Stocking Fork Lake

[Kingfisher8]

I don't post often, but I follow this site daily. I know some members don't like to give advice to someone who doesn't contribute regularly, which is fine and understandable. Just hoping for someone to lead me in the right direction.

I'm looking for an email address or phone number of the person that is in charge of the stocking program. I believe Fork lake should be stocked with walleye. Apparently, in 1985 half a million walleye fry were stocked in Fork Lake but non survived. In those years, Fork lake had a healthy perch and pike population. It was nothing to catch over 100 perch in a day. I'm sure the walleye that were dumped into the lake became a meal for the rest. Now with the decreased fish population, I believe they have a chance to survive. Especially, if they stock more mature walleye. Does anybody know who I can talk to?

[Blastoff]

Call lac la Biche F&W office they would know the answer or should know who to call.

[Kingfisher8]

Thank you!

[SNAPFisher]

Originally Posted by Kingfisher8

I don't post often, but I follow this site daily. I know some members don't like to give advice to someone who doesn't contribute regularly, which is fine and understandable. Just hoping for someone to lead me in the right direction.

I'm looking for an email address or phone number of the person that is in charge of the stocking program. I believe Fork lake should be stocked with walleye. Apparently, in 1985 half a million walleye fry were stocked in Fork Lake but non survived. In those years, Fork lake had a healthy perch and pike population. It was nothing to catch over 100 perch in a day. I'm sure the walleye that were dumped into the lake became a meal for the rest. Now with the decreased fish population, I believe they have a chance to survive. Especially, if they stock more mature walleye. Does anybody know who I can talk to?

I wish you luck with that.

[Drewski Canuck]

The walleye used in the 1980's all came from Brett Creek on Primrose Lake.

The problem was that these were RIVER spawn Walleye, and most lakes that were stocked had no major viable spawning rivers.

Lately the spawn stock has been lake spawn walleye, that use gravel beds for spawning. These walleye are successfully reproducing in Wabamun, Pigeon, etc.

Calling is an example where both types co exist, but it really seems heavy with lake spawn walleye. At least from the numbers on the east shore in May and June.

But yes, there are alot of lakes that dried out and winter killed, and over the last 5 years have re filled and should be re stocked.

Missawawi by LLB is the best candidate for perch re stocking.

A Simple Fyke Net in the spring in Ghost by Athabasca would break the axles of the hatchery truck for example, and could easily restore many many perch lakes.

Drewski

[PerchBuster]

Drewski, I’m with you on that, you’re speaking my language there pal! Restore all those trophy Perch lakes would be high on my wish list!

[pikeman06]

fork had some wicked perch in the early 80's. Walleyes don't belong in lakes they don't already exist in. They just destroy the food base till they die of old age unless they spawn successfully. The biologists are starting to realize that after ten years of protecting them with no recruitment, in the end you are right back where you started but you've set back the pike and perch and whites and minnows that sustained themselves and the whole biomass. My two cents. Perch are easy to stock and tough but you need predators to keep them.under control. big pike are crucial to any healthy fishery it seems. Why they did that 3 over 63 thing on pike for all those years will remain one of the worst management decisions in albertas history. Same thing as killing all the female cows in your cattle herd. What's left when they are all gone.? Whats the future of your herd? It'll take a lifetime for some of these lakes to be what they had been for centuries on their own.

[MooseRiverTrapper]

Originally Posted by pikeman06

fork had some wicked perch in the early 80's. Walleyes don't belong in lakes they don't already exist in. They just destroy the food base till they die of old age unless they spawn successfully. The biologists are starting to realize that after ten years of protecting them with no recruitment, in the end you are right back where you started but you've set back the pike and perch and whites and minnows that sustained themselves and the whole biomass. My two cents. Perch are easy to stock and tough but you need predators to keep them.under control. big pike are crucial to any healthy fishery it seems. Why they did that 3 over 63 thing on pike for all those years will remain one of the worst management decisions in albertas history. Same thing as killing all the female cows in your cattle herd. What's left when they are all gone.? Whats the future of your herd? It'll take a lifetime for some of these lakes to be what they had been for centuries on their own.

Great analogy Pikeman. Alberta bios killed all the cows in the cattle herd. Hopefully they can clean it up.

