Keeping an Eye on Walleye

Walleye Watch, Mar. 15.16
     On Monday, March 15, the Scugog Lake Stewards hosted an information night on how to properly monitor the walleye spawn in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Foresty (MNRF) and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH).
     Due to an overwhelming response which included volunteers, as well as knowledgeable locals, people from the Ontario BASS Federation and corporate pro staff, the venue had to be changed to the Scugog Community Centre.
     Throught the program, volunteers will compile data at various known walleye spawning grounds on Lake Scugog for a period of 5-10 days when the lake temperature is appropriate.
    With the survey data in hand, it is the intention of the MNRF to then develop a walleye rehabilitation plan.  To this end, MNRF will have three of their staff actively engaged in the undertaking.  Once the data has been analysed and the situation better understood, recommended actions will be defined, which could include the rehabilitation of the traditional spawning grounds that have become covered with silt and debris over the years.
     The question as to whether stocking walleye would also be an option was also discussed at the meeting. At this time the MNRF indicated that they were unsure about the viability of this option due to the present nature of the fish community in Scugog and that more assessment would be required.
     The Scugog Lake Stewards will continue to support the development of a comprehensive Walleye Rehabilitation Plan, working a necessary with all stakeholders.   A follow-up meeting is planned for the middle of April, which will give the volunteers an opportunity to submit their surveys and discuss their observations.  We are certainly looking forward to finding out what everyone observed.