05-02-2008, 08:21 PM
Upper New River
Walleye fishing in 2008 will be very good on the upper New River from Fries Dam downstream to Allisonia. Crankbaits, jigs, and live minnows are working well and anglers are catching walleyes and fishing is getting better. In 2007, an angler survey showed anglers are catching more walleyes in February, March, and April than any other time. Catch rates of walleye from sampling in 2007 were high and this should also hold for fishing catch rates. There is a 20-inch minimum length limit on walleye in the upper New River, so throw back the little ones and catch them again.
Biologists will be tagging walleyes in the upper New River during 2008 as part of a statewide study. A cash reward will be offered for the return of the tag and catch information. Anglers can remove the tag by cutting through the monofilament attachment with scissors or a knife. The fish can then be released or harvested (minimum length limits apply). Return the tag and catch information to the address printed on the tag. Catch information includes: date, time and general location of catch, "Was the fish harvested or released?", "Were you fishing for walleyes?", and "Did you catch other walleyes on this fishing trip?"
South Holston Reservoir
South Holston will provide excellent walleye fishing in 2008. This reservoir provides year-round fishing opportunities for walleyes. A spring "run" takes place in the South Fork Holston River near the community of Alvarado from February through April. Fishing generally peaks during mid-March. Most anglers fishing the headwaters area use floating minnow baits like the number 11 Rapala. Some anglers use jigs or jigs tipped with live bait. During April, May, and June anglers find walleyes feeding along the shorelines of the lake. Again, shallow running lures are the favorite presentation. When walleyes move deeper during the summer months, successful anglers troll night crawler harnesses or use jigging spoons to reach the depths. Points and flats with water depths from 18 to 25 feet are popular locations. Fall and winter fishing call for jigging spoons or jigs and live minnows. There is an 18-inch minimum length limit in effect for walleye in South Holston Reservoir, and in the Middle Fork and South Fork Holston Rivers.
Biologists will be tagging walleyes in South Holston Reservoir during 2008 as part of a statewide study. A cash reward will be offered for the return of the tag and catch information. Anglers can remove the tag by cutting through the monofilament attachment with scissors or a knife. The fish can then be released or harvested (minimum length limits apply). Return the tag and catch information to the address printed on the tag. Catch information includes: date, time and general location of catch, "Was the fish harvested or released?", "Were you fishing for walleyes?", and "Did you catch other walleyes on this fishing trip?"
Flannagan Reservoir
The walleye population in Flannagan Reservoir is making a strong comeback following the fish kill of 2004. Sampling catch rates in 2007 were much higher than in 2005 and 2006. Lots of smaller fish were caught by anglers last year as well. Angler catch rates may not be quite as good as they were before 2004, but the fishery appears to be well on the way to recovery. Walleyes moving into the Pound and Cranesnest Rivers during the early spring months provide some exciting fishing opportunities. Most anglers use floating minnow plugs and start fishing just before dusk. During April, May, and June walleyes can be caught on shallow running plugs fished at night along the shorelines of the reservoir. It is during these months that alewives, the primary forage of Flannagan walleyes, move into shallow water at night to spawn. Trolling with lead core line is the preferred technique during the hotter summer months. Some anglers also catch walleyes fishing with live bait under lights. There is an 18-inch minimum size limit in effect for walleye in Flannagan Reservoir.
Hungry Mother Lake
This 108-acre lake in Southwest Virginia provides anglers with a great opportunity to catch walleyes in a small lake setting. Located in Hungry Mother State Park, the lake is also a great destination for families. The walleye population is increasing steadily. There are good numbers of fish up to about 20 inches and enough bigger ones to cause anglers to lose some sleep again this year. A few walleyes are caught in late February, but the month of March generally signals the beginning of the walleye fishing season. April, May, and June are probably the best three months, and night fishing is generally more productive. Alewives are the primary forage for walleyes in Hungry Mother Lake. During portions of these three months the alewives move into shallow water at night to spawn. The spawning alewives swim in tight circles, creating a swirling noise. Most anglers use artificial lures to imitate the spawning alewives, but live shad, minnows, and night crawlers are also effective. After June the walleyes seem to be harder to catch. During July, August, and September anglers should concentrate their efforts in water less than 15 feet deep, because oxygen is limited at depths below 15 feet. Live bait will probably produce more strikes than artificial lures during this late summer period. During the day walleyes tend to be close to structure, like submerged trees. At night, or on cloudy days, walleyes move away from structure to feed on suspended schools of alewives.
