Final Report on Fort Peck Walleye Egg-Take Operations 2026
This final installment of the 2026 spawning season report, authored by FWP biologist Heath Headley, details the dramatic conclusion of this year’s walleye egg-take operations at Fort Peck Reservoir.
2026 Fort Peck Walleye Spawn Update V, final update, April 24
By biologist Heath Headley
The weather conditions along Fort Peck Reservoir have been absolutely crazy the last few days! On Wednesday (4/22), daytime temperatures were over 80 degrees with calm winds. In contrast, daytime temperatures dropped into the mid-30’s with gusty winds and wet, slushy snow on Thursday (4/23) as another cold front moved into the area.
Thankfully, we were able to make the most of the favorable weather on Wednesday. Water surface temperatures were averaging close to 55 degrees while checking trap nets. These conditions led to good numbers of walleye with a majority of them being ripe females ready to release their eggs.
The strong numbers of ripe female walleye captured in the trap nets allowed us to hold one last egg-take on Wednesday. This last egg-take provided 7.3 million eggs which brought the total to approximately 51 million eggs for the season.On behalf of the fisheries and hatchery staff at Fort Peck, I’d like to thank all the volunteers who assisted with this year’s efforts. Be safe on the water and best of luck fishing this season!
