Stumping For Walleye

Fishing

Walleyes Unlimited has prepared a statewide public relations campaign in Montana to tell the organization’s side of the Canyon Ferry Reservoir walleye controversy.

At least $10,000 has been pledged to try to keep state fisheries officials from eradicating walleyes from the lake, said Robert Twiford, the group’s state president.

State fish and wildlife commissioners are considering a new, 10-year management plan for the reservoir near Helena.

The current plan, controversial even before it was implemented in 1992, calls for the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks to remove what the agency believes are illegally-introduced walleye at the reservoir. Officials say that is necessary to protect rainbow trout, which are preyed upon by walleye.

But walleye fans question claims about illegal introduction and say eradicating the species at Canyon Ferry is impossible. Walleyes Unlimited says the reservoir should be managed for both walleye and trout.

The group has been particularly disturbed by Fish, Wildlife and Parks’ use of gill nets to capture walleye, including trophy fish weighing more than 19 pounds.