Discussion: Are there Fewer Walleyes in the Lower St. Croix ??

[Fisherman For a Lifetime]

I think this topic will come up sometime soon anyway, but I think maybe it's time we start discussing it.

Are there really fewer Walleyes in the lower St. Croix?

I've noticed that in the past 2 years, I have not caught anywhere near the number of Walleyes in the St. Croix. This is not just me, but keen eyes haven't seen too many caught in other boats also. We need to include that into the discussion as most likely, all of those other fishermen are not using the same baits as the boat I or we are in, so that's big weight factor if they're not catching them also.

Could a good share of the Walleyes just be in other areas that were not fishing?

Are our drifting/trolling routes just missing where they are?

Or, maybe they are just not reproducing as well as they should and it's starting to catch up.

Is there or has there been any way to monitor the reproduction rates over the past several years?

Could the spawning areas be too minimal or could a higher amount of the eggs be vacuumed up by the Carp or other predators?

Maybe I'm wrong, but it sure looks like the catch rate is down.

Everyone's observations and catch rates over the past several years are greatly appreciated.

[Walli1]

Are there really fewer Walleyes in the lower St. Croix?

I believe the walleye population is just fine, I have noticed that there are more releasers then past years and theres still alot of small ones also, once this weather stablizes fishing will pick up

I've noticed that in the past 2 years, I have not caught anywhere near the number of Walleyes in the St. Croix. This is not just me.

The fishing pressure on the croix gets more and more each year, heck 9 years ago when I first started fishing the croix a person could launch almost any place, now launchs fill up on a regular bases.

Could a good share of the Walleyes just be in other areas that were not fishing?

I'm sure their there just got to keep looking, I thought last year was pretty good fishing, found fish several times in no where land just roaming around schools of bait in the middle, I'm also sure the reason the eyes are running larger this year is that last year the shad were everywhere, now the may flies are starting to hatch so the eyes have plenty to eat, smaller bait should work really well this weekend, small leeches will be the key I'm sure, just like years past. Give the weather sometime to adjust and fishing will pick up!

[Jeremy airjer W]

The past couple of years I have fished the lower croix I have rarely caught walleyes. Lots and lots of saugers though. Monday morning was the exception. Small walleys where the norm with a couple of saugers?

[fdr01]

waters been down the last 5 years too

[Ferny]

Waters been down the last 5 years? Data looks to me like mid June to September it's pretty much the same every year 675.5.

As far as fewer walleyes I seem to notice cycles in the last 16 years I've been fishing it. Some years you can't buy a legal eye shortly after opener. This year already I've measured more big (20" plus) fish than normal in our league on the Croix. Fish it long enough and you'll find legal fish.

Good Luck,

Ferny.

[Walli1]

Yes, head north my friend! I've been told by a very upstanding person that there is indeed more walleyes to be caught above the Kinni, afton,hudson, bayport and up. Personally I rarely ever go above the Kinni,

[fdr01]

hey ferny the last time i can remember just nailing walleyes was about 5 years ago after yet again another good flooding spring i.e high water of course june-sep are going to be average im talking april/may and the last 5 or so years have been low due to lack of snow cover

[LindyRig]

Well I havent made it down that far south yet this year, but I can say that i have been out a few times N of where you fish. And with that said, I have at least got a few keepers EVERY time I have gone out. So i can say that the eyes are there!!!! Good luck everyone!

[TrollerX]

The fishing is fine on the Croix until you spend a day on the big pond. I think the fishing has actually improved. The issue is that we all expect to have a fantastic day every time. Sometimes, the river wins! It is the beauty of the sport.