Biologists will be tagging walleyes in Hungry Mother Lake during 2008 as part of a statewide study. A cash reward will be offered for the return of the tag and catch information. Anglers can remove the tag by cutting through the monofilament attachment with scissors or a knife. The fish can then be released or harvested. Return the tag and catch information to the address printed on the tag. Catch information includes: date, time and general location of catch, "Was the fish harvested or released?", "Were you fishing for walleyes?", and "Did you catch other walleyes on this fishing trip?"
Clinch River
Walleye are native to the Clinch River, and are available in low densities throughout most of the river. Stocking efforts resumed in 2005, and sampling catch rates are notably improved. Consistent stocking should improve fishing opportunities over the next few seasons. For now, anglers should focus their efforts at the times and locations that concentrate walleyes. For example, during March walleyes often congregate in pools just below significant ledges and shoals during daylight hours, and then move into shallow water at night to spawn. Another good location is where a creek enters the river. Walleyes often move into the mouth of the creeks to feed on minnows.
Philpott Reservoir
The 2008 fishing season for walleye at Philpott Reservoir should be very good. Philpott Reservoir has one of the better walleye populations in Virginia. This fishery does not contain many large fish but does support good numbers. Walleye reach 18 inches at about 2.5 years of age and most male walleye grow very slowly after reaching this size. Female walleye typically grow well for another few years with some achieving larger sizes. A new 18-inch minimum size limit for walleye was initiated on July 1, 2006.
Anglers who spend time learning angling techniques that are productive for walleye, find areas that are productive, and fish in the late April-July period should have successful fishing trips. Catching a few walleye per outing should be considered good and catching a limit of five walleye, a very good trip. The bulk of the population is in the 18-20 inch size range. Approximately 15% of the legal size walleye (18 inches) are over 22 inches and about 5% of the population is over 24 inches. Occasionally walleye are caught in the 6-8 pound range.
Leesville Reservoir
The 2008 fishing season for walleye at Leesville Reservoir will be good. Anglers who are looking for solitude and a reservoir that has very light fishing pressure should give Leesville a look. This fishery supports a fair number of large fish and has also maintained good overall numbers of walleye for several years. The bulk of the walleye population is in the 18-22 inch size range but fish in the 5-6 pound range are not uncommon.
The most productive walleye fishing is typically between Leesville Dam and mile marker 6. Night fishing in May and June with floating or shallow running plugs cast to the shoreline should not be overlooked. Walleye often frequent water less than 2 feet deep during these dark hours. During daylight hours, fish the shoreline contour but in deeper water than at night. As water temperatures increase in late spring and throughout the summer, walleye continually move deeper seeking cooler water. Anglers must fish deeper throughout the summer to capitalize on this fishery. A very important point to remember is fish deeper in clearer water during the day, regardless of season. Walleye are very light sensitive and prefer dark or shaded habitat. Consequently, anglers need to adjust their tactics accordingly. During daylight hours, many walleye can be found in only a few feet of water if the water is stained or muddy but will remain deeper during the day if the water is clear. Leesville can be a challenge to due extreme daily water fluctuations but anglers who spend time learning productive walleye angling techniques for Leesville and concentrate on areas and habitat that hold walleye should encounter a number of these elusive fish.
Biologists will be tagging walleyes in Leesville Lake during 2008 as part of a statewide study. A cash reward will be offered for the return of the tag and catch information. Anglers can remove the tag by cutting through the monofilament attachment with scissors or a knife. The fish can then be released or harvested. Return the tag and catch information to the address printed on the tag. Catch information includes: date, time and general location of catch, "Was the fish harvested or released?", "Were you fishing for walleyes?", and "Did you catch other walleyes on this fishing trip?"
Staunton River
Walleye fishing in the Staunton River will be excellent in 2008. Anglers should concentrate on the reach from Leesville Dam to Brookneal. There are numerous access points and information is available at the Department's Web site.
During the late winter and early spring, anglers should explore the area immediately below Leesville Dam. During the remainder of the year, walleye are distributed throughout the river, often hanging along the shoreline near fallen trees. Food is abundant in the Staunton River and anglers should try and imitate the abundant shad, perch and sucker populations with crank baits. Night crawlers are always a safe bet for walleye as well.
In 2007, the Staunton River had three walleye recorded in the Virginia Angler Recognition Program which ranked 7th statewide. With the abundant forage base, cool water temperatures from Leesville Dam releases, and the quality habitat, anglers will be pleased with both the number of walleye and the sizes of fish.
