Overview
Are there walleye in Lake Superior? Walleye is an iconic sport fish, prized for its flaky white flesh and renowned for its fighting spirit. While there are numerous species of fish in the Great Lakes, the walleye is one of the most sought-after species. Over the past century, walleye populations have experienced significant declines in most of the Great Lakes, due to various factors. But the question remains: do walleye still inhabit Lake Superior?
History
Walleye were historically abundant in Lake Superior and other Great Lakes. In the mid-1800s, surveys conducted by the U.S. government found that the fish had been extensively stocked in Lake Superior, which indicates that walleye had been established there since at least that time. Walleye not only flourished in the lake, they were heavily fished, providing an important source of food and income to many of the local communities.
However, by the mid-1900s, walleye populations had plummeted significantly due to overfishing and poor water quality. Over the past 70 years, walleye stocking programs have been initiated to help replenish the species. In addition, in-lake regulations and creel surveys have been introduced to better manage the stock.
Current Status
Today, the walleye population in Lake Superior has slowly been recovering. While catches are still far below historical levels, anglers have reported a growing abundance of walleye in certain areas of the lake. This has been attributed to improved water quality as well as the stocking efforts of the Lake Superior Fisheries Research Institute.
Furthermore, in recent decades, Lake Superior has experienced an increase in the number of large female walleye. This is evidence that the walleye population is returning to a self-sustaining level. Male walleye, however, remain scarce, likely due to overfishing.
Fishing Regulations
Since walleye populations remain fragile in Lake Superior, in-lake regulations are still in place to prevent overfishing. There is a sport fishing season of about a month, between late April and late May, during which time the walleye can be caught and kept. During the remainder of the year, anglers are required to practice catch-and-release fishing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there is evidence that walleye still inhabit Lake Superior, though the population remains low compared to historical levels. Because of this, anglers are urged to practice catch-and-release fishing when pursuing walleye in the lake. With regulations and stocking efforts in place, it is hoped that the walleye population of Lake Superior will continue to recover.
Distribution
Though walleye populations continue to recover in Lake Superior, not all areas of the lake have seen an increase in abundance. Distribution surveys conducted by the Lake Superior Fisheries Research Institute have revealed that while walleye are becoming more widespread in some areas, such as near the Apostle Islands, they remain virtually absent from others, such as the far western coasts. In addition, there appears to be a greater concentration of walleye near the Canadian portion of the lake.
Environmental Factors
According to experts, the water quality and temperature play a major role in the abundance and distribution of walleye. Walleye prefer clearer waters and tend to inhabit areas with cooler temperatures. Unfortunately, due to climate change, certain areas of the lake, particularly the small bays, have seen rising temperatures and declining water clarity, making these areas increasingly unsuitable for walleye inhabitation.
Trophic Cascade
The trophic cascade is another factor that has undoubtedly impacted the walleye population of Lake Superior. As with many other Great Lakes, the introduction of invasive species has caused a disruption in the ecosystem. In Lake Superior, the introduction of invasive species such as the round gobies and sea lampreys has had a devastating effect on the prey base of multiple species, including the walleye. As a result, the population of the walleye has been further diminished.
Issues
The walleye population of Lake Superior is facing a number of challenges. In addition to the aforementioned issues, other factors such as habitat degradation and fishing mortality are also putting pressure on the population. As of now, walleye numbers remain low compared to historical levels, and the future of the population is uncertain.
Restoration Efforts
Fortunately, multiple organizations have been working to restore walleye populations to sustainable levels. In recent years, the Lake Superior Fisheries Research Institute and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry have implemented multiple stocking and restoration projects in order to aid in the recovery of the species. These projects have seen success, with larger and more abundant walleye populations in certain areas of the lake.
Stakeholders
The Lake Superior walleye population is supported by multiple stakeholders. Not only are there multiple local organizations who are actively engaged in walleye restoration efforts, but there are also national and international organizations who are dedicated to restoring the species. These include the US Fish & Wildlife Service, the Nature Conservancy, and the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. With these stakeholders working together, it is hoped that the walleye population of Lake Superior will continue to recover and eventually return to sustainable levels.
