|
|
| I'd like to thank all the people who have offered advice for my Brochure project. Every time I thought I was done with it, I would get another good idea or suggestion. I think I have finally finished it, and unless someone gives me a VERY good reason, the version I have listed below is what I'll be going with. It will be in a trifold brochure form, so it looks a little unorganized here. I thought I'd let you all have a peek at the information though. Anyone who would like a copy e-mailed to them can have one, and can do with it whatever they choose. All I ask is that you remove/replace MY name as the contact person for extra brochures. Hope you find the information to your liking, and thanks again.
Summary
Muskies and Walleyes have co-existed in the same bodies of water for centuries, and all evidence shows that they will continue to do so. Most premiere Walleye lakes also happen to be excellent Muskie fisheries as well. This would not be possible if Muskies were decimating the Walleye populations, as some people seem to suggest.
A great example of this would be in the state of Minnesota, where there are numerous lakes fished heartily for both species. Lake of the Woods, Lake Winibigoshish, Leech Lake, Mille Lacs Lake, and Cass Lake are all top of the line Walleye fisheries that also happen to contain large numbers of Muskies.
Do Muskies eat Walleyes? They do occasionally at most, and in far less numbers than the amount of fish taken yearly by Walleye anglers. Based on Science, numerous Studies, and Statistics, “Muskies eat all the Walleyes” has proven to be a completely false and misleading statement.
There is room in the lake for both species to exist and thrive, and there is room on the lake for anglers of both species.
Whether you’re a Walleye angler, or a Muskie angler, hopefully you’ve gained a bit more knowledge about how these fish can, and do inhabit the same waters in harmony.
Further Information
You can find more information about one of the main studies referenced in this brochure by typing “Diets of Muskellunge” into your favorite Internet Search engine.
You may also be able to get more information by calling your local Department of Natural Resources office.
If you’d like extra brochures, please contact Brad Waldera at (701)- 642-1952, or by e-mail at [email protected]
Sources of information
Diets of Muskellunge in Northern Wisconsin Lakes- Michael A. Bozek, Thomas M. Burri, and Richard V. Frie, Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research Unit, College of Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point. July 1991- October 1994. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 1999; 19:258-270
Butler, M.T. 2004 Muskellunge Biology: the basics. International Muskie Home Page. Trent University. Peterborough, Canada.
http://www.trentu.ca/muskie/biology/biol01.html
What do Muskies eat anyway? - Duane Williams, Large Lake Specialist for Lake Vermillion Department of Natural Resources, Section of Fisheries.
http://lakevermilion.com/muskies/htmls/diets.html
What Do Muskies Really Eat?
(Photo would be here).
A short summary of the connection and interaction between the Muskellunge and Walleyes, Bass and other Game fish.
Introduction
The Muskellunge is one of the most mysterious fish to ever swim in our lakes. There are many misconceptions and misunderstandings about them, and about what their regular diet consists of.
After reading the information contained in this brochure, you’ll have a better understanding of the Muskie, its diet, and the ways in which the presence of Muskie may actually benefit your lake, such as their controlling of undesirable fish populations.
People have been hesitant to have Muskies stocked into their lakes, as they feared they would consume a substantial amount of other game fish, such as Walleye, Northern Pike, and Bass.
In certain fishing circles you’ll even hear it said that “Muskies Eat All The Walleye”, even though studies have proven conclusively that this is just not the case.
It’s been proven that NO changes in game fish populations have occurred due to the introduction of Muskies into the lake, and there has been NO negative impact shown toward other species of game fish.
In the study lakes mentioned in this brochure, there were NO instances in which Walleye were proven to make up the primary or even secondary food source choice for Muskies.
Muskie Behavior and Food Preferences
Feeding studies have shown that other fish make up 95-98% of the Muskies diet, although at times they will also eat Insects, Crayfish, small mammals, and Waterfowl. They are a natural predator, and like all predators, are opportunists. Studies have shown that even when they’re abundant, other game fish actually made up a very small part of the Muskies diet.
Fishermen have reported Muskies attacking Bass and Walleye as they were being reeled in. This may have given the impression that Muskies are significant predators of other game fish, when in fact; the Muskie was simply reacting naturally to the struggling fish due to their predatory instincts.