Lake Whitehurst
If you ever thought that catching a walleye nearly in sight of the salty waters of the Chesapeake Bay would be a rare accomplishment, then Norfolk's Lake Whitehurst may be the spot for you to visit in 2008. Lake Whitehurst is the only lake in Southeast Virginia that is actively managed for quality walleye fishing. Anglers should continue to see good numbers of quality fish in 2008. Excellent numbers of 17-24 inch walleye were captured during our spring and fall sampling, and a trophy fish measuring nearly 28 inches was also collected. Early spring and fall at Lake Whitehurst may be your best bet to catch walleye in Southeast Virginia. Previous tagging studies have shown that walleye in Whitehurst are most likely to be covering a lot of distance in the transitional months (March-May) and (October -December), so anglers should be willing to cover a lot of water to locate fish. Popular fishing methods in Whitehurst include trolling with shallow diving crankbaits, live minnows or nightcrawlers on bottom walker rigs, and vertical jigging in the deep water areas. Walleye are not able to successfully reproduce in this lake, but approximately 48,000 fingerling-sized walleye are stocked annually in Lake Whitehurst. Anglers should be reminded that Lake Whitehurst is a City of Norfolk-owned water supply reservoir that is open only from sunrise to sunset. In addition to a Virginia fishing license, a daily or annual boat permit is required (see Web site or call 757-664-6701).
Biologists will be tagging walleyes in Lake Whitehurst during 2008 as part of a statewide study. A cash reward will be offered for the return of the tag and catch information. Anglers can remove the tag by cutting through the monofilament attachment with scissors or a knife. The fish can then be released or harvested. Return the tag and catch information to the address printed on the tag. Catch information includes: date, time and general location of catch, "Was the fish harvested or released?", "Were you fishing for walleyes?", and "Did you catch other walleyes on this fishing trip?"
Lake Orange
Anglers hoping for an opportunity to catch a decent walleye while fishing for multiple species should look no further than Lake Orange. This northern piedmont impoundment has been stocked with walleyes for years. Currently, walleye fingerlings are stocked each year. Survival of stocked fingerlings has been good and the current age structure is comprised of fish up to age-15, with most fish in the population less than age-8. Walleye growth is fast to age-4, averaging about 20 inches and 3 pounds. Beyond age-4, growth is very slow and fish seldom reach 26 inches. Occasionally, Lake Orange anglers will catch walleye in the 6-8 pound range, but catch rates for these larger fish are very low.
Lake Brittle
Lake Brittle is one of the best places to catch a walleye in the northern Virginia piedmont. Angler's targeting walleyes report good success at this small impoundment. Most fish caught seem to be in the 2-3 pound range with an occasional fish up to 5 pounds. Fisheries sampling over the years has documented good survival of stocked walleye fingerlings. Currently, a strong population of walleyes up to age-5 is present at Lake Brittle, increasing the odds for angler success.
Biologists will be tagging walleyes in Lake Brittle during 2008 as part of a statewide study. A cash reward will be offered for the return of the tag and catch information. Anglers can remove the tag by cutting through the monofilament attachment with scissors or a knife. The fish can then be released or harvested. Return the tag and catch information to the address printed on the tag. Catch information includes: date, time and general location of catch, "Was the fish harvested or released?", "Were you fishing for walleyes?", and "Did you catch other walleyes on this fishing trip?"
Lake Robertson
If your goal is to hook into an occasional walleye while focusing on largemouth bass or catfish, this hidden jewel might be what you are looking for. Lake Robertson was stocked with walleye beginning in 1983, with the intention of controlling the growing sunfish population and adding diversity to the lake. It succeeded in both cases. Today, a small walleye population inhabits this clear impoundment, adding to the robust largemouth bass and channel catfish fishery. In 2006 gill net samples, two walleye exceeding 20 inches were caught and released. This points to a small walleye population, but scattered 'eyes are the norm for Lake Robertson. The largemouth bass population is through the roof, so predation on young walleye is high. Walleye growth, however, is very good. It takes 3 years for fish to reach the 20-inch minimum limit. One Lake Robertson walleye measured 27 inches and 8 pounds, so trophies can be found. A good time to catch a walleye at Lake Robertson is in March or April, before or after the fish have spawned. Since walleye prefer hard substrate, you can best locate these nocturnal creatures near the dam in the spring.