[Gdg]

I totally agree with pikeman06 “fork had some wicked perch in the early 80's. Walleyes don't belong in lakes they don't already exist in”. Why is there such a fascination for walleye? They are an apex predator that can wipe out a lake in no time. I remember many lakes from the 60’s and 70’s that had unreal perch populations, now they have unreal walleye populations. Instead of walleye perhaps we should be looking at replenishing our perch population ie restocking programs for perch. As humans we think we know what’s right based on certain wants, perhaps we should look more at practicality and the reality to what is happening in our waters. Walleye were at one time a very challenging fish to catch, somewhat similar to the willie brown trout. My question is what happened?

[pikeman06]

Thats right but there are people that think catching and releasing 400 stocked walleye a day is the ideal fishery. That to me is the sign of a horribly imbalanced fishery full of starving walleyes that can't spawn in most cases and the only thing left for them to eat is the frozen minnow on your hook. Plus the pike perch and whites end up with huge gaps in year classes or absolutely no young that make it past the fry stage. Its hard to come back from that, it takes forever to get enough spawners to dodge the hordes of hungry protected walleyes and when they finally get to spawning size they are legal to keep its a no brainer, but you would be surprised how many people think thats how fishing should be. I have no problem with stocking walleye if they are self sustaining and harvested when abundant but if you are just protecting them till they die at the expense of the native fish and never stock a single white or pike or perch then thats just wrong.

[Pikebreath]

All you who wax longingly for bringing back the perch fisheries of the 70's and 80's do realize that the perch abundance of yesteryear was the the result of severely collapsed walleye populations and depressed pike populations,,, hardly lakes that could be considered "balanced".

[MooseRiverTrapper]

Originally Posted by Pikebreath

All you who wax longingly for bringing back the perch fisheries of the 70's and 80's do realize that the perch abundance of yesteryear was the the result of severely collapsed walleye populations and depressed pike populations,,, hardly lakes that could be considered "balanced".

Lots of those good perch lakes never had walleye in them.

Wabamun was a good pike lake that never had walleye in it.

[tallieho]

Originally Posted by Kingfisher8

I don't post often, but I follow this site daily. I know some members don't like to give advice to someone who doesn't contribute regularly, which is fine and understandable. Just hoping for someone to lead me in the right direction.

I'm looking for an email address or phone number of the person that is in charge of the stocking program. I believe Fork lake should be stocked with walleye. Apparently, in 1985 half a million walleye fry were stocked in Fork Lake but non survived. In those years, Fork lake had a healthy perch and pike population. It was nothing to catch over 100 perch in a day. I'm sure the walleye that were dumped into the lake became a meal for the rest. Now with the decreased fish population, I believe they have a chance to survive. Especially, if they stock more mature walleye. Does anybody know who I can talk to?

King fisher; You could probably talk with the people at the hatchery,in Cold Lake.That is where they will be raised.Talk to Craig Copeland,he runs the place.Really good guy.

[wind drift]

Originally Posted by MooseRiverTrapper

Lots of those good perch lakes never had walleye in them.

Wabamun was a good pike lake that never had walleye in it.

Thats not true. Wabamun had a walleye population which was eliminated by commercial netting by the 1930s. The museum in Seba Beach has photos and written records.

[wind drift]

Originally Posted by Pikebreath

All you who wax longingly for bringing back the perch fisheries of the 70's and 80's do realize that the perch abundance of yesteryear was the the result of severely collapsed walleye populations and depressed pike populations,,, hardly lakes that could be considered "balanced".

Yup, the only “balanced” fish populations are the ones we don’t fish, stock, manipulate or manage. Even fish populations in winterkill lakes are “balanced” by virtue of their inherent natural conditions. Balance is an artificial human perspective.

[wind drift]

Originally Posted by tallieho

King fisher; You could probably talk with the people at the hatchery,in Cold Lake.That is where they will be raised.Talk to Craig Copeland,he runs the place.Really good guy.

But I’m pretty sure the hatchery manager doesn’t decide where the fish go.

[MooseRiverTrapper]

Originally Posted by wind drift

Thats not true. Wabamun had a walleye population which was eliminated by commercial netting by the 1930s. The museum in Seba Beach has photos and written records.

I read a report differently. There was only one netting report that said X amount of pounds of pickerel. They thought it was typo because no other reports recorded any.

