Kinnunen, R. E. 1996. Walleye fingerling culture in undrainable ponds. Pages 135-1 45 in R. C. 

Summerfelt, editor, Walleye culture manual. NCRAC Culture Series 101. North Central Regional 

Aquaculture Center Publications Office, Iowa State University, Ames. 

Walleye Fingerling Culture 

in Undrainable Ponds 

Ronald E. Kinnunen, Michigan State University - Upper Peninsula, 702 Chippewa Square, Marquette, 

Michigan 49855 

Introduction 

To obtain control over the pond production process and 

to facilitate harvest of walleyes, many agencies use 

drainable ponds, however, the natural resource agencies 

in Michigan and Minnesota still rely heavily on the use 

of undrainable ponds for walleye fingerling culture. 

Some pond management procedures, such as fertilization and control of predaceous insects and nuisance 

aquatic plants, are similar for both drainable and 

undrainable ponds. The major differences between the 

two culture systems is in harvest methods. In 

undrainable ponds, active seining or trap nets are used. 

Also, in undrainable ponds which do not winterkill, fish 

carryover is avoided by treatment with a piscicide (e.g., 

rotenone). 

In the production phase from fry to fingerling, walleye 

first rely exclusively on zooplankton then benthc 

organisms, and finally they become piscivorous, at 

which time they must be harvested or provided with 

suitable prey (minnows). Fertilization and stocking 

rates cannot be defined to raise a specific sized fish. 

Walleye fingerling production is variable, and sitespecific factors account for much of this variation. 

Summerfelt et al. (1993) reported that procedures to 

culture walleye fry to a desirable sized fingerling in 

earthen ponds have not been standardized, and culture 

methods are site specific. Factors such as soil type, 

water fertility, and stocking levels influence the 

abundance and composition of zooplankton populations 

in ways that are unpredictable. 

Pond selection 

The case studies on walleye culture in undrainable 

ponds show variability in criteria for pond selection. 

Gunderson et al. (1996) reported that commercial 

walleye producers in Minnesota use natural ponds that 

are 5-10 ft (1.5-3.0 m) deep, which are deep enough to 

prevent summerlull but shallow enough to winterlull. 

These ponds are typically 5-30 acres (2-12.1 ha) but 

can range from 1-100 acres (0.4-40.5 ha). 

Daily (1996) inhcated that Minnesota Department of 

Natural Resources prefers to use ponds larger than 50 

acres (20.2 ha), but they also use ponds that are less 

than 5 acres (2 ha) and some that are larger than 100 

acres (40.5 ha). They prefer ponds with depths up to 15 

ft (4.6 m) to prevent summerkill. Low fertility ponds 

that do not winterkill and are less than 5 acres (2 ha) are 

usually avoided. Lilienthal(l987) reported that statecontrolled walleye culture ponds in Minnesota averaged 

58 acres (23.5 ha) while statewide cooperative walleye 

culture ponds averaged 27 acres (1 0.9 ha). 

Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries 

Division, uses walleye culture ponds (Figure 1) that 

2 +- 

a, 

3 C c 

Y 

c 

i? 

? 

+ 

> 0 

0 

0 

Figure 1. An undrainable walleye culture pond in Michigan. 

NCRAC Culture Series 101 - Walleye Culture Manual 135 
range from 0.540 acres 

(0.2-16.2 ha) in size 

(Gustafson 1996). 

Laarman and Reynolds 

(1 974) indicated that 

undrainable walleye 

culture ponds in 

Michigan should be a 

minimum of 5 acres (2 

ha) with a maximum 

depth of 6-8 ft (1.8-2.4 

m) and minimal shallow 

areas less than 3 ft (0.9 

m) to discourage aquatic 

weed growth. 

Table 1. Oils used to control predacious aquatic insects in walleye 

culture ponds. 

Application Rate 

Oi I g a Wac re Uha Reference 

Fuel Oil 3-5 28.2-46.7 Gunderson et al. (1996) 

3 28.2 Gustafson (1 996), Laarman 

1-5 9.4-46.7 Buttner (1 989) 

5.3-6.6 49.4-61.8 Richard and Hynes (1 986) 

and Reynolds (1974) 

Ke rose ne 10-1 2 93.4-1 12.4 Gunderson et al. (1996) 

Fish Oil 3-5 28.2-46.7 Gunderson et al. (1996) 

Vegetable Oil 1-5 9.4-46.7 Buttner (1 989) 

Water quality #-i 

bunderson et al. (1996) reported that private walleye 

producers in Minnesota generally use ponds with 

alkalinities of 150-200 ppm, but alkalinity ranges from 

50-300 ppm. The pH in these ponds ranged from 6.5- 

9.0. The dissolved oxygen typically was 5-10 ppm. 

Gustafson (1996) indicated there was a large variation 

in alkalinity, pH, and productivity in walleye culture 

ponds used by the Michigan Department of Natural 

Resources. 

Summerfelt et al. (1993) found that when dissolved 

oxygen levels in walleye culture ponds dropped below 

3 ppm, the addtion of water and aeration should be 

used. Richard and Hynes (1986) and Laarman and 

Reynolds (1 974) indicated that dissolved oxygen was 

the most important water quality parameter, and should 

be at least 5 pprn at dawn. 

Buttner (1989) recommends that dissolved oxygen and 

temperature measurements be taken daily at dawn, and 

turbidity, pH, ammonia-nitrogen, nitrate-nitrogen, and 

phosphate be measured twice each week. 

Aquatic pest control 

Aquatic insect control 

Predaceous aquatic insects are often controlled by oil 

application. A variety of oils have been used to control 

air-breathing aquatic insects in walleye culture ponds 

(Table 1). Gunderson (1996) suggested that these oil 

applications be made on the windward side of the pond 

under moderate wind conditions. Such applications 

should be avoided within 2 weeks prior to stocking 

walleye fry or within 3 weeks after stocking (Gustafson 

Alkalinity levels below 40 ppm 

and pH levels below 6.5 or above 

9.0 are not suitable for walleye 

culture (Richard and Hynes 1986) 

They further indicated that the 

optimum temperature for walleye 

fingerlings is 69.8-71.6"F (21- 

Table 2. Rotenone applications to eradicate the fish populations in ponds. This is usually done in undrainable ponds 

to eliminate fish populations before walleye are stocked. 

Rotenone is a restricted use pesticide and applied only in 

accordance with state and federal guidelines. In many 

states this would require certification as an aquatic pesticide applicator. Contact State Department of Agriculture. 

22"C), although temperatures 

greater than 86°F (30°C) may be Rate Ref ere nce 

tolerated for a short period of time. 

Daily (1 996), Lilienthal (1 989) 

Jorgensen (1 996) 

Laarman and Reynolds (1 974) 

indcated that temperatures above 

85°F (29.5"C) are detrimental. 

1 gal/acre-foot (3.8 Uacre-foot) 

2 pprn (2.5% synergized liquid formulation) 

1-4 ppm Buttner (1 989) 

136 NCRAC Culture Series 101- Walleye Culture Manual 
1996). Summerfelt (personal communication) indicated 

that using oils to control insects within 2 weeks of 

stocking walleye fry or within 3 weeks after stocking 

may prevent gas bladder inflation. Before using any oil, 

the user should insure that any federal, state, or local 

laws do not restrict its use. 

Fish contrul 

To control unwanted fish in walleye culture ponds, a 

piscicide (e.g., rotenone) is applied; usually this is 

immediately after fall harvest (Table 2). Obtain a copy 

of the label before purchasing or using any commercial 

product to make sure the product is approved for its 

intended use. A number of restrictions may apply to use 

some compounds. Restricted-use products such as 

rotenone fish toxicants can be purchased only by a 

Certified Pesticide Applicator or under a certified 

applicator’s direct supervision (Federal Joint Subcommittee on Aquaculture 1994). Look for the “restricted 

use pesticide” designation on the label to identify such 

products. Before using any chemical, the user should 

insure that any federal, state, or local laws do not 

restrict its use. 

Temperature, light, oxygen, and alkalinity affect the 

breakdown rate of rotenone. Rotenone used in 80°F 

water will detoxify in less than 4 days, while at 45°F the 

toxicity to fish may last for 33 days. In waters that are 

acihc, very soft, or deep and stratified detoxification of 

rotenone may take longer. At temperatures above 60°F, 

most waters treated with rotenone completely detoxify 

within 5 weeks of treatment. Other factors that influence the degradation rate of rotenone and reduce its 

toxic effect include the presence of organic debris, 

turbidity, pond shape and depth, and dilution by 

inflowing water. Ice and snow cover may prolong the 

toxic effect of rotenone. 

