New findings from a study at Trent University on the feeding habits of walleye may be an important element to future conservation and management plans for the popular sport fish.
New findings from a study at Trent University on the feeding habits of walleye may be an important element to future conservation and management plans for the popular sport fish.
Environmental & Life Sciences master’s student Ayden Ricker-Held discovered walleye—often called pickerel in Canada—feed significantly on mayflies while they hatch in on- and off-shore lake waters.
“[Fishing during a mayfly hatch] is a common pattern for trout fishermen. It’s very popular in rivers, but not a lot of research exists about walleye and mayflies in lakes,” says Mr. Ricker-Held. “Most people would fish walleye in waters from 10- to 35-feet deep or more, and existing literature did not show that mayflies were a part of their adult diet.”
However, as an avid angler and fishing guide at the Old Post Lodge on Lake St. Joseph north of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Mr. Ricker-Held knew from experience that walleye migrate to feed on mayflies as they hatch.
Continue reading at Trent University.
Image via Trent University.