[wind drift]

Originally Posted by pikeman06

Thats right but there are people that think catching and releasing 400 stocked walleye a day is the ideal fishery. That to me is the sign of a horribly imbalanced fishery full of starving walleyes that can't spawn in most cases and the only thing left for them to eat is the frozen minnow on your hook. Plus the pike perch and whites end up with huge gaps in year classes or absolutely no young that make it past the fry stage. Its hard to come back from that, it takes forever to get enough spawners to dodge the hordes of hungry protected walleyes and when they finally get to spawning size they are legal to keep its a no brainer, but you would be surprised how many people think thats how fishing should be. I have no problem with stocking walleye if they are self sustaining and harvested when abundant but if you are just protecting them till they die at the expense of the native fish and never stock a single white or pike or perch then thats just wrong.

It is interesting how the perspectives have changed, isn’t it? 30 years ago when walleye were depleted and big ones were rare, they had so much prestige. So did walleye anglers who could show success. Folks, inspired and taught by the likes of Al Lindner, became walleye specialists and a generation of walleye anglers and a tournament circuits sprung up. We wanted more walleye and govt responded. Now, its just as common to hear disdain as praise for walleye fishing at many lakes that would have made fishing magazine headlines back then.

[Smoky buck]

Originally Posted by wind drift

It is interesting how the perspectives have changed, isn’t it? 30 years ago when walleye were depleted and big ones were rare, they had so much prestige. So did walleye anglers who could show success. Folks, inspired and taught by the likes of Al Lindner, became walleye specialists and a generation of walleye anglers and a tournament circuits sprung up. We wanted more walleye and govt responded. Now, its just as common to hear disdain as praise for walleye fishing at many lakes that would have made fishing magazine headlines back then.

The disdain for walleye is in Alberta because they were over stocked and protected well other species were sacrificed. There was a lack of consideration for forage or other game species

Many respect walleye for their eating quality not nearly as much as a sport fish. With out providing reasonable C&k options out side of draw for walleye the species lost one of the main factors walleye gained popularity. Now add in that there are many C&R anglers that find walleye as boring wet socks that watched the species they proffer sacrificed for walleye they loose even more popularity

I rarely keep fish and still have no interest in catching a bunch of walleye that fight like wet socks.

[Kingfisher8]

Thank you for everyone's advice, I really appreciate it!

My favorite fish to catch are perch hands down. As a kid my dad and I went fishing for perch any chance we got. We always came home with our limit. I remember winning the Fork lake fishing Derby with an 1.7lb perch. I would love to see Fork lake restocked with perch. I was under the impression they only stocked walleye and trout. I've been to the Cold Lake fish hatchery on a grade 2 field trip and all I saw was trout. I will definitely give them a call.

When I can't find the perch I switch to walleye fishing. They don't taste as good as perch, but it's the next best option. I enjoy trolling for them with bottom bouncers. The kids have a blast reeling them in. I wish my kids could experience catching two perch at the same time. Those years might be over.

I live at Mann lake which was a well known perch lake back in the day. Unfortunately, the water levels went down resulting in severe winter kill. On the upside, the lake has been coming up year after year. I had a small island infront of my place which is under water now. Hopefully, this trend continues so they can restock the lake.

I also have a lot at Fork lake were our kids love to swim, tube and fish. I checked the whole lake with my fish camera and I can only find perch the size of my index finger. Not sure is they got trapped in the second fork and winter killed? Lots of pike, but no perch. I would like to see something done to the lakes that can support a healthy fish population. I donate to haying in the 30's, Stollery hospital and Stars every year. I would be glad to donate to a restocking program that I know will guarantee a certain amount of fish to go into local lakes. Just frustrated and cranky. Enjoy the holidays and thank you.

[fisher Gord]

they only hatch trout and walleye,at cold lake. But they will catch small perch and transfer them to lake that winter kill. You must prove local approval for perch stocking. St. Paul F&G is your local club to contact.

[midwinter]

We used to have a cabin at fork lake from 65-76 and the fishing was unbelievable. Our cabin was the old fork lake school for those of you that know the area.
It all started in the 70 when they put the drainage weir next to the campsite.
It's been a slow decline ever since.I don't think they can or will do anything until the water level comes back.
It's very sad to see what that lake used to be to what it is today.

[mooseknuckle]

Originally Posted by midwinter

We used to have a cabin at fork lake from 65-76 and the fishing was unbelievable. Our cabin was the old fork lake school for those of you that know the area.
It all started in the 70 when they put the drainage weir next to the campsite.
It's been a slow decline ever since.I don't think they can or will do anything until the water level comes back.
It's very sad to see what that lake used to be to what it is today.

Was suprised, first time to fork this past summer and found 65fow. Crazy!! our cabin 1977-1990 was down the road at lower mann lake, slew now.