Aquatic plant control 

Specific chemicals have been used to control aquatic 

plants in walleye culture ponds (Table 3). Caution 

should be used as concentrations of copper products can 

be toxic to fish, especially in soft water. Some of these 

chemicals can only be used if there is no discharge into 

public waters. It is the responsibility of the user to 

always refer to the product label for details on recommended or approved treatment rates and usages as well 

as for any restrictions on use. 

Gustafson (1 996) reported that mechanical harvesting 

of algae and macrophytes has been successful in 

clearing areas for fingerling harvesting, but it is labor 

intensive. 

Table 3. Chemicals used to control aquatic plants in walleye culture ponds. Use of 

chemicals is regulated by the EPA and FDA. They may be used only in accordance 

with state and federal guidelines. Contact State Department of Agriculture. In many 

states this would require certification as an aquatic pesticide applicator. 

Aquatic Plant Chemical Rate Reference 

Macrophytes Aq uazi n eTM 1

Potamogeton Copper sulfate 

Aq uazi n eTM 1

Chara Copper sulfate 

Aq uazi n eTM 1

Hydrodicton Copper sulfate 

Copper sulfate 

Copper sulfate 

Aq uazi n eTM 1

0.5 ppm 

2.2 ppm 

0.5 ppm 

2.2 ppm 

0.4 ppm 

0.5 ppm (alkalinity >50 ppm) 

0.25 ppm (alkalinity 40 ppm) 

1.7 ppm 

Jorgensen (1 996) 

Summerfelt (1993) 

Summerfelt (1993) 

Summerfelt (1993) 

Summerfelt (1993) 

Summerfelt (1993) 

Laarman and Reynolds (1 974) 

Laarman and Reynolds (1 974) 

Summerfelt (1993) 

Not available, no longer registered for aquatic applications. 

NCRAC Culture Series 101 - Walleye Culture Manual 137 
Fert i I izat ion and Zoo plankton 

Gunderson et al. (1996) reported that the use of 

fertilizers among Minnesota private walleye producers 

is a matter of experience and varies from pond to pond. 

Zooplankton are, at times, seeded before fry are stocked 

and later when a decline is detected. Zooplankton are 

monitored by towing a plankton net 50-100 ft (15.2- 

30.5 m) through the pond early in the morning or late 

evening. 

Daily (1 996) indicated that Minnesota Department of 

Natural Resources does not use artificial fertilization on 

their walleye culture ponds because it is not practical or 

economical for ponds of the size that they use (58 acre 

average). The productivity of each of their ponds is 

influenced by alkalinity, pH, depth, nutrient load, and 

fish species present. Large amphipod populations were 

found to be important, and if amplvpods were not 

present they could be inoculated. Their policy is to rest 

the less fertile ponds on a regular basis, especially those 

under 30 acres (1 2.1 ha). No sampling or monitoring of 

their ponds is done throughout the summer. 

Michigan Department of N at ur a1 Resources Fisheries 

Division uses an initial application of fertilizer two 

weeks prior to fry stocking, when ponds are fertilized. 

Fertilizers are then applied as needed. Fertilizers 

include grain by-products, animal manure, yeast, 

inorganic fertilizer, hay, or a combination of these. 

Monitoring of zooplankton abundance (Figure 2) and 

composition is initiated before fry are stocked and twice 

per week thereafter, and inoculation of zooplankton is 

done as needed (Gustafson 1996). 

Buttner and Kirby (1 986) found that walleyes ate 

mainly cladoceran, copepods, and chironomid larvae 

and pupae. When compared with their abundance in the 

zooplankton, rotifers were found in significantly lower 

and chironomids, cladocerans, and copepods in 

significantly greater proportions in walleye stomachs. 

Westers (1 980) indicated that a key to successful pond 

culture of walleye is to maintain a 10: 1 weight ratio of 

food organisms to fish. 

Dobie (1 956) was the first to note a relationship 

between fertility of pond substrate and walleye production. In ponds with less than 4% organic matter in the 

soil, aquatic insects are scarce and walleye fingerlings 

are often lost to cannibalism when a zooplankton 

shortage develops. Ponds with soils of a high organic 

content usually produce more fish in natural ponds than 

in drainable ponds where water is changed every year, 

The goals of pond culture are to produce large crops of 

microcrustaceans, such as cladocerans and copepods, in 

the spring to ensure good fry survival and 

microcrustaceans and insects, such as cluronomids, to 

feed the fish in midsummer (Laarman and Reynolds 

1974; Richard and Hynes 1986; Buttner 1989). 

Figure 2. Zooplankton are monitored by towing a plankton net through the 

pond. 

Enrichment of walleye culture ponds 

is attained by using organic or 

inorganic fertilizers. Richard and 

Hynes (1 986) indicated that organic 

fertilizers play a greater role in 

benthic development than inorganic 

fertilizers, which have not been 

commonly used for walleye culture. 

Bacteria and protozoans growing in 

decomposing organic fertilizers are 

consumed by certain zooplankton. 

Inorganic fertilizers appear to be 

more practical in ponds with soils of 

low fertility (Laarman and Reynolds 

1974). However, chances for increased filamentous algae growth is 

greater using inorganic fertilizer as 

release of nutrients into water is more 

rapid when compared with organic 

fertilizer. Buttner (1989) reported that 

138 NCRAC Culture Series 101- Walleye Culture Manual 
inorganic fertilizers have performed inconsistently, and 

frequently promote poor water quality and should be 

used cautiously. Such fertilizers should only be used if 

nitrogen and/or phosphorus is deficient. 

Compared with inorganic fertilizers, the rate of release 

of nitrogen and phosphorus into the water is slower 

with organic fertilizers (Dobie 1971). Culver et al. 

(1993) stated that it was difficult to adjust the relative 

amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus added to ponds 

with organic fertilizers, such as alfalfa meal. They 

found that the ad&tion of small amounts of inorganic 

fertilizer each week avoided the production of filamentous algae. 

Inoculation of walleye culture ponds with zooplankton 

should occur immediately after ice melts and at least 2- 

3 weeks before fry are stocked (Buttner 1989). Richard 

and Hynes (1986) recommended inoculating the center 

of walleye culture ponds with zooplankton at 378-567 

organisms/gal (1 00-1 50 organismsL) at the beginning 

of the culture season or when zooplankton populations 

abruptly decline (“crash”). 

Monitoring zooplankton populations in walleye culture 

ponds should occur on a regular basis, and fertilizer 

application schedules can then be adjusted to encourage 

zooplankton blooms (Summerfelt 1 993). Zooplankton 

monitoring can be accomplished through weekly 

plankton tows, using an 80 mm plankton net and 

separating the sample into Copepoda and Cladocera 

(Richard and Hynes 1986). Hardmg and Summerfelt 

(1993) collected zooplankton samples at night, using a 

flexible impeller pump and 80 mm plankton net, 

through which the pond water was filtered. Buttner 

(1 989) determined zooplankton abundance 2-3 times 

per week, using a flashlight after sunset and collecting 

them as they congregated near the light. An undesirable 

situation would include few microcrustaceans and 

cladocerans with incubating ephippia (resting stages) 

rather than eggs/larvae. 

If presunrise concentration of dissolved oxygen is less 

than 4 ppm, the midday pH is greater than 9, total 

ammonia is >1 ppm, then fertilization is excessive and 

should be reduced, and supplemental aeration or 

addition of water may be necessary (Buttner 1989). If 

zooplankton abundance is decreasing or if the composition is shifting to less desirable taxa (i.e., rotifers, which 

are poorly utilized by walleye) and water quality is 

acceptable, then the fertilization rate may be increased 

and the pond can be inoculated with ad&tional 

zooplankton. 

Walleye stocking densities, fertilization rates, 

and yield 

The stochng density of walleye fry and the ultimate 

yield of walleye fingerlings will depend on basic pond 

fertility. Pond fertility can be controlled through 

intensive management with the use of fertilizers. Table 

4 summarizes various management practices presented 

in the case studes. 

Stocking 

The stocking density of walleye fry will vary, depending on basic pond fertility and whether aeration is used. 

In Minnesota private walleye fingerling producers 

typically stock 2,500-10,000 fry/acre (6,180-24,710 

fryha), but 20,000-30,000 fry/acre (49,420-74,130 fry/ 

ha) are stocked if the pond or lake is aerated, more 

intensively managed, or known to be very productive 

(Gunderson et al. 1996). 

