Survival and Growth of Walleye Fingerlings Stocked at Two Sizes in 24 Wisconsin Lakes

We compared the performance of walleye Sander vitreus fingerlings of two different sizes that were stocked into Wisconsin lakes during 2004-2007. Small fingerlings were stocked in June at a total length of 1.0-2.0 in. Large fingerlings were stocked in September at a length of 7.0-8.0 m. The study lakes ranged from 120 to 515 acres in surface area and were dispersed north and south across the state. We electrofished the entire shoreline of each study lake with a boomshocker and two dippers during the spring after stocking. The mean age-l catch per effort (CPE) was significantly higher for large fingerlings (11.2/mi) than for small fingerlings (2.8/mi). Location in the state was not significantly related to age-1 CPE. Stocked year-classes were detected for 11 of 12 large-fingerling stocking events but only 7 of 12 small-fingerling stocking events. The total length of age-1 walleyes was not significantly related to size at stocking but varied significantly among locations. Stocking large walleye fingerlings in September at a density of 10/acre resulted in an age-1 CPE that was 4 times greater than small fingerlings stocked in June at a density of 50/acre. Large fingerling stocking also produced more consistent year-classes.