Walleye Tagging Study Will Continue in 2009
The Department will be tagging walleyes again this spring at several locations across the Commonwealth. The tagging is part of a three-year study designed to learn more about angler catch rates and harvest of walleyes. In 2009, tagging is planned for Lake Whitehurst, Philpott Reservoir, Hungry Mother Lake, South Holston Reservoir, Lake Brittle and the upper New River.
Anglers who catch a tagged fish and return the tag will receive a cash reward of 20 dollars. The tag will be located near the fish's dorsal fin. Anglers can remove the tag by cutting through the plastic attachment with scissors or a knife. The fish can then be released or harvested (minimum length limits apply at Philpott Reservoir, South Holston Reservoir and the New River). Successful anglers can return the tag and catch information to the address printed on the tag. Important catch data include the contact information of the angler and the answers to a few simple questions. What were the date, time and general location of the catch? Was the fish harvested or released? Were you fishing for walleyes? Finally, did you catch other walleyes? Postage paid envelopes for tag returns are available at Department offices and local tackle shops.
The information gathered from successful anglers will help biologists make important decisions about managing walleye fisheries in Virginia. In 2008, a total of 730 walleyes were tagged at five locations across the Commonwealth. Successful anglers returned tags from 126 of these fish. Tag return rates ranged from 18 to 27 percent among the locations, with an overall average of just over 20 percent. Biologists also determined that on average only 56 percent of anglers who caught a tagged fish returned the tag. Every data point is important to the research project, so if you catch a tagged walleye in 2009, please take the time to return the tag and catch information and collect your reward.