Walleye fishing in 2008 will be very good on the upper New River from Fries Dam downstream to Allisonia. Crankbaits, jigs, and live minnows are working well and anglers are catching walleyes and fishing is getting better. In 2007, an angler survey showed anglers are catching more walleyes in February, March, and April than any other time. Catch rates of walleye from sampling in 2007 were high and this should also hold for fishing catch rates. There is a 20-inch minimum length limit on walleye in the upper New River, so throw back the little ones and catch them again.
Biologists will be tagging walleyes in the upper New River during 2008 as part of a statewide study. A cash reward will be offered for the return of the tag and catch information. Anglers can remove the tag by cutting through the monofilament attachment with scissors or a knife. The fish can then be released or harvested (minimum length limits apply). Return the tag and catch information to the address printed on the tag. Catch information includes: date, time and general location of catch, "Was the fish harvested or released?", "Were you fishing for walleyes?", and "Did you catch other walleyes on this fishing trip?"
South Holston Reservoir
South Holston will provide excellent walleye fishing in 2008. This reservoir provides year-round fishing opportunities for walleyes. A spring "run" takes place in the South Fork Holston River near the community of Alvarado from February through April. Fishing generally peaks during mid-March. Most anglers fishing the headwaters area use floating minnow baits like the number 11 Rapala. Some anglers use jigs or jigs tipped with live bait. During April, May, and June anglers find walleyes feeding along the shorelines of the lake. Again, shallow running lures are the favorite presentation. When walleyes move deeper during the summer months, successful anglers troll night crawler harnesses or use jigging spoons to reach the depths. Points and flats with water depths from 18 to 25 feet are popular locations. Fall and winter fishing call for jigging spoons or jigs and live minnows. There is an 18-inch minimum length limit in effect for walleye in South Holston Reservoir, and in the Middle Fork and South Fork Holston Rivers.
Biologists will be tagging walleyes in South Holston Reservoir during 2008 as part of a statewide study. A cash reward will be offered for the return of the tag and catch information. Anglers can remove the tag by cutting through the monofilament attachment with scissors or a knife. The fish can then be released or harvested (minimum length limits apply). Return the tag and catch information to the address printed on the tag. Catch information includes: date, time and general location of catch, "Was the fish harvested or released?", "Were you fishing for walleyes?", and "Did you catch other walleyes on this fishing trip?"
Flannagan Reservoir
The walleye population in Flannagan Reservoir is making a strong comeback following the fish kill of 2004. Sampling catch rates in 2007 were much higher than in 2005 and 2006. Lots of smaller fish were caught by anglers last year as well. Angler catch rates may not be quite as good as they were before 2004, but the fishery appears to be well on the way to recovery. Walleyes moving into the Pound and Cranesnest Rivers during the early spring months provide some exciting fishing opportunities. Most anglers use floating minnow plugs and start fishing just before dusk. During April, May, and June walleyes can be caught on shallow running plugs fished at night along the shorelines of the reservoir. It is during these months that alewives, the primary forage of Flannagan walleyes, move into shallow water at night to spawn. Trolling with lead core line is the preferred technique during the hotter summer months. Some anglers also catch walleyes fishing with live bait under lights. There is an 18-inch minimum size limit in effect for walleye in Flannagan Reservoir.
Hungry Mother Lake
This 108-acre lake in Southwest Virginia provides anglers with a great opportunity to catch walleyes in a small lake setting. Located in Hungry Mother State Park, the lake is also a great destination for families. The walleye population is increasing steadily. There are good numbers of fish up to about 20 inches and enough bigger ones to cause anglers to lose some sleep again this year. A few walleyes are caught in late February, but the month of March generally signals the beginning of the walleye fishing season. April, May, and June are probably the best three months, and night fishing is generally more productive. Alewives are the primary forage for walleyes in Hungry Mother Lake. During portions of these three months the alewives move into shallow water at night to spawn. The spawning alewives swim in tight circles, creating a swirling noise. Most anglers use artificial lures to imitate the spawning alewives, but live shad, minnows, and night crawlers are also effective. After June the walleyes seem to be harder to catch. During July, August, and September anglers should concentrate their efforts in water less than 15 feet deep, because oxygen is limited at depths below 15 feet. Live bait will probably produce more strikes than artificial lures during this late summer period. During the day walleyes tend to be close to structure, like submerged trees. At night, or on cloudy days, walleyes move away from structure to feed on suspended schools of alewives.