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources walleye 

culture program found that early efforts to stock fry at 

10,000-50,000 fry/acre (24,710-123,550 fryha) met 

with limited success. Typically, stocking densities now 

range from 3,000-1 0,000/acre (7,410-24,710ha) 

(Daily 1996). 

Michigan Department of Natural Resources determines 

walleye fry stocking rates on past pond performance, 

relative productivity, and harvest plans. Typically 

stocking rates are 30,000-75,000 fry/acre (74,130- 

185,325 fryha). To determine growth and survival, 

samples of fish are collected at night 3 and 6 d after 

stoclung using a light and fine-mesh aquarium net, 

thereafter, monitoring is every two weeks. Fingerlings 

are collected with a small-mesh seine (Gustafson 1996). 

At Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery, Iowa, fry are stocked at 

20,000 fry/acre (49,420 fryha). Fish are monitored 

weekly after they are 2-3 weeks old (Jorgensen 1996). 

Attempts to define an ideal stocking density is pointless 

as water productivity levels, pond configuration, and 

organic soil content vary, ensuring carrying capacity 

will also vary (Richard and Hynes 1986). In drainable 

ponds, Harding and Summerfelt (1993) reported that 

NCRAC Culture Series 101 - Walleye Culture Manual 139 
Table 4. Summary of stocking rate, fertilization, survival, and yield for the four case 

studies of walleye culture in undrainable ponds. 

Stocking Rate 

(f ry/ac re) 

Fertilization S u rv iva I 

(”/) 

Fish size at harvest Case Study 

Ref ere n ce 

2,500-1 0,000 

20,000-30,000 

30 , 000-75,000 

10,000-50,000 

3,000-1 0,000 

20,000 

Varies by pond 10-40 

Intensively managed 10-40 

Intensively managed 30 

None Poor 

None 10-50 

None - 

stocking density ranged from 1 1,736-242,820/acre 

(29,000-600,000/ha). 

Laarrnan and Reynolds (1 974) recommend stoclung 

densities of 50,000-75,000/acre (123,550-1 85,325/ha). 

Richard and Hynes (1986) inhcated that realistic 

stocking densities are 25,000-30,000 walleye fry/acreft, but higher densities can be used in extremely 

productive waters. They further found that stocking 

densities whch are too high can lead to competition for 

food resources which will stunt growth, while lower 

stoclung density can lead to less competition and 

maximize the quality of fish produced. 

Summerfelt et al. (1 993) stocked walleye fry at 

lOl,175/acre (250,000ha) in unfertilized, drainable 

ponds and noted that zooplankton such as copepods, 

cladocerans, and rotifers were present at densities of 

500-2,500/L during the production period. Chironomid 

larvae were abundant in the pond substrate. Fertilized 

drainable ponds were stocked at 15lY762-159,452/acre 

(375,000-394,000/ha). 

Stockmg 182,115 fry/acre (450,000 fry/ha) in ponds 

fertilized with inorganic fertilizer appeared appropriate 

for obtaining both the greatest total numbers and yield 

(Culver et al. 1993). 

2-3 in (July) 

4-8 in 15-25/1b (SepVOct) 

2-3 in (July) 

4-8 in 15-25/1b (SepVOct) 

1.5-2.5 in (4-8 wks) 

25.6/1 b 

2.0-2.5 in (first cropping) 

5.0-6.0 in (second cropping 

with fathead minnows) 

Gunderson (1 996) 

Gustafson (1 996) 

- Daily (1 996) 

Jorgensen (1 996) 

Fertilization 

Buttner (1 989) used grain by-products, such as finely 

ground wheat sorts, alfalfa meal, or soybean meal 

applied at 400-500 lbs/acre (450-560 kg/ha) with half 

applied immediately after ice-out, before fry are 

stocked. An application of 10-15 lbs/acre (1 1.2-16.8 

kg/ha) is done every 7-10 d to maintain zooplankton. 

Fertilization with yeast at 80-125 lbs/acre (89.7-140.1 

kg/ha) can be applied concurrently with the grain byproducts. 

Beyerle (1979) found that weekly applications of sheep 

or horse manure, plus Torula or brewer’s yeast, stimulated the production of Daphnia which was the first and 

main food of walleye. Applications of hay, sewage 

sludge, or sucrose as substitutes for the manure-yeast 

combination failed to stimulate adequate Daphnia 

populations. Peterson (1973) added 3.5 bales of hay/ 

acre (8.6/ha) in unproductive borrow pits in Michigan 

in the fall prior to ice formation. The following spring, 

weekly applications of 30 lb/acre (33.6 kg/ha) of Torula 

yeast began two weeks prior to stoclung. After stoclung, 

yeast was applied bi-weekly. Successful walleye 

production in Minnesota was obtained by delaying the 

application of yeast about one month after stocking, 

especially in ponds with greater organic matter in 

bottom soils. 

Richard and Hynes (1986) fertilized ponds with 

fermented soybean meal at 99 lb/acre-ft/week (45 kg/ 

140 NCRAC Culture Series 101- Walleye Culture Manual 
acre-ftfweek) beginning two weeks prior to stocking. 

Application continued throughout the 6- to 8-week 

culture period and was terminated 1 week before 

harvest or if dissolved oxygen levels dropped or the 

amount of algae and macrophytes increase dramatically. 

Dobie (1971) found that fertilization with dried sheep 

manure to provide 2.4 lb (1.1 kg) of nitrogen per 1,000 

m3 and weekly applications of brewer’s yeast at 100 lb/ 

acre (1 12 kg/ha) starting when cladoceran populations 

declined produced the best seasonal distribution of 

zooplankton and benthic organisms. 

Summerfelt et at. (1993) fertilized drainable ponds with 

a total of 714 lb/acre (800 kg/ha) of alfalfa pellets 

applied in four weekly applications during the culture 

period. Fertilizer application was managed to prevent 

excessive algae blooms. Other drainable ponds were 

fertilized with 357 lb/acre (400 kgha) of ground alfalfa 

hay applied weekly during the culture period in four 

equal applications for a total of 1,428 lb/acre (1,600 kg/ 

ha). Chironomids averaged nearly 3,000/m2 in week one 

to nearly 8,000/m2 in week four. 

Culver et al. (1993) developed inorganic fertilizer 

regimens for drainable ponds in Oho, that increased 

fingerling yield 4-fold. Optimal inorganic fertilization 

was identified as that needed to restore nutrient levels to 

600 mg NLL (NH+ NO) and 30 mg P/L as PO? weekly. 

They found that alkalinity, pH, and temperature are 

factors that could potentially influence its adoption at 

other sites. Weekly chemical analysis and fertilization 

requires more time, but discontinuing the use of alfalfa 

hay and meal has, in turn, decreased labor and material 

costs. 

Yield 

Generally, Minnesota farmers obtain a 10-1 5% survival 

to fingerling stage, but it may reach 30-40%. Some of 

the fingerlings are harvested in early July when they are 

2-3 in (50-76 mm); most are harvested in September 

and October when they are 4-8 in (100-200 mm) or 

15-25Ab (33-55kg). Conservative estimates are that 

600,000 walleye fingerlings were produced in 1992 by 

Minnesota fish farmers (Gunderson et al. 1996). 

There is a negative relationship between average 

harvest size at harvest and stochng density when 

stocking rates exceed 5,000/acre (12,350ha). In 1993, 

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources had an 

average statewide production of 2.4 million walleye 

fingerlings from over 240 natural ponds. These ponds 

produced 21 8 fingerlingdacre (540 fingerlingdha) and 

survival averaged over 3.2%. In other years it ranged 

from 10-50%. Between 1982 and 1986, the average 

yearly production was 3.6 million fingerlings, which 

was 25.6 fish/lb (56 fish/kg) (Daily 1996). 

Michigan Department of Natural Resources operates 

over 100 walleye culture ponds statewide, and in 1990 

over 5.7 million fingerlings were produced. The 

production season lasts 4-8 weeks and fish are harvested before the zooplankton crashes when they are 

1.5-2.5 in (38-63 mm). Production averaged 7,000 

walleye fingerlingdacre (1 7,300/ha); survival was 30% 

(Gustafson 1996). 

The Iowa Department of Natural Resosurces uses two 

harvests from Welch Lake. The first cropping occurs at 

a rate of 1,370 fingerlingdacre (3,385 fingerlingsha) 

when fingerlings reach 2-2.5 in (50-64 mm). Fathead 

minnow are then stocked and the walleye are harvested 

in September when they reach 5-6 in (127-1 52 mm); at 

that time harvest rates are 1,930 fish/acre (4,770 fish/ 

ha) (Jorgensen 1996). 

