Idaho’s Walleye Drawback | MidCurrent

Walleye are posing an issue to salmon and steelhead via the Snake River Basin in Idaho. And based on a brand new press launch from the Idaho Fish & Recreation (IDFG), fisheries managers are asking anglers to be extra vigilant in catching and killing these fish.

“For the previous couple years, Idaho Fish and Recreation has requested – and continues to ask – anglers to reap any walleye they catch in Idaho salmon and steelhead rivers and report the placement and dimension of the fish to assist Fish and Recreation higher perceive how this species is spreading,” the press launch reads.

Walleye at the moment are present in habitat that’s important for rearing younger salmon and steelhead, and pose a menace to these fish. Salmon and steelhead by no means advanced with walleye, as walleye aren’t native to the Columbia River drainage. So, salmon and steelhead don’t have any evolutionary tips to assist them escape these fish, that are extremely opportunistic and predatory, particularly in water the place salmon and steelhead would possibly relaxation as they transfer from freshwater to the ocean.

“Among the best instruments we now have as managers that would gradual the growth of walleye are anglers,” IDFG stated. “Hundreds of anglers fish the Snake and Salmon rivers yearly, and in the event that they killed each walleye they caught it might gradual their growth. Most anglers encounter walleye whereas fishing for smallmouth bass with worms, swimbaits and comfortable plastics. Steelhead anglers have additionally began reporting catching walleye whereas backtrolling plugs. These fish are opportunistic fish eaters, so likelihood is you would possibly encounter them with something resembling a small fish. Some sizzling spots are proper off sandy seashores, round islands, and in again eddies the place water is slower. Most have been caught at or close to the underside at various depths.”