New surveys available on fisheries engagement page

[North66]

I noticed there are a couple of new surveys out on the webpage today. Thought y'all might like to exercise your opinions too!

Link:

https://talkaep.alberta.ca/fisheries-engagement

[Landlocked_Newfie]

Thank-you for the head's up. I did the RD/NS one, I thought the choices aren't very good to choose from, either red or black no in between... so I added some additional comment's in that section. Stay safe.

[Evil69]

Thanks for the heads up
Nice to see they finally woke up on the puny walleye in PCR. I like the idea of switching it to trout.

[Bemoredog]

Originally Posted by Evil69

Thanks for the heads up
Nice to see they finally woke up on the puny walleye in PCR. I like the idea of switching it to trout.

I wonder how this will work with trout when there's Pike in the system... I'm kind of bummed, since most of what we have in the south is trout.

Honestly not sure what I support here, since it is a fun family fishery to just go out and C&R some small Walleye. Only difference with trout is that angler's will get to take home some fish. Meh.

I'd more interested in seeing this lake stocked with rainbows and managed for trophy size fish, like Police Lake, and possibly add other trout species besides Rainbow (unlikely as I don't think anything but Bows can be stocked in this area).

Edit: Does anyone know why the Walleye in PCR are stunted? If it's simply an overpopulation issue why not allow a limited harvest and see how that affects the population size? If it's a forage issue then there's not much you can do.

[idaman]

Wow who the hell came up with some of these hair brained ideas, like getting reducing top predators like pike and walleye and managing moose lake for perch, or allowing PCR to more or less die off and stock trout. Ya lets get rid of native species for non native. Losing all hope in the people tuning out fisheries.

[Bemoredog]

Originally Posted by idaman

... allowing PCR to more or less die off and stock trout. Ya lets get rid of native species for non native. Losing all hope in the people tuning out fisheries.

Might be misinterpreting you here, but I don't think the Walleye are native. Sounds like they were stocked in 1999 when the res was first flooded.

It would sure be nice to know what the game plan with some of these are, such as Burnstick, Gull and Glennifer. They want to allow a limited harvest of Walleye. Is that because they want to deplete the Walleye? Or is the harvest intended to be sustainable over the long term? Do they want to introduce other species into these bodies of water? It's incredibly unclear what the motives and rationale are for these lakes. Especially since they indicate that these Walleye populations are "high risk".

And if they allow Walleye harvest from Gull, then why not Sylvan, which seems to have far more Walleye.

[idaman]

Originally Posted by Bemoredog

Might be misinterpreting you here, but I don't think the Walleye are native. Sounds like they were stocked in 1999 when the res was first flooded.

It would sure be nice to know what the game plan with some of these are, such as Burnstick, Gull and Glennifer. They want to allow a limited harvest of Walleye. Is that because they want to deplete the Walleye? Or is the harvest intended to be sustainable over the long term? Do they want to introduce other species into these bodies of water? It's incredibly unclear what the motives and rationale are for these lakes.

Native to the province.

[Walleyedude]

Thanks for posting.

I am VEHEMENTLY opposed to the proposal to cull the walleye population in Pine Coulee in favour of stocked trout. I hate the thought of unleashing a harvest on the walleye population down there, the lake would be cleaned out in a season.

Pine Coulee is hands down the best place to take kids and new anglers to introduce them to walleye fishing. The high catch rate and relatively small size of the fish is perfect. It's truly a special place in that regard.

I can't understand the desire the mess with this lake all the time. I've been hearing about how the walleye population there is going to collapse for the last 10-12 years, and guess what, it hasn't. Why does every fishery need to have "trophy" fish? People pay thousands of dollars to fly into northern lakes that have the same quantity and size of walleye population as PCR.

Why not just leave well enough alone and appreciate PCR for what is... It's a jewel.

[DiabeticKripple]

PCR should be left the way it is. We have enough damn trout lakes.

Seems like in the other lakes (Red Deer/NSR) they want to allow the harvest of mature fish to hopefully get different year classes instead of one dominant class.

