02-23-2015, 06:35 PM
[#0000FF]I'm not sure what survey methods are used by DWR to check the dining habits of walleyes. But I do know from first hand observation as well as feedback from fellow walleye catchers that those toothy denizens do indeed dine royally on suckers for a short period after the new hatchlings are dumped in the lake each year.
I caught about a 5 pound walleye near the mouth of the Provo river a couple of years ago that had 4 freshly munched Junies in its tummy...each about 4 inches long. And I have heard similar tales from others...and from walleyes taken in different spots around the lake.
I suspect that the newly planted suckerettes are a bit disoriented and are easy prey until they learn to hide out better...if they live long enough to learn.
But you are right about the white bass too. They can and do eat small prey species up to about six inches...especially their own young-of-the-year.
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I caught about a 5 pound walleye near the mouth of the Provo river a couple of years ago that had 4 freshly munched Junies in its tummy...each about 4 inches long. And I have heard similar tales from others...and from walleyes taken in different spots around the lake.
I suspect that the newly planted suckerettes are a bit disoriented and are easy prey until they learn to hide out better...if they live long enough to learn.
But you are right about the white bass too. They can and do eat small prey species up to about six inches...especially their own young-of-the-year.
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