Temporary Measures Implemented to Protect Manitoba’s Lake Dauphin Spawning Walleye
OutdoorHub 05.06.13
Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship advises temporary conservation measures will be put in place to protect spawning walleye in Dauphin Lake and its tributaries again this spring. The temporary measures will take effect tomorrow. Similar to past years, the temporary conservation measures will be in place for a very short period of time.
The walleye population in Dauphin Lake continues to show signs of strong recovery due to the success of past efforts and the co-operation of Aboriginal rights holders, commercial fishers and sport anglers. However, continued protection during the sensitive spawning stage is required.
The conservation measures allow for a limited harvest for food by Aboriginal rights holders of six walleye per person each day on Dauphin Lake and its tributaries. Harvest can occur only by angling with rod and reel. The temporary conservation measures require the release of all female walleye that have not yet spawned, along with the release of all walleye of prime spawning size (between 45 and 70 centimetres).
This year’s measures will protect walleye during this critical part of their lifecycle and will ensure the continued recovery of the Dauphin Lake walleye population.
These steps are in addition to existing measures implemented over the past number of years such as reductions in the commercial harvest of walleye from Dauphin Lake, reductions of the daily catch limit of walleye for anglers and requiring all spawning-sized walleye to be released.
Discussions continue between the province and First Nations and Métis communities in the region on many natural resource management issues of joint concern.
Anishinaabe Agowidiiwinan (Treaty 2 elders) urge all fishers not to fish at all during this sensitive stage of walleye spawning.
