Fisheries Research Report No.1844, 1977

Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Fisheries Research Report No.1844, 1977
A Synopsis of Walleye Tagging Experiments in Michigan, 1929-1965

James C. Schneider and Walter R. Crowe

Abstract.-Walleye tagging studies were conducted in 11 areas of Michigan between 1929 and 1965. Tags were returned by fishermen for up to 18 years after the date of release. The estimated age of the oldest walleyes in each study area ranged from 9 to 26 years or older. Estimates of exploitation, based on voluntary tag returns, varied between 1. 5 and 10.4% for the first year of fishing and between 3. 5 and 28. 5% for all years. Total annual mortality varied from 20% for male walleyes in Lake Gogebic to 65% for both sexes in Bay de Noc. Female walleyes were recaptured at a higher rate than males in Lake Gogebic and Burt Lake, but the opposite was true in Bay de Noc. Walleyes inhabiting the Muskegon River and the eastern shore of Lake Michigan were more migratory than walleyes in other stocks.