAPER WITH NO RESPONSE EITHER. LET ONE OF US POOR FOLKS TRY IT AND WE WOULD BE IN JAIL.:mad: IF YOU DON'T BELIEVE IT I WILL SHOW IT TO YOU ANYTIME.:(

Crappie Pro,

Please feel free to contact Tom Bly or Matt Schroeder at 1-877-470-3309. They manage Greers Ferry and would be able to give more in depth information then I could.

Sorry I couldnt be more help!!

I have caught several in the Saline River and the Ouachita River below both Carpenter and Remmel Dams. The AGFC stocks these ares yearly with around 14,000 fish. The problem you will run into on the Saline and below Remmel is if you dont have a jet you are limited to how far you can travel.

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Originally Posted by slabsntaters

Rock, you could not be more correct, our Game and Fish could care less about what the people would like to see stocked in our waterways around the natural state. If it aint a trout, or a trout related issue then their interest is vague at best. i have said for many years if the AGFC would stock more of the sport species into our lakes and streams the natural state could have some of the best fishing in the United states. We have the lakes and stream to support some of the big time sport fish that draws revenue to many states. However rather than relying on revenue generated through sport fishing, Its easier to say we aint got the revenue to support these kind of stocking programs. Well this is how i see it, you have to spend money to make money, its like a buisiness, the initial investment is costly, but the rewards come from the effort put into it. If i could go bass fishing in The lakes of arkansas and Catch the Kind of Fish that they catch in Lake fork in Texas i would spend more money bass fishing, I had a friend who went to Kentucky lake bass fishing not long ago, They caught on average over 100 bass a day, and they had a average weight of three to four pounds. Tell me of a lake in arkansas that can do that. If a lake can produce bass like that, just imagine how the crappie fishing is, or maybe it has dinner plate sized Bream in it. Thats unheard of in the lakes of Arkansas.

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I wish folks would not BASH the only resource for conserving our fish and game on this site, especially when they do not have a basis. As to the AGFC not stocking sport fish, look at the fish hateries the state runs, you have Corning (warm water), Hot Springs (warm/cool water) Spring River (cold water), and Lonoke (warm water). I know that at each of these hatcheries they do multiple species of fish, that all get stocked into the Natural State's lakes and stream. I also personall know a fisheries biologist that works extremely long hours in the early spring during the walleye spawn to make sure that there are fry/fingerlings to be stocked into the water of the state.

Please be more informed before going off and bashing the one and oly agency that protects/provides you with fish and game in this state.

Thank you and good night.

In my opinion, the AGFC is out of control. They make up whatever rules they want and do not answer to anybody. Look at how they have treated the people who hunt deer with dogs. I don't deer hunt with dogs, but I support hunters rights to do so. Yet they cater to coon hunters and bird hunters. It is discrimination. Where are the checks and balances?

If you disagree...

Please educate me on who is the watchdog for the AGFC?

If the AR legislature is supposed to be the watchdog, I don't remember seeing them in action.

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Originally Posted by TreeMyDog

In my opinion, the AGFC is out of control. They make up whatever rules they want and do not answer to anybody. Look at how they have treated the people who hunt deer with dogs. I don't deer hunt with dogs, but I support hunters rights to do so. Yet they cater to coon hunters and bird hunters. It is discrimination. Where are the checks and balances?

If you disagree...

Please educate me on who is the watchdog for the AGFC?

If the AR legislature is supposed to be the watchdog, I don't remember seeing them in action.

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THEY NEED TO ENFORCE DEER DOG REGULATIONS MORE , THE DEER DOG FOLKS AND THEIR RIDING AROUND PUBLIC LANDS WITH LOADED GUNS IS TAKING FROM THE STILL HUNTERS OPPERTUNITIES HERE.:mad: WHAT IS SPORTING ABOUT CHASING DEER WITH DOGS , USING TRACKING COLLARS, THEN HEADING THEM OFF FROM TRUCKS AND ATV'S? DO YOU CALL SHOOTING FROM A MOVING VEHICLE SPORTING? I DON'T , IT'S ILLEGAL BUT SELDOM ENFORCED HERE.
ARKANSAS IS ONE OF THE FEW STATES THAT ALLOW DEER DOGS IN THE MOUNTAINS.:(