Beyerle (1979) used a stocking density of 3.5 fry/m3 

which produced fish that averaged 50 mm in 6-7 

weeks; survival rates were >90%. Lilienthal (1989) 

found that stockmg rates of 5,000/acre (12,35O/ha) in 

unfertilized non-drainable productive ponds have the 

capability of producing 10 lb/acre (1 1.2 kg/ha), with 

survival of 5-7.5%. Larger ponds produced larger 

fingerlings. There was a negative relationship between 

the average harvest size when stocking rates exceeded 

5,00O/acre (12,350ha). Therefore, walleye stocking 

rates should not be less than 3,00O/acre (7,410ha) or 

more than 10,00O/acre (24,71O/ha) (Lilienthal 1987). 

Laarman and Reynolds (1 974) indicated that production 

goals should be 6,000-1 0,000 of 2.5-3.0-in (6.3-7.6 

cm) fingerlingdacre (40-50 lbs, 18.2-22.7 kg). Buttner 

(1989) developed walleye culture methods that averaged 50% survival of fry stocked at 20,00O/acre 

(49,42O/ha). 

Fingerlings reached 1.6-2.4 in (40-60 mm) 40-60 d 

after stochng in unfertilized drainable ponds 

(Summerfelt et al. 1993). Fingerlings reached 1.3 in (32 

mm) 39-52 d after stocking, and yield was 36.3-44.7 

NCRAC Culture Series 101 - Walleye Culture Manual 141 
lb/acre (40.7-50.1 kgha); survival ranged from 42- 

7 1 % in fertilized drainable ponds (Summerfelt et al. 

1993 j. In other drainable fertilized ponds fingerling 

yield averaged 34.1-51.4 lb/acre (38.2-57.6 kg/ha) and 

survival ranged from 49.8-51 %. 

Harding and Summerfelt (1993) stocked drainable 

ponds at lOl,175/acre (250,000iha); ponds were either 

unfertilized or fertilized with four weekly applications 

of either alfalfa pellets at 189 lb/acre (212 kg/ha) for a 

total of 757 lb/acre (848 kg/ha) or soybean meal at 79 

lb/acre (88 kgha) for a total of 314 lb/acre (352 kg/ha). 

No significant dfference in yield, number of fingerlings 

harvested, mean length, and mean weight were observed. They then stocked fry at 101,175 and 15 1,762/ 

acre (250,000 and 375,00O/ha) into ponds which were 

either unfertilized or fertilized with alfalfa pellets at 126 

lb/acre (141 kgha) applied in six weekly applications 

for a total of 757 lb/acre (848 kg/ha). Yield was greater 

in fertilized ponds at both stochng densities. Fingerlings with the largest average weight were raised in 

fertilized ponds stocked at 101,175/acre (250,000/ha), 

while the smallest fingerlings were from unfertilized 

ponds stocked at 15 l,762/acre (375,000/ha). Survival 

averaged 64.7% and dd not dffer between density 

treatments. 

NCRAC (1994) research in drainable ponds in Nebraska demonstrated that the number of walleye 

fingerlings that can be produced per acre can be 

increased 2-3 times above present levels without 

affecting survival and with only a small reduction in 

size. The success of this approach depended on harvesting fingerlings when they were 1.3-1.7 in (34-44 mrnj 

and before the forage base collapsed and water temperatures became a problem. In one experiment, 

survival (71-81%) and fish size at harvest (1.5-1.7 in, 

37-44 mm) was similar for ponds stocked at 163,904 

and 245,653 fry/acre (405,000 and 607,000 fry/ha) and 

fertilized weekly with 134 or 201 lb/acre (1 50 or 225 

kg/ha) of alfalfa pellets supplemented with phosphoric 

acid. In a second experiment, ponds were stocked at 

163,904, 245,855 and 324,003 fry/acre (405,000, 

607,500 and 800,600 fry/ha), but all ponds received the 

same weekly application of alfalfa pellets (303 lb/acre, 

340 kg/ha) and liquid phosphoric acid. At harvest, the 

fish stocked at the lower density were significantly 

longer and heavier than those stocked at the lugher 

densities. However, neither stoclung rate nor aeration 

had an affect on survival (69-79%) or yield 112-148 lb/ 

acre (1 26- 166 kgha). 

Culver et al. (1 993 j found that doubling the initial 

stocking density increased harvest from 60,705- 

121,410 fishlacre (150,000-300,000 fishha) and 

increased yield from 40-89 lb/acre (45-100 kg/ha) 

when using inorganic fertilizer in drainable ponds. 

Forage fish introductions 

Pkivate producers in Minnesota often stock fathead 

minnows 4.5 in (<38 mm) as forage fish when walleye 

reach 2-3 in (50-76 mm) (Gunderson et al. 1996). In 

contrast, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources 

discourages this practice because of the extra labor and 

expense to purchase minnows (Daily 1996). To produce 

3-6 in (75-150 mm) fingerlings, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division thn 

walleye densities and then stock fathead minnows 

(Gustafson 1996). At the Welch Lake production site of 

the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery, Iowa, the population of 

walleye fingerlings is partially harvested with seines 

when the fish reach 2-2.5 in (50-63 mm), then the lake 

is stocked with 2,816 fathead minnowdacre (6,958ha) 

on a weekly schedule thereafter (28,016/acre or 69,230/ 

ha total) until harvest of fall fingerlings 5-6 in (12.7- 

15.5 cm) (Jorgensen 1996). 

Laarman and Reynolds (1974) question the value of 

addmg forage fish. Adult fathead minnow and brook 

stickleback have been responsible for low survival of 

walleyes because of interspecific competition (Beyerle 

1979 j. Ponds with dense fathead minnow populations 

severely depress zooplankton densities and adversely 

affect walleye survival (Lilienthal 1989; Daily 1996). 

Cannibalism 

Richard and Hynes (1 986) reported that cannibalism 

can occur within a 6-8 week culture period if zooplankton populations collapse. They suggested that maximum 

walleye fingerling production may be attained by 

periodcally removing the larger cannibalistic fingerlings. Smith and Moyle (1 945) observed that fingerlings 

may become cannibalistic at 1 in (25 mm); however, 

when there is an abundance of zooplankton, fingerlings 

were 3-3.5 in (76-89 rnmj before switching to a fish 

diet. After walleye fingerlings reach 1.57 in (4.0 cm) 

142 NCRAC Culture Series 101- Walleye Culture Manual 
survival diminishes quickly 

because of cannibalism, unless 

there is an abundance of largesize zooplankters (Westers 

1980). A decision must be 

made about whether greater 

mortality will occur from 

cannibalism or from increased 

handling of the fish during 

thinning operations. Some 

culturists think that adding 

forage fish prevents cannibalism, while others offer reasons 

to suggest that once walleye 

begin a piscivorous lifestyle, 

cannibalism w ill increase. 

Harvest techniques 

Although some fingerlings 

are harvested in early July 

when they are 2-3 in (50-76 

Figure 3. Seining walleye in an undrainable pond. 

mm), most commercial walleye producers in Minnesota 

harvest fish when they are 4-8 in (10.2-20.3 cm) or 15- 

25/lb (33-35kg) in September and October when water 

temperatures are <60"F (<15.6"C) (Gunderson et al. 

1996). Seining is used when conditions permit (Figure 

3), but in most undrainable ponds trap netting is the 

only practical method for harvest. In the early 1970's, 

switching from seining to trap netting with the use of 

Fingerlings trapped using ths technique were usually in 

excellent condition. 

Culturists at Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery, Iowa, use seines 

to harvest fingerlings (Jorgensen 1996). Seines 1,000 ft 

(305 m) long with V-in (6-mm) mesh are used to 

remove 2-2.5-in (50-63-mm) fingerlings, while seines 

2,800 ft (853 m) long with 'bin (12-mm) mesh are 

copper sulfate in natural ponds 

helped remove limitations on the 

use of large ponds (Lilienthal 

1989). Trap nets are set along the 

shoreline at intervals of 150-200 

yd (137-1 83 m). 

Michigan Department of Natural 

Resources harvests fingerlings 4- 

8 weeks after stocking, when fish 

reach 1.5-2.5 in (38-63 mm). 