[midwinter]

Very sad what all those lake in that area have become.
My dad used to go fork lake with the old horse and buggy with my grand parents back in the 30's and you should have heard the stories he used to tell.
My cousin used to have a place on the SW side of Cache lake another lake that was a awesome lake for perch,now the isn't even any water at that end of the lake.
I remember Mann Lake when the water used to run thru the culvert under the highway.

[Sundancefisher]

Originally Posted by PerchBuster

Drewski, I’m with you on that, you’re speaking my language there pal! Restore all those trophy Perch lakes would be high on my wish list!

Fish genetics may impact the perch size. Definitely need healthy natural predation and lots of food.

Then proper limits to rebuild stocks.

For a long time perch limits were huge and in hindsight unsustainable.

[Sundancefisher]

Originally Posted by Kingfisher8

Thank you for everyone's advice, I really appreciate it!

My favorite fish to catch are perch hands down. As a kid my dad and I went fishing for perch any chance we got. We always came home with our limit. I remember winning the Fork lake fishing Derby with an 1.7lb perch. I would love to see Fork lake restocked with perch. I was under the impression they only stocked walleye and trout. I've been to the Cold Lake fish hatchery on a grade 2 field trip and all I saw was trout. I will definitely give them a call.

When I can't find the perch I switch to walleye fishing. They don't taste as good as perch, but it's the next best option. I enjoy trolling for them with bottom bouncers. The kids have a blast reeling them in. I wish my kids could experience catching two perch at the same time. Those years might be over.

I live at Mann lake which was a well known perch lake back in the day. Unfortunately, the water levels went down resulting in severe winter kill. On the upside, the lake has been coming up year after year. I had a small island infront of my place which is under water now. Hopefully, this trend continues so they can restock the lake.

I also have a lot at Fork lake were our kids love to swim, tube and fish. I checked the whole lake with my fish camera and I can only find perch the size of my index finger. Not sure is they got trapped in the second fork and winter killed? Lots of pike, but no perch. I would like to see something done to the lakes that can support a healthy fish population. I donate to haying in the 30's, Stollery hospital and Stars every year. I would be glad to donate to a restocking program that I know will guarantee a certain amount of fish to go into local lakes. Just frustrated and cranky. Enjoy the holidays and thank you.

Perch could be stunted. It may need pike protection to build up predation. Could be yearly summer or winter kill although perch are tenacious. Could be lack of enough food.

Sounds like some old fashioned fishery study is needed.

Population information needed to know exactly where the problem lies.

[7magtime]

Originally Posted by midwinter

Very sad what all those lake in that area have become.
My dad used to go fork lake with the old horse and buggy with my grand parents back in the 30's and you should have heard the stories he used to tell.
My cousin used to have a place on the SW side of Cache lake another lake that was a awesome lake for perch,now the isn't even any water at that end of the lake.
I remember Mann Lake when the water used to run thru the culvert under the highway.

Frenchman and Ironwood were also affected by low water levels. I saw first hand the results of Frenchman winterkilling around 20 years ago and as far as I know it never came back. I can remember fishing Frenchman as a kid and seeing schools of humpback perch swimming under the boat.

I remember the awesome fishing for perch/pike at Fork as well when I was a kid, it's a shame what it's become....

I would definitely like to see some of these lakes re-assessed for stocking if the water levels are starting to come back up. It would help spread out the fishing pressure on other lakes in this area IMO.

[Kingfisher8]

I attached two pictures. The first picture was taken this spring of Frenchman. The water washed away the quad trail. The second pic is of Ironwood. The boat launch was completely washed out and the fish cleaning table removed since it was half underwater. The heavy rains we received in the spring caused the water to go over the beaver damns between iroonwood and horne lake. It is unreal how much it increased the water levels in those lakes.

[7magtime]

Originally Posted by Kingfisher8

I attached two pictures. The first picture was taken this spring of Frenchman. The water washed away the quad trail. The second pic is of Ironwood. The boat launch was completely washed out and the fish cleaning table removed since it was half underwater. The heavy rains we received in the spring caused the water to go over the beaver damns between iroonwood and horne lake. It is unreal how much it increased the water levels in those lakes.

Thanks for the pics. Glad to hear those lakes are starting to rise with some wet weather but they still have a ways to go. We used to waterski and come in hot with ski boats over top of that island that's now in front of the launch on Frenchman.....lol
I swung by Frenchman when I was up there deer hunting in November, it was definitely up a bit from last year. I imagine some of the bays on the North end finally had some water in them this year. Good start....