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!
A woman was cited for illegally taking two abalones from Van Damme State Park after hiding one in her pants, raising concerns about seafood smuggling amid California residents relocating to Montana.
Due to popular demand, last week’s insightful podcast episode on Flathead Lake’s dam and its extensive impact on ecosystems and communities will be available for another week. Tune in to explore these connections.
The Montana Outdoor Podcast features an insightful discussion with Brian Lipscomb about the history and significance of the Séliš Ksanka Ql̓ispé Hydroelectric Project and its impact on Flathead Lake.
This week’s Montana Outdoor Podcast features hosts Dale, George Bumann, and Jenny Golding discussing the upcoming online Yellowstone Summit, featuring over 30 expert speakers from February 19th to 22nd.
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.
Bald Eagles engage in a dramatic courtship ritual called “cartwheeling,” where they lock talons and freefall, testing their compatibility and strength to ensure only the most committed pairs breed.
A striking black bear mount on a loft railing showcases expert taxidermy craftsmanship. This art form has evolved, capturing lifelike motion and personality, blending biology and sculpture since the 1800s.
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, with the Crow Tribe, captured 99 elk to study migration and brucellosis presence. GPS collars were fitted to track their movement and inform wildlife management decisions.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will no longer allow caching supplies at Beartooth Wildlife Management Area, enforcing a leave-no-trace policy starting May 15 for visitors during hunting season.
Kokanee Quinn presents a unique elk skillet lasagna recipe that elevates comfort food with layers of ground elk, three cheeses, and no-boil noodles, all in one pan for easy cleanup.
As hunting season approaches, families can utilize leftover venison by making cheesy venison bombs, a simple and flavorful dish combining ground venison, cheese, and bacon for a delicious meal.
