Colby Mulder assisted with the delicate process of stirring the eggs during the fertilization process.
The walleye trap netting and egg collection effort is in full swing in the Big Dry Arm of Fort Peck Reservoir! Water surface temperatures have bumped up slightly to around 50-53 degrees throughout our trap netting locations. These are still VERY favorable for walleye spawning activity.
These warm and stable water temperatures have continued to push the walleye up shallow and into our trap nets. Once again, a large portion of the females we’ve been capturing have been ripe and releasing their eggs. In fact, we’ve been able to bring in over 100 ripe female walleye each day over the last two days.
However, we have observed a few more spent female walleye over the last couple of days as well. It’s likely this will be a very short and condensed walleye spawning season based on the large numbers of walleye we’re seeing all at once.
On Monday, we collected a little over 18 million eggs from 112 ripe female walleye. We also had another egg collection today (Tuesday) from 114 females which should give us close to another 15 million more eggs. These three egg collection efforts should put us a little over 50 million walleye eggs total thus far for the 2023 season. This has been an amazing amount of eggs collected in a very short period of time and quite unexpected considering the later than normal start.
Stay tuned for more updates!
Update by Fort Peck Reservoir Biologist Heath Headley
Feature photo: Colby, Will, and Selby Mulder doing some walleye wrangling. Thanks for the help!
Using horizontal baits like the Jigging Rap enhances ice fishing effectiveness by covering more water. Tony Roach recommends fast, aggressive jigging followed by subtle motions to entice walleye bites.
Ice conditions at Lake Sutherlin and Newlan Reservoir remain good with 10 to 12 inches of ice, ensuring safe fishing. Stay cautious and enjoy the day on the ice!
Skijoring evolved from a survival technique in Central Asia to a thrilling sport in America, especially in Montana, blending speed, skill, and culture while maintaining its historical roots.
Colorado has paused its gray wolf reintroduction plans due to political pressure and ranchers’ concerns, leaving the future of the program uncertain amid federal threats and local tensions.
Minnesota ice angler Beau Rochel shared a clever DIY hack for a multi-ice hole cover that keeps feet warm while fishing. It’s lightweight, easy to transport, and uses simple materials like landscaping fabric and adhesive.
Bear, an AKC purebred Anatolian Shepherd from Wild Rooster Farm, will move to South Africa to join the Cheetah Outreach Trust, aiding farmers in protecting livestock and conserving cheetahs.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has released the 2026 hunting regulations for deer, elk, antelope, and moose, sheep, goat, and bison. Hunters should review them online before the application period.
The Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission has announced a closure to hunting female Mountain Lions in LMU 411 and male Mountain Lions in LMU 391, effective January 27th, 2026, after sunset.
Kokanee Quinn shares a quick and easy white perch recipe that’s flaky and sweet, perfect for busy days. It cooks in minutes, requiring no pan-searing, and includes step-by-step instructions.