Muskies generally take advantage of the most abundant prey species available that are of sufficient size for them to eat. Given the opportunity to choose, Muskies prefer soft rayed, high protein based fish such as Suckers, Tullibee, Ciscoes, Bullheads, Carp, and minnows. In fact, the food sources Muskies prefer most are usually fish species that most people would desire to not have in their lake.
The truth is that even though it’s been proven that Muskies do have a preferred food source they are opportunistic predators, and occasionally consume other game fish. The amount of other game fish eaten by Muskies is extremely minimal compared to the amount of game fish such as Walleye that are annually harvested by anglers.
Facts, Studies, and Statistics
A major study was undertaken from July of 1991 through October of 1994, and other documented studies were conducted as long ago as 1952. These studies, as well as others, came to the same conclusion. Game fish such as Walleye make up a very small part of a Muskie’s diet. In one particular study, the stomach contents from 1092 Muskies were evaluated. The results proved that a Muskie’s diet is quite diverse, and that in 74% of the sample fish, only one food item was present. Muskies are not voracious feeders consuming fish after fish, as some people would have you believe.
Walleye ranked extremely low in the Muskies’ diet. In the 1092 study fish, only 5 contained traces of Walleye. This study collected Muskies from 34 separate bodies of water, including lakes with large populations of Walleye. Despite their abundance in those lakes, Walleye proved to not be a very important food source for Muskies. In fact, during the study Muskies and Walleyes were observed in very close proximity to one another, as the Walleye is also a predator. Walleye made up 3.4% of the total stomach content volume found in the Muskies in that study. Bass species found accounted for 3.1%, even lower than that of Walleye. 63.5% of the total stomach content volume was made up of Yellow Perch and various minnow species.
| |
| | |
| I take it everyone is OK with this, as nobody has commented. Thanks. | |
| | |
Posts: 181
| That is awesome Brad, Great job!!! | |
| | |
Posts: 101
Location: Liberty, IN (OKI Tri-State) | Brad,
Very good work!!!
It can not be under estimated, the degree to which this misconception regarding feeding habits, preferences, inter-species impacts, etc. negatively taints attitudes and long-term muskellunge stocking efforts regarding not only current systems ... but, more importantly, the introduction & enhancement of new waters!
This is just the kind of effort that can help advance the process of educating those outside the current Musky Community, helping to eliminate species snobbery and, frankly, something I have come to almost expect from your F/M Chapter. You and your 'Crew' DO NOT mess around when you see something needs done.
Thanks for taking the initiative and thanks for stepping up to be an At-Large Director of Muskies, Inc. ; A great addition at a crucial time.
Good luck,
Bob | |
| | |
| Good job with plenty of facts to inform the genral fishing public and maybe help them see the light . I live in Pa and there still is the few that believe muskies eat all the bass, crappies etc... they take the muskies they catch and throw
580
them on the bank or in the garden
I only have one problem since muskies don't eat walleye what am I going to do with all of my walleye patterned lures 
Matt L | |
| | |
| I suppose that lures made in "Walleye" pattern probably don't help our cause, but you never know.
Thanks for the comments guys. | |
| | |
Posts: 910
Location: Hastings, mn, 55033 | THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR HARD WORK!!!!
i was just in a debate on a minnesota fishing website about this very thing. a poster was encouraging the harvest of all muskies because..."they eat all the walleyes"!!
i am going to post a link to this thread so he can read for himself.
also where and when will these brochures be available for dispersal? | |
| | |
| Thanks. I e-mailed you a copy to use as you wish. Spread the word. | |
| | |
Posts: 32944
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Excellent work, sir. I'm going to put it in Article form right now and post it to the front of the site. You then can offer that link anytime to anyone who wants the facts. | |
| | |
| Thanks Mr. Worral. I actually made some slight changes since this post. I am satisfied with my final-final version, and plan no further changes. If you'd like the new copy, let me know how to get it to you. I'm not very computer litterate, and don't know anything about "Links". Thanks | |
| | |
Posts: 32944
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Here's the link you can copy and paste so folks can find your material to read online.
http://muskie.outdoorsfirst.com/articles/06.17.2006/1086/What.Muski...
| |
| |
|
Musky Feeding information Brochure- Final Version