08-31-2018, 01:01 AM
Whoever placed the walleye in Cascade should be condemned in the strongest terms possible and if identified, prosecuted to the full extent of the Idaho regulations.
The perch fishery in Cascade is without question one of the best in North America. I know many Utah anglers make the long drive up there each year and we have enjoyed the benefits of Idaho's well-considered fishery management strategy for the reservoir.
If the walleye were illegally introduced in sufficient numbers they will thrive and will eventually be a detriment to the perch and other fish in the water. One thing that will prevent the walleye from having a huge immediate impact is the nature of the Lake Cascade habitat. Lake Cascade has a huge amount of aquatic vegetation that provides invaluable escape cover for young fish of all species. Even with significant water level fluctuations the reservoir normally contains vast expanses of thick cover that works to prevent the predators from consuming all of the forage each year.
My local favorite, Starvation, doesn't support aquatic vegetation sufficient to protect young of the year fish. Starvation is way down this season to the lowest I've seen in years and there is virtually no escape cover to keep the plentiful walleye from eating anything that will fit in their mouths.
I know the Idaho F & G folks will carefully monitor the walleye numbers in Cascade and they will employ mitigation efforts that are cost-effective and impactful. Spawning area electro-shocking might be a tool at the disposal of the Idaho Department that might work with their Columbia Squawfish mitigation efforts.
All I can say is, good luck and I hope the walleye do not become established.
Mike
[signature]
The perch fishery in Cascade is without question one of the best in North America. I know many Utah anglers make the long drive up there each year and we have enjoyed the benefits of Idaho's well-considered fishery management strategy for the reservoir.
If the walleye were illegally introduced in sufficient numbers they will thrive and will eventually be a detriment to the perch and other fish in the water. One thing that will prevent the walleye from having a huge immediate impact is the nature of the Lake Cascade habitat. Lake Cascade has a huge amount of aquatic vegetation that provides invaluable escape cover for young fish of all species. Even with significant water level fluctuations the reservoir normally contains vast expanses of thick cover that works to prevent the predators from consuming all of the forage each year.
My local favorite, Starvation, doesn't support aquatic vegetation sufficient to protect young of the year fish. Starvation is way down this season to the lowest I've seen in years and there is virtually no escape cover to keep the plentiful walleye from eating anything that will fit in their mouths.
I know the Idaho F & G folks will carefully monitor the walleye numbers in Cascade and they will employ mitigation efforts that are cost-effective and impactful. Spawning area electro-shocking might be a tool at the disposal of the Idaho Department that might work with their Columbia Squawfish mitigation efforts.
All I can say is, good luck and I hope the walleye do not become established.
Mike
[signature]