Walleyes Forever |
Fort Peck Walleye Spawn Update: May 1, 2008 to efforts at walleye spawn From HEATH HEADLEY Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks BIG DRY ARM, Fort Peck Reservoir -- It was 80 degrees two days ago, and now it is down into the 30's up here on Fort Peck. The much needed rain quickly turned to sleet and snow shortly after we set foot in the boats this morning. Once again, it looks like old man winter refuses to release it's icy grip over the big lake. We were able to check most of our traps, but we were forced to retreat back to shore as the winds started to pick up out of the north. The water temperatures were 45 to 47 degrees, but I am unsure if these temps will carry over into tomorrow. We ended up collecting 16 ripe, 13 green, and a couple of spent female walleye from today's wet and frigid outing. This gave the hatchery guys 22 females to spawn today (six additional from the holding pens), which should give us another 4 million or so eggs to add to the collection. During the egg-taking process, we did have one female walleye that was beginning to reabsorb her eggs. I am not sure how much time we have left, but it looks like the walleye spawn will be coming to a close in the near future. If you're interested in spending a day, two or three as a volunteer on the Walleye Spawn in 2008, call the Fort Peck fisheries office at (406) 526-3471 or the Glasgow regional office at (406) 228-3700. Copyright, 2008  BigSkyOutdoors.Net |