Fingerlings are harvested with the 

use of l/e1/4-in (3-6-mm) mesh 

fyke nets (Figure 4) which are 4 X 

4 ft (1.2 x 1.2 m) and 6 ft (1.8 m); 

lead lengths depend on the pond 

(Gustafson 1996). Copper sulfate 

(0.15-0.30 ppm) is used to 

stimulate fish movement in the 

pond to increase trapping rates. Figure 4. Fyke nets like these are used to harvest walleye fingerlings in 

undrainable ponds. 

NCRAC Culture Series 101 - Walleye Culture Manual 143 
used to remove 5-6-in (127-155-mm) walleye. 

Gunderson et al. (1996) reported that large ponds are 

difficult to harvest, so the returns are less when compared with smaller ponds. 

If fingerlings are uniform in size, fyke nets '/x-in (9- 

mm) mesh can be used to harvest fish that weigh 45/lb 

(99kg). Lilienthal(l987, 1989) recommended applying 

copper sulfate at no less than 0.5 Ib/acre-foot (0.56 kg/ 

ha-foot) in ponds with a pH 4.5. In ponds with total 

alkalinity >150 ppm and water temperatures >48"F 

(>9OC) copper sulfate should be applied at 1 lbhcrefoot (0.37 ppm). Applications occur when few fish are 

netted after the first lift or after catches have declined. 

Richard and Hynes (1 986) recommended using 6 minifyke netshrface acre (1 5 mini-fyke nets/ha) with green 

or red colored mesh to harvest walleye fingerlings. 

Copper sulfate was added at a rate of 4-6 lb/surface 

acre (4.4-6.7 kgha) to irritate fish and which encouraged them to swim more actively. It should be noted 

that although copper sulfate is an EPA-registered 

algicide, it is not registered as a fish irritant to increase 

the movement of fish. 

Richard and Hynes (1986) reported that improper 

harvesting methods can kill fingerlings, especially when 

the water temperature is >77"F (>25"C). Harvest 

usually occurs when fingerlings reach 2-2.4 in (50-60 

mm), when zooplankton populations diminish, or when 

cannibalism or emaciation of fish occurs. 

Seines usually have 0.25-in (6-mm) mesh for fish 

between 1.5 and 2.5 in (38 to 63 mm), but larger mesh 

(0.5 in, 12 mm) is used for 5 to 6 in (127-1 55 mm) 

walleye. Seining continues until the number of remaining fish is negligible. Peterson (1973) used 0.25-in (6- 

mm) mesh nylon seines 150 ft (46 m) long and 12 ft 

(3.6 m) deep. Buttner (1989) recommended seining 

early in the morning to harvest 1.4-2.6-in (35-65-mm) 

fingerlings. 

Climate influence on pond culture 

Cold and cloudy weather during the first 2-3 weeks of 

culture, can prevent an adequate zooplankton bloom 

which will cause massive mortality as fish have no 

source of food (Richard and Hynes 1986). Periods of 

unusually cold weather temporarily inhibit zooplankton 

production and reduce walleye growth and survival 

(Beyerle 1979; Westers 1980). Summerfelt et al. 

(1993) found greater year-to-year variations in yield 

and survival than pond-to-pond variation within years 

which suggests climatic factors strongly influence 

production. They also noted that differences in the 

mean water temperature affected the length of the 

culture period, with higher mean temperatures resulting in shorter culture periods to grow fish to the same 

size. 

References 

Beyerle, G. B. 1979. Extensive culture of walleye fry in 

ponds at the Wolf Lake Hatchery, 1975-1 978. 

Michigan Department of Natural Resources Research Report 1874, Lansing, Michigan. 

Buttner, J. K. 1989. Culture of fingerling walleye in 

earthen ponds-state of the art 1989. Aquaculture 

Magazine 15(2):37-46. 

Buttner, J. K., and J. Kirby. 1986. Response of zooplankton and walleye fry to cladoceran inoculation 

and fertilization of earthen ponds. New York Fish 

and Game Journal 33:34-39. 

Culver, D. A., S. P. Madon, and J. Qin. 1993. Percid 

pond production techniques: timing, enrichment, and 

stocking density manipulation. Journal of Applied 

Aquaculture 2:9-31. 

Daily, J. 1996. Pond culture of fingerlings in undrainable 

ponds. Pages 147-149 in R.C. Summetfelt, editor. 

Walleye Culture Manual. NCRAC Culture Series 

101. North Central Regional Aquaculture Center 

Publications Office, Iowa State University, Ames . 

Dobie, J. 1956. Walleye pond management in Minnesota. Progressive Fish-Culturist 17:51-57. 

Dobie, J. 1971. Minnesota walleye nursery ponds and 

transportation of fingerling walleye. Pages 133-1 47 

in Proceedings of North Central Warmwater Fish 

Culture-Management Workshop. Iowa Cooperative 

Fishery Unit, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa. 

Federal Joint Subcommittee on Aquaculture, 1994. 

Guide to drug, vaccine, and pesticide use in 

aquaculture. Texas Agricultural Extension Service, 

The Texas A & M University System, College 

Station, Texas. 

Gunderson, J., P. Goeden, T. Hertz. 1996. Walleye 

fingerling culture in undrainable, natural ponds. 

Pages 157-1 60 in R.C. Summetfelt, editor. Walleye 

144 NCRAC Culture Series 101- Walleye Culture Manual 
Culture Manual. NCRAC Culture Series 101. North 

Central Regional Aquaculture Center Publications 

Office, Iowa State University, Ames . 

Gustafson, C. 1996. Pond culture of walleye in Michigan: fry to advanced fingerling. Pages 153-1 56 in 

R.C. Summerfelt, editor. Walleye Culture Manual. 

NCRAC Culture Series 101. North Central Regional 

Aquaculture Center Publications Office, Iowa State 

University, Ames . 

Harding, L. M., and R. C. Summerfelt. 1993. Effects of 

fertilization and of fry stocking density on pond 

production of fingerling wall eye, Stizostedion 

vitreum. Journal of Applied Aquaculture 259-79. 

Jorgensen, W. D. 1996. Extensive culture of walleye 

fingerlings. Pages 151 -1 52 in R.C. Summerfelt, 

editor. Walleye Culture Manual. NCRAC Culture 

Series 101. North Central Regional Aquaculture 

Center Publications Office, Iowa State University, 

Ames . 

Laarman, P. W., and D. E. Reynolds. 1974. Methods for 

propagation of walleye fingerling in Michigan. 

Technical Report 74-5, Michigan Department of 

Natural Resources Fish Division, Lansing, Michigan. 

Lilienthal, J. 1987. Walleye production. Minnesota 

Department of Natural Resources, St. Paul, Minnesota. 

Lilienthal, J. 1989. Natural walleye rearing ponds. 

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, St. 

Paul, Minnesota. 

NCRAC. 1994. North Central Regional Aquaculture 

Center annual progress report. Michigan State 

University, East Lansing, Michigan. 

Peterson, J. H. 1973. Rearing of walleye in the Moss 

Lake and Rapid River borrow pits. Technical Report 

73-30, Michigan Department of Natural Resources 

Fish Division, Lansing, Michigan. 

Richard, P. D., and J. Hynes. 1986. Walleye culture 

manual. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Fish 

Culture Section, Toronto, Ontario. 

Smith, L. L., and J. 6. Moyle. 1945. Factors influencing 

production of yellow pikeperch, Stizostedion vitreum 

vitreum, in Minnesota rearing ponds. Transactions of 

the American Fisheries Society 73(1943):243-261. 

Summerfelt, R. C., C. I? Clouse, L. M. Harding. 1993. 

Pond production of fingerling walleye, Sfizostedion 

vitreum, in the Northern Great Plains. Journal of 

Applied Aquaculture 2:33-58. 

Westers, H. 1980. Extensive pond rearing of walleyes. 

Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Lansing, 

Michigan. 

NCRAC Culture Series 101 - Walleye Culture Manual 145 
146 NCRAC Culture Series 101- Walleye Culture Manual 
Daily, J. 6. 1996. Pond culture of fingerlings in undrainable ponds. Pages 147-150 in R. C. 

Summerfelt, editor. Walleye culture manual. NCRAC Culture Series 101. North Central Regional 

Aquaculture Center Publications Office, Iowa State University, Ames. 