Biologists will be tagging walleyes in Hungry Mother Lake during 2008 as part of a statewide study. A cash reward will be offered for the return of the tag and catch information. Anglers can remove the tag by cutting through the monofilament attachment with scissors or a knife. The fish can then be released or harvested. Return the tag and catch information to the address printed on the tag. Catch information includes: date, time and general location of catch, "Was the fish harvested or released?", "Were you fishing for walleyes?", and "Did you catch other walleyes on this fishing trip?"
Clinch River
Walleye are native to the Clinch River, and are available in low densities throughout most of the river. Stocking efforts resumed in 2005, and sampling catch rates are notably improved. Consistent stocking should improve fishing opportunities over the next few seasons. For now, anglers should focus their efforts at the times and locations that concentrate walleyes. For example, during March walleyes often congregate in pools just below significant ledges and shoals during daylight hours, and then move into shallow water at night to spawn. Another good location is where a creek enters the river. Walleyes often move into the mouth of the creeks to feed on minnows.
Philpott Reservoir
The 2008 fishing season for walleye at Philpott Reservoir should be very good. Philpott Reservoir has one of the better walleye populations in Virginia. This fishery does not contain many large fish but does support good numbers. Walleye reach 18 inches at about 2.5 years of age and most male walleye grow very slowly after reaching this size. Female walleye typically grow well for another few years with some achieving larger sizes. A new 18-inch minimum size limit for walleye was initiated on July 1, 2006.
Anglers who spend time learning angling techniques that are productive for walleye, find areas that are productive, and fish in the late April-July period should have successful fishing trips. Catching a few walleye per outing should be considered good and catching a limit of five walleye, a very good trip. The bulk of the population is in the 18-20 inch size range. Approximately 15% of the legal size walleye (18 inches) are over 22 inches and about 5% of the population is over 24 inches. Occasionally walleye are caught in the 6-8 pound range.
Leesville Reservoir
The 2008 fishing season for walleye at Leesville Reservoir will be good. Anglers who are looking for solitude and a reservoir that has very light fishing pressure should give Leesville a look. This fishery supports a fair number of large fish and has also maintained good overall numbers of walleye for several years. The bulk of the walleye population is in the 18-22 inch size range but fish in the 5-6 pound range are not uncommon.
The most productive walleye fishing is typically between Leesville Dam and mile marker 6. Night fishing in May and June with floating or shallow running plugs cast to the shoreline should not be overlooked. Walleye often frequent water less than 2 feet deep during these dark hours. During daylight hours, fish the shoreline contour but in deeper water than at night. As water temperatures increase in late spring and throughout the summer, walleye continually move deeper seeking cooler water. Anglers must fish deeper throughout the summer to capitalize on this fishery. A very important point to remember is fish deeper in clearer water during the day, regardless of season. Walleye are very light sensitive and prefer dark or shaded habitat. Consequently, anglers need to adjust their tactics accordingly. During daylight hours, many walleye can be found in only a few feet of water if the water is stained or muddy but will remain deeper during the day if the water is clear. Leesville can be a challenge to due extreme daily water fluctuations but anglers who spend time learning productive walleye angling techniques for Leesville and concentrate on areas and habitat that hold walleye should encounter a number of these elusive fish.
Biologists will be tagging walleyes in Leesville Lake during 2008 as part of a statewide study. A cash reward will be offered for the return of the tag and catch information. Anglers can remove the tag by cutting through the monofilament attachment with scissors or a knife. The fish can then be released or harvested. Return the tag and catch information to the address printed on the tag. Catch information includes: date, time and general location of catch, "Was the fish harvested or released?", "Were you fishing for walleyes?", and "Did you catch other walleyes on this fishing trip?"
Staunton River
Walleye fishing in the Staunton River will be excellent in 2008. Anglers should concentrate on the reach from Leesville Dam to Brookneal. There are numerous access points and information is available at the Department's Web site.
During the late winter and early spring, anglers should explore the area immediately below Leesville Dam. During the remainder of the year, walleye are distributed throughout the river, often hanging along the shoreline near fallen trees. Food is abundant in the Staunton River and anglers should try and imitate the abundant shad, perch and sucker populations with crank baits. Night crawlers are always a safe bet for walleye as well.
In 2007, the Staunton River had three walleye recorded in the Virginia Angler Recognition Program which ranked 7th statewide. With the abundant forage base, cool water temperatures from Leesville Dam releases, and the quality habitat, anglers will be pleased with both the number of walleye and the sizes of fish.
