HARRISBURG,
Pa. (May 1) – All signs point to a successful season ahead as Walleye and
Sauger fishing begins in Pennsylvania on Saturday, May 2.
"Walleye
are a popular catch for anglers seeking fish that can grow to significant size
and make great table fare," said Kris Kuhn, Director, Bureau of Fisheries
of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission's (PFBC). "This season is a
welcome sign of spring, especially on the many larger lakes where Walleye
populations are plentiful."
To prevent
the spread of the COVID-19 virus, all anglers participating in Walleye and
Sauger fishing are reminded to practice social distancing under the
guidance of the PA
Department of Health and CDC. The PFBC
recommends that anglers wear a mask and fish only with immediate family living
in the same household. When fishing around others from shore or on a boat,
maintain a physical distance of at least six feet between individuals. Anglers
planning to use the services of a guide or charter boat should consult the
Governor’s guidance
for life-sustaining businesses and contact businesses in advance to ensure that
services are available.
Walleye
fishing is regulated under Commonwealth Inland Waters regulations, with a
minimum harvest size of 15-inches and a daily creel limit of six fish. For
Sauger, the Walleye’s smaller cousin which is naturally present only in the
Three Rivers area of western Pennsylvania, harvest is regulated with a 12-inch
minimum size limit and a six fish daily creel limit.
Differences
in each fish’s appearance is subtle, with one exception; the Sauger’s dorsal or
back fin possesses many pea size black spots on the fin membrane which are not
evident in Walleyes. Other differences include several darker mottled
saddle patches on the Sauger’s back with the Walleye’s back typically uniformly
colored. For more details about fish identification, visit the Pennsylvania
Fishes page at www.fishandboat.com.
Walleye
fishing opportunities exist across the Commonwealth from the Allegheny,
Susquehanna and Delaware Rivers to Lake Erie, Pymatuning Reservoir, Blue Marsh
Lake, Raystown Lake, Lake Wallenpaupack and many other locations. Many
large and medium size reservoirs and flowing water river and stream sections
are biannually stocked with fingerling Walleyes as described in our
Walleye Plan.
2020 Lake
Erie creel limits for Walleye were announced by the PFBC in April and allow for
the legal harvest of six Walleye per day exceeding 15 inches. Lake Erie
harvest limits are set annually by the PFBC based upon abundance estimates
derived from collaborative assessment programs that include all jurisdictions
bordering Lake Erie including Pennsylvania. PFBC biologists note that
several abundant year classes, especially the 2018 year-class representing
two-year-old fish, will comprise angler catch. Biologists note that two-year-old
Walleyes will be around 15-inches in length or less, with some not reaching the
15-inch size limit. Overall, PFBC Biologists report that conditions remain
favorable for Lake Erie Walleye anglers who have experienced record high
harvest rates since 2017.
Annually,
the PFBC collects approximately 90 million eggs from brood stock Walleyes
collected in Pymatuning Reservoir in Crawford County, as well as Duck Harbor
Pond in Wayne County, and Lake Wallenpaupack in Pike and Wayne Counties.
Between 1 and 1.5 million fish are raised to fingerling size before being
stocked, while the remainder are stocked as fry.
Anglers
seeking above average opportunity to catch Walleyes this season can find a list
of
Pennsylvania's Best Fishing Waters based on biologist population survey
data, and
Walleye fishing tips.
###
MEDIA CONTACT:
Mike Parker
Communications Director
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
(717)585-3076
michparker@pa.gov