Pond Culture of Fingerlings in Undrainable 

Ponds 

John B. Uailx 3501 Louisiana Ave. N. Apt. 220 Crystal, MN. 55427 

Introduction 

walleye is one of the most desired sport fishes by 

Minnesota anglers. The Minnesota Department of 

Natural Resources (DNR) has stocked walleye fry and 

fingerlings in lakes that have insufficient recruitment to 

sustain a walleye fishery. To meet the demand for 

fingerlings, artificial propagation has been practiced in 

this state for almost 60 years in both drainable and 

natural ponds. Early efforts in drainable ponds consisted primarily of evaluating fry stocking densities, but 

results with stocking fry at 10,000 to 50,000 fry/acre 

(24,710-123,550/ha) were inconsistent. This problem 

led to research to provide guidelines that would enable 

consistent levels of fish harvest. Experience inhcated 

that stocking ponds with 3,000-5,000 fry/acre (7,413- 

12,355ha) would be sufficient stocking densities when 

the goal was to obtain a fall-fingerling that would weigh 

30Ab (66kg) or larger. Large fall fingerlings were 

needed to avoid high mortality of stocked fish. Evaluation of the contribution of stocked walleye to walleye 

populations in state lakes indicates that stocked fish 

only contribute to year-class strength in a lake when the 

stocked fish are of a size to compete successfully with 

the resident population of walleye for the young-of-theyear yellow perch, their preferred prey. 

In 1993 , the DNR operated 13 seasonal hatcheries 

which are located from the southwest part to the 

northeast. These hatcheries obtain most of their walleye 

eggs from broodstock collected from natural river-runs 

of walleye. Most collection sites are located in the 

northwest and central parts of the state. In 1993 over 

2.4 million fingerlings were stocked into state waters. 

Over 240 natural ponds are operated by state personnel. 

Since 1990, production levels have been decreasing by 

deleting stocking from lakes where stocking was not 

needed or ineffective. 

Pond selection 

During the 1960’s, many DNR area managers began 

using natural ponds and small lakes that winterkilled on 

an annual or semiannual basis. Most ponds were on 

pubic lands, some were leased from private land 

owners, and other ponds were also available under a 

cooperative program with various sportsmen groups and 

local lake associations. In the early years of walleye 

culture, there was a lack of information about proper 

pond size, and depth, watershed factors, and management strategies. Ponds ranged in size from less than five 

acres to more than one hundred acres. The major 

constraint was an inability to harvest fingerlings using 

seines. Seining was not effective in ponds with tree 

stumps or heavy stands of submergent vegetation. In the 

early 1970’s, the major harvest method changed from 

seining to trap netting which allowed the use of ponds 

that could not be seined. Because of the large geographic range of the ponds over the state of Minnesota, 

there was a large variation in alkalinity, pH, depth, 

nutrient load, fish fauna, and yield. In the 1980s, fish 

managers learned more about proper pond management 

and the impact of chemical and biological condtions. 

Today ponds are only used when they meet the following criteria: 

1. There must be an annual winterkill of all the fish. 

2. Water depth (up to 15 ft, 4.5 m) should be 

sufficient to avoid surnmerkill and to have a 

temperature strata that allows the young walleye 

to avoid high summer temperatures. 

3. Ponds in forested areas are avoided because of 

natural low fertility. 

4. Ponds must be >5 acres (>12.4 ha) but less than 

100 acres (247 ha), a range of 50 to 100 acres 

(1 24-247 ha) is better, and the ideal size is >50 

acres (124 ha). 

5. The pond should be accessible to trucks and have 

a suitable site to launch a boat from which nets 

can be set and fish harvested. 

Other factors considered in pond selection are potential 

conflict among user groups, wildlife concerns, and bait 

producers. It seems that walleye production triggers 

considerable public interest and controversy because of 

NCRAC Culture Series 101 - Walleye Culture Manual 147 
Chapter 6 -Walleye Fingerling Culture in Undrainable Ponds 

perceived conflicts in DNR Wildlife management areas, 

Federal Waterfowl production areas (WPAs), or when 

there will be competition with private aquaculture. 

Production data 

Ponds are classified as cooperation ponds and statecontrolled ponds. Cooperative ponds represent about 

15% of the pond acreage and 25% of the ponds by 

number. In 1984, the average size of these ponds were 

27 acres (66.72 ha) compared to 58 acres (143.3 ha) for 

state-controlled ponds. Between 1982 and 1986 the 

average statewide production averaged 3,634,000 

fingerlingdyear, with an average size of 25.6 fish/lb 

(56.4 fish kg). 

Pond management 

It is important to have a hydrographc map for each 

pond. Water chemistry should be monitored. Dissolved 

oxygen, pH, and total alkalinity are the most essential 

variables. In February and early March oxygen levels 

will determine whether winterkill was effective to 

prevent carryover of fish. Carryover of walleye fingerlings will result in a &minished production capability 

for the coming year. Ponds can be sampled with trap 

nets with 0.25-in (6.4-mm) mesh nets a few weeks after 

ice-out to determine if any fish survived. Plankton 

populations should be assessed along with bottom soil 

types and shoreline depths. Ponds with large stands of 

emergent vegetation are avoided because they will 

make fish harvest difficult. Amphpod (“scuds”) 

populations Gammarus Zacustris (up to 22 mm) and 

HyaZeZZa azteca (up to 8 mm) should be assessed, as 

they provide important forage for the fish. Gammarus is 

the largest and most important of these scuds; they only 

survive in waters with a total alkalinity over 80 ppm. A 

pond that lacks Gummarus, but meets the alkalinity 

criteria can be inoculated with Gummarus by adding at 

least a 0.5 lbs/acre 

(0.56 kg/ha). 

Fertility appears to be a variable that greatly effects 

production, but artificial fertilization is not considered 

practical. Yield declines sharply in the third year of 

continued production. For this reason, some less fertile 

ponds are “rested” on a regular basis, especially so 

when they are <30 acres (74 ha). Numerous pond 

checks during the summer are not usually required, but 

a check prior to harvest helps determine the mesh size 

needed for the trap net, and harvest priority can be set, 

generally, ponds with larger fish are first to give ponds 

with smaller fish an opportunity to grow. To provide 

consistency in pond production detailed records should 

be kept. 

Pond stocking 

Fry stocking rates should not exceed more than 5,000/ 

acre (12,355/ha) to obtain fall fingerlings that will 

average 25-3O/lb (55-66kg). There seems to be a 

negative (inverse) relationship between average size of 

walleye fingerling harvested and stochng density. 

Stocking rates in excess of 5,000 per surface acre 

(12,355/ha) will not produce fingerling fish that reach 

the desired size. When fry are planted at (~5,000 fry/ 

surface acre, (1 2,355ha) can usually produce a quality 

size fingerling (larger than 30/lb, 66kg) in small ponds 

(larger than 50 acres, 123.5 ha) for lake stoclung. 

Pond reclamation 

Pond reclamation (i.e., treatment with rotenone to kill 

all fish) may be needed in natural ponds, but ths is 

prohibited for ponds >lo0 acres, (247 ha). Reclamation 

is done only on an exceptional basis on ponds less than 

100 acres (247 ha), when large numbers of black 

bullheads and common carp are present. Abundant 

populations of fathead minnows, dace, and or sticklebacks can reduce fry survival even though such populations would be desirable forage for larger fish. Typically, walleye culture in ponds that have other fish 

present are usually a failure. Restricted-use products 

such as rotenone fish toxicants can be purchased only 

by a Certified Pesticide Applicator or under a certified 

applicator’s hrect supervision (Federal Joint Subcommittee on Aquaculture 1994). Look for the “restricted 

use pesticide” designation on the label to identify such 

products. Before using any chemical, the user should 

insure that any federal, state, or local laws do not 

restrict its use. Rotenone treatments are best done in the 

late fall rather than in the spring. When treated in the 

fall the zooplankton has time to recover, and become 

abundant the following spring before fry are stocked. 

Ponds that are free of competitors and predators greatly 

improve harvest and lowers the handling stress on 

walleye fingerlings. Inoculation with preferred zooplankton and scuds in the spring is also desirable. In the 

past, minnows have been stocked as forage, but present 

stuhes indxate that this practice is inefficient and is a 

148 NCRAC Culture Series 101- Walleye Culture Manual 
Walleye Fingerling Culture in Undrainable Ponds - Chapter 6 

costly method to increase average size. Fathead 

minnows can compete with larval walleye for food . 

Conclusion 

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources 

walleye culture program has produced fingerlings for 

stocking reclaimed lakes, maintenance stocking, and 

introduction to waters without walleye (e.g. winterkill 

lakes and bass-panfish lakes). Minnesota has around 1 

million acres of walleye water to manage. This program 

of extensive production in natural ponds began in the 

1930s. Ponds used for walleye culture are found 

throughout the state and are managed by 6 regional 

offices and 22 of 28 area stations. An average of all 

ponds in statewide production produced 21 8 fingerlingdsurface acre (538ha) in 1993 with a fingerling 

average return of 3.2%. Generally ponds have averaged 

from 10 to as high as 50% return from fry stocked. 