[RavYak]

Regarding PCR it states the reason for doing so is that the walleye are not reproducing.

I would be fine with them stocking walleye as a C&R walleye fishery if it is that good though, that is what people should comment if they want it to stay walleye.

Edit: I did all 3 surveys, thanks for sharing. I wish they would give some sort of notice so people would know about these.

[chedder]

Agree with leaving PCR alone. I know nothing about fish management but maybe a one fish limit could help the remaining fish thrive and grow. Strange how the walleye won't grow but saw a pic of a monster pike taken this winter. Maybe there's a ton of pike that are outcompeting the walleye?

[RavYak]

Originally Posted by chedder

Agree with leaving PCR alone. I know nothing about fish management but maybe a one fish limit could help the remaining fish thrive and grow. Strange how the walleye won't grow but saw a pic of a monster pike taken this winter. Maybe there's a ton of pike that are outcompeting the walleye?

It could very well be over population. That might fix size issue but won't fix reproduction issue.

Edit: Although I would be interested to know more about the lack of recruitment. Is it because the lake is not suitable for walleye reproduction or is it because all the walleye fry are getting eaten by the older walleye and pike.

[Bemoredog]

Originally Posted by RavYak

Edit: I did all 3 surveys, thanks for sharing. I wish they would give some sort of notice so people would know about these.

I get these via email from Alberta RELM. I believe you can subscribe form within your profile.

Not sure they really promote them any other way though.

[fish_e_o]

one thing i noticed is that they are determined to have people keep the large breeders.

keep small fish let the breeders live!!!

[DiabeticKripple]

Maybe they overstocked PCR and the fish are stunted, but if they are not reproducing, eventually mortality will thin the herd and maybe they will start to reproduce and start to see some age classes

[idaman]

Originally Posted by fish_e_o

one thing i noticed is that they are determined to have people keep the large breeders.

keep small fish let the breeders live!!!

Ya I support the tag system if we continue to insist on 1 over 50 instead of one under 43.

[goldscud]

I believe there is a problem with the type of algae and zooplankton at PCR that won't allow for a significant minnow population. Therefore there is not sufficient feed for the walleye to get to any decent size. There has been very limited reproduction as well and it is assumed the population will crash.

Personally I would be more than glad to see a quality trout lake where a person could catch some trout over 20". There are very few spots in Alberta with quality trout fishing. It would be nice not to have to drive to BC to catch a 4lb+ trout

[Roderek]

Originally Posted by RavYak

Regarding PCR it states the reason for doing so is that the walleye are not reproducing.

I would be fine with them stocking walleye as a C&R walleye fishery if it is that good though, that is what people should comment if they want it to stay walleye.

Edit: I did all 3 surveys, thanks for sharing. I wish they would give some sort of notice so people would know about these.

I did get an email about this earlier today from Alberta Relm before I saw this posted.

[tallieho]

Originally Posted by goldscud

I believe there is a problem with the type of algae and zooplankton at PCR that won't allow for a significant minnow population. Therefore there is not sufficient feed for the walleye to get to any decent size. There has been very limited reproduction as well and it is assumed the population will crash.

Personally I would be more than glad to see a quality trout lake where a person could catch some trout over 20". There are very few spots in Alberta with quality trout fishing. It would be nice not to have to drive to BC to catch a 4lb+ trout

Maybe they could do a stocking of Tigers.Provided they implement some very strict regulations before they stock.Brook trout also get along very well with Tigers.
Considering that lakes like Tyrell are being reconsidered for stocking trout.Which they dumped millions into,only to be eaten by pike.I wonder if they would consider a swap[Pine Trout QSF],Tyrell [walleye].Trout for me in Pine Coulee & make it a QSF.....

[Habfan]

Originally Posted by Walleyedude

Thanks for posting.

I am VEHEMENTLY opposed to the proposal to cull the walleye population in Pine Coulee in favour of stocked trout. I hate the thought of unleashing a harvest on the walleye population down there, the lake would be cleaned out in a season.

