Stock Structure, Dynamics, and Demographics of Walleyes Spawning in Tributaries to Green Bay

Green Bay supports one of the most prominent recreational fisheries for walleyes Sander vitreus in North America. Management of this fishery is complicated, because walleyes spawn in many locations and the fishery contributions of these different locations are not known at this time. Furthermore, it is not known whether these stocks are discrete or if they differ in terms of stock dynamics and demographics. Our objectives are to determine if: 1) genetic stock structure is apparent among walleyes spawning the Peshtigo, Oconto, Fox, and Menominee Rivers; 2) differences in ages estimated from dorsal spines and otoliths vary among rivers, and 3) growth, age composition, fecundity, and other biological metrics vary among these putative stocks. Our initial results suggest that growth and age composition vary among rivers. Our work is part of an ongoing, collaborative effort to learn more about walleye stocks in Green Bay.