“ Stocking conditions in 2024 were optimal given the wet spring and early summer , and cooler than normal temps ,” Weigel said . “ The receiving waters were rich in invertebrates , critical food for the survival of the newly-stocked walleye . Conditions are favorable for good survival and growth of young walleyes , which will continue to provide good fishing opportunities across the state for years to come .” •
ND WALLEYE PRODUCTION
Record walleye production will boost fisheries
ND Game and Fish Dept .
Walleye fingerling stocking wrapped up in July with Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery below Lake Sakakawea setting a record with just short of 12 million fingerlings produced .
Distribution trucks traveled more than 12,000 miles over a twoweek period to stock the fish , according to Jerry Weigel , ND Game and Fish Department fish production / development section supervisor .
When combined with fingerling production from Valley City National Fish Hatchery , 177 waters were stocked , providing a great boost in developing future fishing prospects across the state .
While producing nearly 12 million walleye fingerlings is significant for the one hatchery , Garrison Dam and Valley City National Fish Hatchery combined efforts in 2017 to produce more than 12 million fingerlings .
“ Traditionally , on large production years , significant numbers of walleye fingerlings would go to big systems like Lake Sakakawea , Lake Ashtabula and Stump Lake ,” Weigel said . “ This year , no walleyes went to those waters , given very strong survival from last year ’ s stockings . Just over 10 million fish went to up-and-coming smaller systems to enhance those fisheries along with taking advantage of rising lake levels at many prairie lakes due to the very wet spring .”
Lots of baby walleyes went into ND state waters last spring , as they grow into big walleyes .
Each spring , walleye eggs are collected by fisheries personnel and taken to Garrison Dam and Valley City national fish hatcheries where they ’ re hatched . After hatching , the walleye fry are stocked into production ponds and after a month of growth , 1-inch or more fingerlings are collected and stocked across the state .
“ Stocking conditions in 2024 were optimal given the wet spring and early summer , and cooler than normal temps ,” Weigel said . “ The receiving waters were rich in invertebrates , critical food for the survival of the newly-stocked walleye . Conditions are favorable for good survival and growth of young walleyes , which will continue to provide good fishing opportunities across the state for years to come .” •
Page 46 , Dakota Country , September 2024 www . dakotacountrymagazine . com