Is There Walleye In Lake Superior

Introduction

Lake Superior is the largest of the Great Lakes by surface area and the deepest in depth. There are numerous species of fish that make their home in this pristine lake. Some of the varieties encountered include lake trout, lake whitefish, lake herring and lake sturgeon. One species of fish that has been a source of curiosity is whether or not there are Walleye in Lake Superior. With its close proximity to Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan, the possibility exists for these kinds of fish to be present. While some experts believe that Walleye may have been present in the past, the conditions of Lake Superior are not suitable for them to survive today.

Exploring the Possibilities

Walleye have been known to inhabit waters similar to those found in Lake Superior. Walleye prefer colder temperatures and clear waters. They also prefer to feed on smaller prey such as insects and crayfish, so given that Lake Superior is full of these kinds of food it’s possible that a Walleye population could exist.

Research for Evidence

Studies have been conducted to explore the possibility of Walleye inhabiting Lake Superior. While the studies did not uncover any evidence of the fish, there was some indications of the possibility. In 2004, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources conducted a survey of Lake Superior from Whitefish Point in Lake Superior to the Canadian border. The survey was conducted with the goal of determining the abundance of stocked fish species. The results of the survey offered some hope as although there was no evidence of a Walleye population, there were several other species of fish that could also be prey for Walleye.

Issues Limiting the Survival of Walleye

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Unfortunately however the conditions that make Lake Superior unsuitable for the survival of a Walleye population remain unchanged. The temperatures of the lake vary greatly, making it difficult for the fish to survive the drastic shifts in temperature. This is especially true considering that adult population of the fish are very sensitive to temperature and will move on if conditions change quickly. There is also the issue of predators that could put a damper on any possible Walleye population, as the high concentration of predators in the lake coupled with the fact that the Walleye is a slow swimmer and slow breeder make it incredibly difficult for the fish to survive in and reproduce in numbers.

The Prospects for the Future

With the current state of Lake Superior and the issues surrounding the conditions for Walleye, it seems doubtful that any kind of Walleye population will become established any time soon. In order for that to happen, the water temperature and clarity would need to remain consistent, and the number of predators in the lake would need to be reduced. While this is possible, there are numerous other species that would be impacted by such a change and so far there have been no indications that any such measures are being taken.

Ruling out Unnatural Sources

As mentioned earlier, some experts believe that there may have been Walleye present in the past. However, due to the current state of the lake it is impossible to determine whether or not this is true. There are rumors that suggest a population of Walleye were released illegally into the lake in the past, but without any solid evidence it would be impossible to confirm this.

The Benefits of Walleye in Lake Superior

If we were to assume that Walleye were able to exist and thrive in the lake, there are numerous benefits to be had from them. One of which is how they can assist with the control of smaller prey species such as goldfish, shiners and green sunfish, helping to keep the lake a pristine environment and healthy food chain. The presence of Walleye would also be greatly beneficial to the fishing industry. The popularity of Walleye creates a high demand for them, and fishermen in the area could benefit from the profits they could bring.

The Impact Walleye have on Endangered Species

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On the flip side, Walleye can actually have a negative effect on some species of fish that are already native to Lake Superior. The most notable species being Lake Sturgeon, which is already endangered and any disruption of their environment could raise the risk of them becoming even more endangered.

The Addition of Walleye to the Great Lakes

The possibility of Walleye being added to the Great Lakes does exist, however this would be done through artificial stocking. This means that Walleye fingerlings would be put into the lake and monitored to see how they would fare. But, this process would be lengthy and quite expensive and would not guarantee a successful population.

The Challenge of Disease

Another issue that those considering the addition of Walleye in Lake Superior face is the diseases the fish may bring with them. Walleye are prone to certain diseases, including Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia, which could infect other species of fish already present in the lake. This leads to the conclusion that it would be best to leave the species out of the lake with no plan of stocking it in the near future.

Impact of Human Interaction on Walleye Populations

Not only can environmental conditions impact the success of a Walleye population, but human interaction can also. As humans continue to build and develop lakeshore properties in the area, they are disrupting the habitat of the species. This in turn can make it more difficult for any kind of population to become established.

Conclusion

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It appears unlikely that any kind of Walleye population will exist in Lake Superior anytime soon. The conditions of the lake are not suitable for the fish to survive, with the drastic changes in temperature and the high number of predators present making it difficult for them to establish any kind of population. Additionally, the addition of Walleye to the lake through stocking seems unlikely due to the potential diseases they may bring and the expensive process it would require. Ultimately, it would be best to leave the species out of the lake to protect the native species that are already present.