Status and ecology of walleye (sander vitreus) in the upper wabash river, Indiana

Abstract

Habitat use of 20 tagged walleye (Sander vitreus) was monitored using ultrasonic biotelemetry under varying flow conditions in the Wabash River from June through September 2003. The study area was a free-flowing 20-km reach of the upper Wabash River from Lagro (rkm 633) to Rich Valley Indiana (rkm 612). Boat electrofishing was used to estimate the population and to collect individuals for biotelemetry. Summer walleye movements were short in distance and use of cover type, lateral river position, and substrata varied with river discharge. Electrofishing surveys indicated low walleye abundance in the upper Wabash River. Three walleye-sauger hybrids were captured, suggesting natural reproduction. Tagged individuals showed versatility in habitat use. © 2005, Copyright Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.