Post Catch and Release Movements of Walleye at Tournaments in Saskatchewan

Walleye are the most popular sport fish in Saskatchewan, bringing in significant recreational revenue to the province.  Catch and release angling is used extensively to conserve their populations, both by individual anglers and by fishing tournaments.  This project will examine how captured walleye behave in the minutes, hours, and days after live-release. I will collect data using radio telemetry from trophy walleye that are live-released as part of competitive fishing tournaments during the summer of 2015.  I will track fish intensively to determine the distance they move, the rate of travel, and the important habitats that are used.  The outcome of the project will be an initial understanding of the movements of walleye after catch and release, as well as factors that affect their post-release behavior.  The information will be useful for anglers, tournament organizers, and resource managers as they work to conserve Saskatchewan’s valuable walleye fisheries.