Bull Shoals Lake in NW Arkansas is truning into a fine walleye fishery. I have fished walleye all summer, because crappie for me, in that deep water lake are just too hard to locate. I have located several walleye hotspots from the dam at Bull Shoals to the dam at Taneycomo. Went last week and fished all day and landed 6 nice walleyes and 3 green carp, and a lot of slab bluegills. There is a rearing pond at Diamond City and walleye are stocked in the lake from there. Sometimes stocked inadvertently when the water comes up over the rearing pond. Give Bull Shoals a try you may be pleasently surprised. You will need a map of the lake to locate the optimal depth that walleyes like which is between 20 and 40 feet. You can catch them with worms, spoons, crankbaits, trolling, flatlining etc.

Nimrod, I think you missed my point. I don't support road hunters.
I do support people who want to hunt with dogs. That's part of MY heritage.
I don't support, and will not support, a ban on hunting with dogs.
What I DO support is any sportsman's right to enjoy the outdoors in whatever way they choose, as long as they are not unfairly harming the resource.
I don't do a bunch of trotlining or yo-yoing either, but there are people who, if given the opportunity, would legislate away the right to do these things, simply because they do not agree with the practice.
We are slowly losing our freedom. That is MY POINT.
Why does Camp Robinson WDA cater to folks who enjoy hunting birds with dogs but the AGFC is quick to drop the boom on deer dog hunting?
How have we come to the place where the AGFC has the right to arbitrarily make these rules, with no system of checks and balances?
THAT IS MY BIGGER POINT.
If we continue to allow the AGFC to make these rules with no oversight,
IN 20 YEARS, we will look back and say,
"REMEMBER WHEN WE USED TO".... (insert YOUR favorite activity).
I don't intend to discuss the merits of any particular activity here.
This is about our right to the pursuit of happiness as Americans.
My original point was... The AGFC is out of control and I am not aware of any system of checks and balances to keep them in line with the will of the people.

There are a number of outstanding walleye streams in the state: White River below Lock 3, Spring River below Many Islands, the Eleven Point River, the Current River, the lower part of the Little Red River, parts of Black River, and tributaries of the above. Basically walleye (or jack salmon which is what they were called around here when I was a boy) and sauger are naturally occurring in the White River drainage, at least from the Little Red River up. You can catch them above the points I mentioned, but there are a lot more of them down.

As to deer dogs, there is no one who enjoyed deer hunting with dogs more than I did, but when you set up a spot for deer hunting, pattern it, maybe put out food plots or feeders or both, put up deer stands, etc., there is nothing that will screw up your deer and hunting more than some dogs coming through. Kind of like a guy's right to swing his fist ends when it hits my nose, nobody has a right to run dogs across my place. Since dogs don't know where property lines are, there is no way to run them without trespassing on a lot of folks' land and mess up their hunting. It's not like the old days when nothing was posted or really set up for still hunting.

Hey TreeMyDog,

I get your point about the AFGC being more responsive to the sportsmen of Arkansas, and I think they should be. I also don't think the people of Arkansas should be treated differently with respect to our natural resources and their use, just because of who you are, or because of politics. You said you "support any sportsman's right to enjoy the outdoors in whatever way they choose, as long as they are not unfairly harming the resource." I think you have to add to that "or interfering with other's rights to enjoy the resources." I belong to a deer club in South Arkansas and we spend thousands of dollars a year to lease the land to deer hunt. We have food plots, deer feeders and many permanent deer stands. I pay a lot of money annually to still hunt my deer stands, feeders, etc. and I don't think you should have the "right" to turn your dogs loose next door and let them run through my lease and spoil my deer hunting, just because you are "not unfairly harming the resource." You would be infringing on my right to enjoy the lease that I have paid for and the privledge to hunt that lease like I choose. I'm with Blair on that. So, I guess I agree with you in part, but would limit your right to run dogs so long as you didn't interfere with other's rights to deer hunt without dogs. Also, I think there are many more still hunters than hunters who hunt with dogs, so should a minority's rights take precedence over the majority's rights? Where should the line be drawn? I don't know the history on what the AGFC did regarding dogs, but I'm just saying, all should respect the rights of others, and that may have been why they did what they did...too many complaints from still hunters. I respect your opinion and your rights, but I think there are limitations when it starts interfering with other's rights.