There is great diversity in physical, chemical, and 

geographical characteristics of these ponds. Each pond 

must be managed on an individual basis thus there is no 

single recipe for success. Nutrient levels, nuisance 

plants, predatory insect populations, and established 

fish populations all provide some limitations as to 

production success. Harvest methods have been 

modified to accommodate pond types by bottom 

content, size, and available work force. The method of 

harvest are practiced on a pond by pond basis. Even 

with the best possible management scheme the harvest 

success is largely dependent on weather. 

NCRAC Culture Series 101 - Walleye Culture Manual 149 
Chapter 6 -Walleye Fingerling Culture in Undrainable Ponds 

150 NCRAC Culture Series 101- Walleye Culture Manual 
Jorgensen, W. D. 1996. Extensive culture of walleye fingerlings. Pages 151-152 in R. C. Summerfelt, editor. Walleye culture manual. NCRAC Culture Series 101. North Central Regional 

Aquaculture Center Publications Office, Iowa State University, Ames. 

Extensive Culture of Walleye Fingerlings 

Wallace D. Jorgensen, Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery, 61 1 252nd Avenue, Spirit Lake, IA 51360 

Introduction 

The information presented in this case study describes 

the methods used at Spirit Lake State Fish Hatchery to 

raise fingerling walleye in Welch Lake, a shallow 

winterkill lake located in northwestern Iowa (Figure 1). 

Culture in other nursery lakes is quite similar to this 

lake. Two harvest are made from Welch lake, first 2 to 

2.5 in (5.1 to 6.4 cm) fingerlings are harvested in June 

to thin the population to obtain fish for tank culture and 

for stocking, This harvest reduces population density 

and fathead minnows are added to provide forage to 

raise the remaining fingerlings to about 6-in (15.2 cm). 

Methods 

procedure has not been compared with other methods to 

enumerate fry, we find it expedient for stocking large 

numbers of walleye fry. We subtract the number of fry 

removed from the catch tanks against the number of 

eyed eggs remaining in the incubators to maintain our 

inventory of eyed-eggs. 

Zooplankton (cladoceran and copepod) populations in 

Welch Lake are monitored using a fine mesh plankton 

net. A heavy planktonic bloom usually occurs during 

the first week in May at about the time fry are stocked. 

First harvest 

Weekly sampling of fish is started when fish are 2-3 

weeks old to gain awareness of fry survival and growth 

rate. The first harvest is started when fish have reached 

a size of 2 to 2.5 in (5.1-6.4 cm) total length (400 to 

210/lb, 881-462kg). Fish are captured with a 1,000 ft, 

%-in (6.3 mm) mesh seine. At this time, about 78,000 

fish are seined and transported to the hatchery for 

training to formulated feed and for stocking. Fish are 

welch Lake is a 57-acre (23 ha) glacial lake with an 

average depth of 5.1 ft (1.6 m). Total alkalinity 

averages 176 ppm. Daytime pH ranges from 8.2 to 9.0. 

Because carryover of walleye from one season to the 

next would result in predation by yearling fish on the 

newly stocked fry, in late October the lake is treated 

with 2 ppm rotenone to kill all fish. 

In the past, the pond was treated in 

early spring with Aquazine at 2 ppm 

to prevent a vegetation problem in 

June when the first harvest is made. 

Counting fry 

The lake is stocked with 2-day old 

fry at about 20,00O/acre (49,420/ 

ha). Fry for stocking are estimated 

by the visual comparison method 

whereby an unknown fry density is 

compared with a counted sample. 

Fry density in a plastic bag with a 

known quantity of water is compared to a counted population of fry 

in the same volume of water. A 

periodic check is made to confirm 

that the comparison method is 

giving a reasonable estimate. 

Although the accuracy of this 

Figure 1. Welch Lake (foreground), a shallow winterkill lake in northwest 

Iowa that is used by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to raise 

walleye fingerlings. 

NCRAC Culture Series 101 - Walleye Culture Manual 151 
Chapter 6 -Walleye Fingerling Culture in Undrainable Ponds 

transported from the lake to the hatchery building in a 

tank truck using pure oxygen to maintain oxygen levels. 

A saline solution is added to the water to reduce 

physiological stress. The saline solution is composed of 

4.3 lb (1.95 kg) sodium chloride, 0.17 lbs (80 g) 

potassium chloride, 0.1 1 lb (50 g) monopotassium 

phosphate, and 0.09 lb (40 g) magnesium sulfate per 

100 gal (378 L) water. 

Addition of forage fish 

After the first harvest, population monitoring is 

continued weekly. When walleye reach 185 fish/lb 

(407/kg) about 1,600 lbs (726 kg) of fathead minnow 

are introduced as forage (28 lb/acre, 31.4 kg/ha). 

Thereafter, fathead minnows are stocked weekly (1 8 lb 

to 25 Ib/acre, 20.2 to 28 kgha), depending on walleye 

growth and abundance of forage. We typically use 

about 16,000 lb (727 kg) of minnows for the growing 

season (281 lbs/acre, 315 kgha), which represents 

about 3 lb (1.4 kg) of minnows for each pound (0.45 

kg) of advanced fingerlings that are harvested. However, to avoid overstoclung minnows, forage stoclung is 

adjusted to the abundance of walleye fingerlings. 

Second harvest 

The second harvest occurs in early October when 

fingerlings are about 5 to 6 in (12.7-15.2 cm). Fingerlings are harvested using a 1/2-in (12.7 mm) bar 

measure mesh drag seine, 2,800 Et (853 m) long. With 

one or two hauls per day, it takes 5-6 d to harvest most 

of the fingerlings. Fish are transported as described 

earlier. 

Production costs 

Expenses for manpower, chemicals and vehicle uses 

are similar each year, consequently, variation in 

production numbers affect fingerling costs each year. 

Production may range from less than 110,000 to 

350,000 walleyes annually. A normal production year 

would yield 78,000 (260 Ib) of 2 to 

2.5 in (5-6.4 cm) and 110,000 

(5,789 lb) 5 to 6 in (12.7-15.2 cm) 

fingerlings. The total harvest 

(188,000 fingerlings) is 16.5% of 

the fry stocked. Yield is 106 lbs/ 

acre (1 18.8 kg/ha). Production 

costs are about $51 .OO/thousand 

(5.1 q!) for 2.5 in (6.3 cm) fish and 

$253.00/thousand (25.3G) for 5 to 6 

in (12.7-15.2 cm) fingerlings. 

Figure 2. Five to six in (12.7 to 15.4 cm) walleye fingerlings obtained from 

the second (fall) interval. 

In most years extensive lake culture 

is a satisfactory way to produce 

fingerlings, however, one of the 

major drawbacks is the unpredictable number of fish that can be 

produced. Fry must be stocked 

within 5-days posthatch, but cold 

weather and other factors may 

reduce zooplankton populations 

causing a sharp reduction in 

survival. 

152 NCRAC Culture Series 101- Walleye Culture Manual 
Gustafson, C. 1996. Pond culture of walleye in Michigan: fry to advanced fingerling. Pages 153- 

155 in R. C. Summerfelt, editor. Walleye culture manual. NCRAC Culture Series 101. North 

Central Regional Aquaculture Center Publications Office, Iowa State University, Ames. 

Pond Culture of Walleye in Michigan: Fry to 

Advanced Fingerling 

Cary Gustafson, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, 350 Ottawa N. W, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503 

Introduction 

This paper describes walleye pond management 

practices used by the Michigan Department of Natural 

Resources to produce walleye fingerlings. In Michigan, 

artificial propagation of walleye has been practiced for 

more than 100 years. Early stocking efforts, which 

consisted primarily of stocking fry, met with limited 

success. The period 1940-1975 saw the hstorically 

strong Great Lakes walleye fisheries collapse. In 1970, 

pond culture of walleye fingerlings was undertaken to 

enable the Michigan Department of Natural Resources 

Fisheries Division to reestablish fisheries in Little Bay 

deNoc and at Muskegon in Lake Michigan and in Lake 

Huron’s Saginaw Bay. Other fisheries in the lakes 

continue to expand. Expansion of the walleye fingerling 

program to inland waters has created new and supplemental opportunities for the state’s anglers. 

The walleye fingerling program has developed from 

trial-and-error and shared experiences with other 

hatchery managers in Michigan, as well as those from 

other states and Canada. The program has evolved by 

combining these experiences with research and new 

innovations. 

