Willard is ice free

[wiperhunter2]

We all know why the wiper numbers are so low, the DWR isn't planting as many wipers. In years past they planted them in huge numbers 500,000 in one year, was not unusual. When they go from that high number down to 38,000, that is a huge drop in fish being planted. Of course Willard isn't the only lake that receives wiper plants now days and it would not surprise me if you added up all the wipers that are planted, at all the different lakes, it could add up to the larger number. IMO, the DWR stocking fewer wipers is not a bad deal because it has allowed the walleye, crappie, cats, bass even perch and bluegill to rebound in numbers not seen for many years. When wiper numbers were at their highest, I caught few of those other fish but now there seems to be a better balance than when wiper numbers were at their highest. The DNR has tried for years to get their warm water fish hatchery up and running and they are still having problems, if and when they ever get it up and running it will be Tiger Musky™ and Wipers that will likely be their main focus. In the mean time it would be nice to have some more of those toothy fish in Willard. Since TM already come down the river to Willard from time to time, it would seem like planting them in there would not be a big deal, even if it were in low numbers, just to see what would happen[]. I think you are right, they seem to have a better grasp of growing TM than wipers and it seem likely they will get that program up and running before the wiper program. I guess time will tell.
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