Lake Whitehurst
If you ever thought that catching a walleye nearly in sight of the salty waters of the Chesapeake Bay would be a rare accomplishment, then Norfolk's Lake Whitehurst may be the spot for you to visit in 2008. Lake Whitehurst is the only lake in Southeast Virginia that is actively managed for quality walleye fishing. Anglers should continue to see good numbers of quality fish in 2008. Excellent numbers of 17-24 inch walleye were captured during our spring and fall sampling, and a trophy fish measuring nearly 28 inches was also collected. Early spring and fall at Lake Whitehurst may be your best bet to catch walleye in Southeast Virginia. Previous tagging studies have shown that walleye in Whitehurst are most likely to be covering a lot of distance in the transitional months (March-May) and (October -December), so anglers should be willing to cover a lot of water to locate fish. Popular fishing methods in Whitehurst include trolling with shallow diving crankbaits, live minnows or nightcrawlers on bottom walker rigs, and vertical jigging in the deep water areas. Walleye are not able to successfully reproduce in this lake, but approximately 48,000 fingerling-sized walleye are stocked annually in Lake Whitehurst. Anglers should be reminded that Lake Whitehurst is a City of Norfolk-owned water supply reservoir that is open only from sunrise to sunset. In addition to a Virginia fishing license, a daily or annual boat permit is required (see Web site or call 757-664-6701).
Biologists will be tagging walleyes in Lake Whitehurst during 2008 as part of a statewide study. A cash reward will be offered for the return of the tag and catch information. Anglers can remove the tag by cutting through the monofilament attachment with scissors or a knife. The fish can then be released or harvested. Return the tag and catch information to the address printed on the tag. Catch information includes: date, time and general location of catch, "Was the fish harvested or released?", "Were you fishing for walleyes?", and "Did you catch other walleyes on this fishing trip?"
Lake Orange
Anglers hoping for an opportunity to catch a decent walleye while fishing for multiple species should look no further than Lake Orange. This northern piedmont impoundment has been stocked with walleyes for years. Currently, walleye fingerlings are stocked each year. Survival of stocked fingerlings has been good and the current age structure is comprised of fish up to age-15, with most fish in the population less than age-8. Walleye growth is fast to age-4, averaging about 20 inches and 3 pounds. Beyond age-4, growth is very slow and fish seldom reach 26 inches. Occasionally, Lake Orange anglers will catch walleye in the 6-8 pound range, but catch rates for these larger fish are very low.
Lake Brittle
Lake Brittle is one of the best places to catch a walleye in the northern Virginia piedmont. Angler's targeting walleyes report good success at this small impoundment. Most fish caught seem to be in the 2-3 pound range with an occasional fish up to 5 pounds. Fisheries sampling over the years has documented good survival of stocked walleye fingerlings. Currently, a strong population of walleyes up to age-5 is present at Lake Brittle, increasing the odds for angler success.
Biologists will be tagging walleyes in Lake Brittle during 2008 as part of a statewide study. A cash reward will be offered for the return of the tag and catch information. Anglers can remove the tag by cutting through the monofilament attachment with scissors or a knife. The fish can then be released or harvested. Return the tag and catch information to the address printed on the tag. Catch information includes: date, time and general location of catch, "Was the fish harvested or released?", "Were you fishing for walleyes?", and "Did you catch other walleyes on this fishing trip?"
Lake Robertson
If your goal is to hook into an occasional walleye while focusing on largemouth bass or catfish, this hidden jewel might be what you are looking for. Lake Robertson was stocked with walleye beginning in 1983, with the intention of controlling the growing sunfish population and adding diversity to the lake. It succeeded in both cases. Today, a small walleye population inhabits this clear impoundment, adding to the robust largemouth bass and channel catfish fishery. In 2006 gill net samples, two walleye exceeding 20 inches were caught and released. This points to a small walleye population, but scattered 'eyes are the norm for Lake Robertson. The largemouth bass population is through the roof, so predation on young walleye is high. Walleye growth, however, is very good. It takes 3 years for fish to reach the 20-inch minimum limit. One Lake Robertson walleye measured 27 inches and 8 pounds, so trophies can be found. A good time to catch a walleye at Lake Robertson is in March or April, before or after the fish have spawned. Since walleye prefer hard substrate, you can best locate these nocturnal creatures near the dam in the spring.