The opening of walleye season Saturday should be “good to very good” for local anglers providing weather conditions are favourable for angling, the Ministry of Natural Resources here said.
But fishing usually improves into late May and early June, the MNR added, noting walleye feeding activity increases and fish resume their normal behaviour patterns as the water temperature warms up.
Ice-out on Rainy Lake occurred May 1 this year, three days earlier than the average, so anglers can expect most of the walleye spawning already has taken place by the opener.
On Rainy Lake, walleye fishing success continues to improve with a number of strong year classes produced in the late 1990s, along with the number of fisheries management actions taken to encourage walleye recovery (reduced catch limits, size limits, sanctuaries, etc.), the MNR said.
Good growing seasons and warmer weather since 1994 have provided several strong year classes of walleye, including 1994, 1995, 1997, and even 1999 may be above average.
“Anglers will continue to see improved abundance of young fish, as well as increasing numbers of larger fish in the protected slot size,” said the MNR.
“Walleye from the very strong 1994 year class are reaching 17-18 inches on Rainy Lake.”
On other area lakes, anglers should see improved numbers of walleye, with even more fish reaching the maximum size limit (one over 46 cm) each year.
Angling for other species–including northern pike, black crappie, and smallmouth bass–continues to improve on Rainy Lake, the MNR said.
But the MNR also noted water levels are slightly higher in 2001 (currently above the rule curve) and may have an impact on walleye patterns and locations.
In his view, local guide Denis Barnard said recent water level changes won’t hurt anglers’ chances of faring well this weekend.
“The change in the fluctuation of water won’t hurt. You just have to change your spots. The fish are there,” he stressed.
He also offered some advice. “Think shallow,” said the retired police officer. “The bait fish are up in the shallow area.”
On Rainy Lake, the resident catch limit for walleye/sauger (in comibination) is four daily/four possession for those with a sport fishing licence and two daily/two possession for those with a conservation one.
The non-resident catch limit is one daily/four possession for those with sport fishing licences and one daily/two possession for those with a conservation licence.
The size limit is not more than one walleye over 70 cm (27.5″), and no walleye under 35 cm (13.8″) or between 45-70 cm (17.7″-27.5″).
For more details on size and catch limits, refer to Fishing Divisions 22 and 32 in the 2001 Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary, which is available at all license issuers and the local MNR office.
In related news, the MNR will be conducting a roving creel survey on Redgut Bay and the Ontario waters of the south arm of Rainy Lake from May 19 – Sept. 30.
The co-operation of anglers during this fisheries survey is appreciated.
Funding for this survey has been provided through the Enhanced Fish and Wildlife program under “Ontario’s Living Legacy”.
Also available from MNR offices is copies of the 2001-2002 Guide to Eating Ontario Sport Fish.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
