Leech test netting results

[Lee Borgersen]

(Released October 8, 2012)

  Leech Lake test netting results show a strong walleye population

The results of recent fall test netting on Leech Lake conducted by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) show the walleye population remains strong and anglers who visit the lake should continue to expect quality fishing. According to the results, the walleye catch rates remain above the long-term average for the sixth consecutive year.
“September gill nets showed good numbers of both juvenile and adult walleye,” said Matt Ward, large lake specialist in Walker. “It is encouraging to have a balanced walleye population within and outside the protected slot limit of 18 and 26 inches.”

Strong 2010 and 2011 year-classes are present and the DNR expects these year-classes will start providing harvest opportunities this coming winter. Additionally, 35 percent of walleye sampled were within the slot limit, which will provide anglers the opportunity to catch a large fish.

The number of young-of-the-year walleye (those hatched during the spring of 2012) sampled with both trawling and electrofishing were above the long-term average for each gear type. The average size for this year-class was good, at 6.1 inches during the mid-September electrofishing assessment. Larger sizes in the fall usually translate to higher winter survival.

Other game fish species targeted with test nets include yellow perch and northern pike. Yellow perch abundance declined for the fifth consecutive year, while northern pike abundance continues to remain stable. The primary species of nongame fish assessed with the test nets is cisco. Despite a minor cisco summer kill caused by warm temperatures in 2012, fall test netting indicated adequate numbers of cisco continue to be present.

Lake-wide, walleye counts in DNR test nets averaged 9.42 walleye per net lift, which was similar to results from the past four years and was above the long-term average of 7.7 walleye per net lift. Walleye numbers indicate that management actions implemented under the 2011-2015 Management Plan are succeeding. Key elements of the plan include special fishing regulations, walleye fry stocking, cormorant management and an increased emphasis on aquatic habitat protection.

For more information, contact matt.ward@state.mn.us.

[walle1]

Thanks for posting,,,I would not have expected those results.

[corny13]

The bad news is the yellow perch population...

[lentz]

The bad news is the yellow perch population...

Ya Walleye are fun but what do you chase in the day now

[dakids]

Pike, cisco, sunnies, and girls.

[lentz]

Dakids you crack me up

[DDSBYDAY]

   Don't forget Leech is a tremendous bass fishery.  Large mouths are confined to the shallows because of major league predators.  Small mouth are starting to show up more frequently too.

[dakids]

I almost forgot the world famous eel pout. I hear they have a festival there every winter.