Biggest walleye of my life poundage wise

[teal101]

I might add that Smallmouth Bass in the Snake River do have an impact on smolts more so than the main stem Columbia, up to 46% of their total diet in the spring.  Reducing numbers of Smallmouth and Walleye via sportfishing is ineffective.  The biggest issue is not the population of the predators, but their habitat.  The construction of the dams has created slower warmer waters, perfect habitat for Smallmouth and Walleye, not perfect for Salmonids.  It has also caused the increase in Pikeminnow.  So long as the habitat exists, eradication of the predators will be impossible.  ODFW and WDFW are doing the best they can by controlling the biggest predator, Pikeminnow.

[Blackjaw]

The second biggest predator on smolts (atleast steelhead smolts) is probably the Caspian Tern.

[Mr Mykiss]

Avian predation accounts for 25 million dead smolts each year...

[JJB11B]

Thamks for all the postive comments, and I do agree that we have a world class fishery and the impact to salmon is minnimal compared to the other issues.  If the state would actively promote, educate and actually STOCK (heaven forbid) walleyes in waters that are suitable we who love walleyes would have a less heartburn with the current efforts by the state and tribal fish managers.

My Family is big into walleye fishing. My Grandfather and Father used to fish pretty much every walleye tournement in the state. I even went to Mobridge SD. to fish a Pro-Am and got to meet Ted takasaki and Kieth Kavajacez (cant remember how to spell it) had a great time. And yes when I walleye fish I usually fish the bottom 3 feet of water. ....Walleyes stay deep unless they are spawning....

[JJB11B]

I need to find a small boat so I can go find me some walleyes. I miss going fishing in my boat...