Pine Coulee is hands down the best place to take kids and new anglers to introduce them to walleye fishing. The high catch rate and relatively small size of the fish is perfect. It's truly a special place in that regard.

I can't understand the desire the mess with this lake all the time. I've been hearing about how the walleye population there is going to collapse for the last 10-12 years, and guess what, it hasn't. Why does every fishery need to have "trophy" fish? People pay thousands of dollars to fly into northern lakes that have the same quantity and size of walleye population as PCR.

Why not just leave well enough alone and appreciate PCR for what is... It's a jewel.

The walleye are not producing, not growing and don't live forever ! Some of these fish are 17 years old and are going to die naturally. Over stocking lakes with walleye does not work, period. Some fish will never bite a hook and will reproduce in time, if it is to be ! This lake is far from a jewel ! I'll bet it will end up as a great trout fishery for people to take their kids. Might end up having some reproductive walleye as well as a pile of rainbows. I would like it if they trapped or rounded up a 1000 walleye and stock them in Twin Valley.

[huntsfurfish]

Originally Posted by Bemoredog

I wonder how this will work with trout when there's Pike in the system... I'm kind of bummed, since most of what we have in the south is trout.

Honestly not sure what I support here, since it is a fun family fishery to just go out and C&R some small Walleye. Only difference with trout is that angler's will get to take home some fish. Meh.

I'd more interested in seeing this lake stocked with rainbows and managed for trophy size fish, like Police Lake, and possibly add other trout species besides Rainbow (unlikely as I don't think anything but Bows can be stocked in this area).

Edit: Does anyone know why the Walleye in PCR are stunted? If it's simply an overpopulation issue why not allow a limited harvest and see how that affects the population size? If it's a forage issue then there's not much you can do.

Bold-that was similar to what I said but also included Tiger Trout.

[huntsfurfish]

Originally Posted by goldscud

I believe there is a problem with the type of algae and zooplankton at PCR that won't allow for a significant minnow population. Therefore there is not sufficient feed for the walleye to get to any decent size. There has been very limited reproduction as well and it is assumed the population will crash.

Personally I would be more than glad to see a quality trout lake where a person could catch some trout over 20". There are very few spots in Alberta with quality trout fishing. It would be nice not to have to drive to BC to catch a 4lb+ trout

Agree

[Walleyedude]

Originally Posted by Habfan

The walleye are not producing, not growing and don't live forever ! Some of these fish are 17 years old and are going to die naturally. Over stocking lakes with walleye does not work, period. Some fish will never bite a hook and will reproduce in time, if it is to be ! This lake is far from a jewel ! I'll bet it will end up as a great trout fishery for people to take their kids. Might end up having some reproductive walleye as well as a pile of rainbows. I would like it if they trapped or rounded up a 1000 walleye and stock them in Twin Valley.

I've been hearing from the "experts" that the walleye population in PCR is not sustainable, not reproducing, and will collapse imminently for over 10 years. The fishing is about 90% as good now as it was back then. The decline is largely due to fishing pressure and poaching in my opinion.

If the argument is that the walleye fishery will collapse naturally when the current stocked fish reach their life expectancy at 15-20 years, then why would you intentionally destroy or hasten it? Why not let it play out and deal with it when necessary? Why not let people enjoy it for what it is?

It's a great walleye fishery, on a small lake, that's family, small boat, and shore fishing friendly. That is not something we have in abundance in southern AB. I know my kids absolutely love it, as do all the new fisherman I take there that can catch large numbers of fish that they simply can't do anywhere else. It's not a trophy lake, never will be, but to my mind, it's a unique and valuable fishery.

There are countless flowing water trout fisheries and numerous trout lakes already in the south where people can take there kids. Chain Lakes is minutes away. Why take this fishery away from the walleye anglers to satisfy the trout anglers?

Makes zero sense to me...

[anthony5]

Originally Posted by Habfan

The walleye are not producing, not growing and don't live forever ! Some of these fish are 17 years old and are going to die naturally. Over stocking lakes with walleye does not work, period. Some fish will never bite a hook and will reproduce in time, if it is to be ! This lake is far from a jewel ! I'll bet it will end up as a great trout fishery for people to take their kids. Might end up having some reproductive walleye as well as a pile of rainbows. I would like it if they trapped or rounded up a 1000 walleye and stock them in Twin Valley.

