08-30-2018, 12:18 PM
First off let me say I totally disagree with the bucketologists that seem to want to put their favorite fish species wherever they want if they are not present. Yes, I'd love crappie in more waters in the Upper Snake River area as I do believe they can be sustained, but, do it right.
As for the walleye issue, think about Ririe Reservoir. They were introduced there about 10 years ago or so according to F&G and the fear/threat that they would take over Ririe and go downstream into the prized Snake River and affect the fishery there.
To date, as far as the last report I saw, they haven't moved and still are not in a catchable population. In fact, I cant remember one being caught by the public in ages that has been confirmed. And F&G If I remember right catches one here or their in their nets. If F&G is reading this, it would be interesting to hear their gill net results on walleye.
So, the question is, as one person asked, is the biology/niche of these waters such that they just cant survive and produce to the point of over taking other fish species? And as to perch, look all over the west and Canada. Large perch do exist and co-habitate with walleye and do quite well as far as I know.
I know that in talking with F&G years ago about increasing crappie, it was stated that #1 they wouldn't survive our cold winters (mid-west and other northern states have much colder winters and do well) but the most important point to me is that the impact and perception to the public wants over what can be done. This came directly from a former F&G fish biologist many years ago.
So, as one said, time will tell, but, my personal thought is, and based on watching Ririe, I don't believe that it will be a big deal in our lifetime.
[signature]
As for the walleye issue, think about Ririe Reservoir. They were introduced there about 10 years ago or so according to F&G and the fear/threat that they would take over Ririe and go downstream into the prized Snake River and affect the fishery there.
To date, as far as the last report I saw, they haven't moved and still are not in a catchable population. In fact, I cant remember one being caught by the public in ages that has been confirmed. And F&G If I remember right catches one here or their in their nets. If F&G is reading this, it would be interesting to hear their gill net results on walleye.
So, the question is, as one person asked, is the biology/niche of these waters such that they just cant survive and produce to the point of over taking other fish species? And as to perch, look all over the west and Canada. Large perch do exist and co-habitate with walleye and do quite well as far as I know.
I know that in talking with F&G years ago about increasing crappie, it was stated that #1 they wouldn't survive our cold winters (mid-west and other northern states have much colder winters and do well) but the most important point to me is that the impact and perception to the public wants over what can be done. This came directly from a former F&G fish biologist many years ago.
So, as one said, time will tell, but, my personal thought is, and based on watching Ririe, I don't believe that it will be a big deal in our lifetime.
[signature]