Biologists in north-central Arkansas began the spring sampling season by collecting Walleye at Norfork and Greers Ferry Lakes. For most of the year, Walleye can be found in deep or open water, making them difficult for biologists to survey. As surface temperatures reach 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit, Walleye starts to enter shallow areas of the lake to spawn.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) state biologists use two methods to collect Walleye: gill nets and nighttime electrofishing. From sampling, biologists can gain important information about the Walleye population, including size, condition and growth. The information gathered from these sampling efforts helps inform biologists about which management strategies are needed to improve Walleye fishing.
Biologists sampled Walleye at Norfork Lake by conducting two nights of electrofishing near Norfork Dam. The majority of fish sampled were on main lake points near the dam. The size of Walleye collected ranged from 15 to 22 inches, with the average size being 19 inches.
At Greers Ferry Lake, biologists set gill nets on main lake points during the last week of February near Devils Fork and Peter Creek. The size of Walleye collected there ranged from 11 inches to 22 inches, with the majority being 14 inches or longer. The number of Walleye collected in the gill nets was comparable to previous sampling performed in lakes in north-central Arkansas.
Biologists also performed electrofishing at Johnson Hole located at South Fork Little Red River. Unfortunately, the timing of the spawn was earlier than in previous years, and only a few Walleye were collected, the largest of which was a 23-inch female weighing 4.5 pounds.
Biologists noted some improvements in the Walleye population in Greers Ferry Lake, but they were skinny for their length, indicating that a lack of forage may still inhibit their growth. AGFC plans to stock Threadfin Shad into Greers Ferry Lake this year to help boost the amount of forage.
Anglers report catching good numbers of Walleye at Greers Ferry and Norfork Lakes. Anglers are catching Walleye near main lake points using crankbaits, jerk baits, and minnows.
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