This post is about as realistic as it gets. A good walleye habitat has constant reproduction, some years better than others, but still reproducing little ones. If PCR doesn't have quality walleye spawning areas then it's time to go in a different direction to make it a sustainable fishery. Trout or otherwise but not walleye.
Hab, like the Twin Valley idea, can't be any worse and should be a better habitat for them fishes

[RavYak]

Originally Posted by Walleyedude

If the argument is that the walleye fishery will collapse naturally when the current stocked fish reach their life expectancy at 15-20 years, then why would you intentionally destroy or hasten it? Why not let it play out and deal with it when necessary? Why not let people enjoy it for what it is?

If you read their explanation it clearly said that the walleye in PCR are the originally stocked ones from 1999 to 2003 making them 14-18 years old, they are proposing to "deal with it when necessary" by opening it up so people can actually keep a few of these fish before they start dying. The trout stocking is obviously a long term plan and probably wouldn't happen for a fair number of years.

I understand the argument for keeping it walleye and said no to the trout change in the survey. It should be a pike/perch lake if walleye won't hold. Not sure how they plan on getting rid of the pike that are in there anyways and they stopped stocking other used to be good trout lakes after pike introductions so I doubt trout/pike would work.

That said with the depth and size PCR could be one of the best trout lakes in the area and would take pressure off places like Beaver and Police which require aeration to house the odd decent fish.

[RavYak]

Originally Posted by Roderek

I did get an email about this earlier today from Alberta Relm before I saw this posted.

Funny enough I got an email as well, 50 mins after I had already done the surveys and made that comment lol.

[Habfan]

Originally Posted by Walleyedude

I've been hearing from the "experts" that the walleye population in PCR is not sustainable, not reproducing, and will collapse imminently for over 10 years. The fishing is about 90% as good now as it was back then. The decline is largely due to fishing pressure and poaching in my opinion.

If the argument is that the walleye fishery will collapse naturally when the current stocked fish reach their life expectancy at 15-20 years, then why would you intentionally destroy or hasten it? Why not let it play out and deal with it when necessary? Why not let people enjoy it for what it is?

It's a great walleye fishery, on a small lake, that's family, small boat, and shore fishing friendly. That is not something we have in abundance in southern AB. I know my kids absolutely love it, as do all the new fisherman I take there that can catch large numbers of fish that they simply can't do anywhere else. It's not a trophy lake, never will be, but to my mind, it's a unique and valuable fishery.

There are countless flowing water trout fisheries and numerous trout lakes already in the south where people can take there kids. Chain Lakes is minutes away. Why take this fishery away from the walleye anglers to satisfy the trout anglers?

Makes zero sense to me...

You can go and catch walleye in the numbers and bigger size in Traverse, McGregor,Crawling Valley and Sylvan, just to name a few, get out there and check it out for yourself, you simply CAN do it in many places. PCR should be a catch and keep, stocked walleye resevoir, as in stock yearly and have a 2 per day limit if anything. The lake doesn't have what it takes to become a good walleye fishery. Stock it with walleye, trout and perch and keep the masses away from some of the good sustainable fisheries !!! Contrary to your beliefs, this is not a walleye fishery ! It s a bust and should have been stocked with trout in the first place. BTW I'm not a fan of stocked trout but I do see the potential of 10 lb+ rainbows coming out of that lake.

[DiabeticKripple]

What do you think will happen to the walleye if they opened it up to harvest? It would get fished out so fast.

Leave it as it is, if in 10 years it doesn't work out, put trout in it

[ericlin0122]

PCR will be a trophy trout lake with proper stocking number and make it catch and release only. walleye in PCR are sad.

[Bemoredog]

I wouldn't get your hopes up about a trophy trout fishery. I'd expect a Chain Lakes clone. Simple put and take fishery of 20 to 30cm bows. Easiest thing to implement.