Michigan has 13 fisheries management districts, and 

each operates its own walleye culture program. Eggs 

obtained from wild populations in Little Bay deNoc and 

the Muskegon River are hatched, and the fry are 

distributed by the division’s hatchery section to all 13 

districts. Over 100 ponds are operated state-wide. In the 

program’s first year (1970), 45,500 fingerlings were 

produced. In 1990, over 5.7 million fingerlings were 

stocked into state waters. Between 1970 and 1990, 

production levels increased annually but have now 

leveled off. In 1990, average production was 7,000 

fingerlingdacre (1 7,297ha), with a fry to fingerling 

survival rate of 30%. 

There is no typical pond that is used to culture walleye. 

They are distributed throughout the state and cover a 

wide range of geographical, physical, and chemical 

characteristics. Some of the ponds are drainable; others 

are borrow pits and sewage facilities; some are small 

ponds and lakes. Many ponds are under state or federal 

ownership, while others are private or leased. Pond size 

ranges from 0.540 acres (0.2-1 6.2 ha). There is a large 

variation in alkalinity, pH, and productivity. A growing 

number of ponds are being managed cooperatively with 

sporting groups, local organizations, and the U.S. Forest 

Service. Each pond is unique and must be custommanaged; as such, a “typical” management scheme is 

difficult to define. 

Methods 

In drainable ponds, the culture process begins in late 

summer. The pond bottom is planted with rye. Planting 

can be done with hand seeders, by tractor, or, in large 

wet situations, by aircraft. The ponds are left dry over 

winter. After flooding, the decomposition of the organic 

matter enhances zooplankton production. The cover 

also protects the pond bottom from the erosive effects 

of rain. 

As soon after “ice out” as possible, the drainable ponds 

are filled, but before ponds are filled, any water in the 

pond, pools and puddles of water are treated with 

rotenone to lull any fish that might be present. Ponds 

are filled by runoff from creeks or springs, by pumping 

well water, and by pumping lake or river water. When 

using lake or river water, the inflow is screened to 

prevent the introduction of unwanted fish. Rotenone use 

in the spring is not desirable on full ponds, as it can 

adversely affect zooplankton production and then can 

remain toxic, delaying fry introduction. 

Before fry are stocked, ponds are checked for zooplankton abundance, predaceous insect populations, and 

aquatic weed and algae growth. Ideally, the ponds 

should be monitored at least twice a week. Frequent 

monitoring allows problems to be corrected before they 

become unmanageable. 

NCRAC Culture Series 101 - Walleye Culture Manual 153 
Chapter 6 -Walleye Fingerling Culture in Undrainable Ponds 

Not all ponds are fertilized, but when fertilization is 

done, an initial application of fertilizer is applied 2 

weeks prior to stocking in ponds. As the culture season 

progresses, additional fertilizer applications are made as 

needed. Grain by-products, animal manure, yeast, 

inorganic fertilizer, hay or combinations of these 

fertilizers are used. The primary goal of a fertilization 

program is to produce a zooplankton population 

composed of desirable species. Daphnid cladocerans 

and cydopoid copepods are preferred by young walleye. 

If these species are present in adequate numbers, the 

chances of good fingerling production are excellent. 

The second consideration is to supply nutrients and 

substrate to encourage a favorable benthic environment 

that contains a good chironomid larvae population. This 

becomes increasingly important as the fingerlings reach 

a larger size. Some ponds must be heavily fertilized to 

meet these goals, whereas others need little or no 

fertilization. 

If the monitoring shows a lack of desirable zooplankton, inoculation with the proper species is sometimes 

done. Sources of zooplankton include shallow ponds or 

lakes that support good populations. Collection can be 

made with plankton nets, and the zooplankton are then 

transported in tanks with oxygen bubbled into the water. 

Piscivorous, air-breathing insects need to be controlled. 

Back swimmers (Notonectidae), giant water bugs 

(Belostomatidae), and predaceous dming beetles 

(Dytiscidae) are the major predators. The standard 

treatment that has been employed is to apply fuel oil at 

a rate of 3 gal/ acre (28 L/ha). Insect treatments are 

avoided 2 weeks prior and 3 weeks after fry are stocked 

to avoid interference with swim bladder inflation. 

Predaceous insect control treatments are used as 

needed. Environmental concerns about the use of fuel 

oil in water has prompted experimentation with 

vegetable oil. Preliminary results are encouraging, 

although it is more expensive. 

Aquatic weed control is rarely necessary before 

stocking; however, as the water warms, aquatic weed 

control becomes more important. Excessive plant 

growth not only changes the productivity and dissolved 

oxygen levels in the pond, but also makes fingerling 

harvest more difficult. Several commercial herbicides 

are used to control aquatic weeds; label directions must 

be carefully followed and a check of state regulations is 

advisable. Filamentous algae growth often begins along 

the shoreline. Effective treatment of filamentous algae 

was obtained by dragging a burlap bag containing 

copper sulfate crystals through the vegetated area. This 

treatment was usually repeated during the culture 

season. CutrineTM, a copper sulfate product, can also be 

used. Care must be practiced while using copper 

products, as excessive concentrations can be toxic to 

fish, especially in soft water. In the past, AquazineTM 

(simazine) was effective in controlling algae and 

macrophytes; however, its use is restricted to situations 

where there is no discharge to public waters. 

Mechanical harvesting of algae and macrophytes is 

often employed. Although labor intensive and usually 

temporary, it is often the best choice to clear areas for 

netting or around water discharges during fingerling 

harvest. 

Stochng of common carp into the ponds has been used 

experimentally in southern Michigan as a natural form 

of weed control. Common carp increase the pond 

turbidity which, in turn, retards weed growth. Early 

evaluation of this technique shows some promise, 

though further evaluation needs to be done. 

Tadpoles compete with fish for food, and they are a 

major concern at harvest because they must be separated from walleye. Sorting requires extra work and 

causes additional fish mortality. An abundant tadpole 

population has developed in one of our better drainable 

ponds during the past few years. We are attempting to 

control tadpoles in this pond by preventing migration of 

frogs into the pond during the spring mating season by 

encircling the pond with 0.034 in x 1 x 4 ft (0.87mm x 

0.3 x 1.22 m) rigid plastic fencing. 

Fry are stocked in late April-early May. The normal 

production season lasts from 4-8 weeks and spans May, 

June, and July, depending on pond location. Due to the 

different spring temperatures from north to south, both 

egg collection and pond readiness vary. Fry are stocked 

1-3 d after hatching. They are shipped from the 

hatchery in water-filled plastic bags supplemented with 

pure oxygen. Fry are transported to the ponds and 

stocked at 30,000-75,000/acre (74,130-1 85,325/ha). 

The variation in stocking rates results from past pond 

performance, relative productivity, and harvest plans. If 

the pond is to be used for fall fingerling production, 

higher rates are used and the population is thmned in 

the spring. 

154 NCRAC Culture Series 101- Walleye Culture Manual 
Walleye Fingerling Culture in Undrainable Ponds - Chapter 6 

A fish sample is taken at night 3-6 d after the fry are 

stocked to see if the fry survived the first critical days. 

This sampling is done with a “crappie light’’ and fine 

mesh aquarium net. Fry and zooplankton are attracted 

by the light and are usually easy to find. If survival is 

poor, more fish are ordered, and the pond is restocked. 

Fish are sampled bi-weekly. As the fish grow beyond 

the fry stage, they can be visually observed and 

collected with a small mesh seine. Length and condition 

are determined and signs of cannibalism are monitored. 

Fish are normally harvested when they are 1.5-2.5 in 

(38-63 mm). The key to maximum yield is to harvest 

the fish before the food supply is depleted. A sudden 

depletion (“crash”) of the zooplankton population will 

trigger cannibalism. Changes in the zooplankton 

population, includmg a lack of female cladocerans 

carrying young and the appearance of ephippia (the 

resting egg chamber) indicate that the population is 

about to decline. As the zooplankton becomes depleted, 

the fingerlings become emaciated, and their heads seem 

out of proportion. Also at this time, schools of fingerlings can be seen cruising in the shallows. If the 

zooplankton decline can be predicted, it can sometimes 

be delayed by the addition of fertilizer, an inoculation 

of zooplankton, or a combination of the two. Harvest 

must be initiated if the zooplankton population cannot 

be revived. 

Harvest is accomplished using two methods. Small 

mesh (0.125-0.25 in, 3.17-6.35mm) fyke nets are used 

in combination with copper sulfate to capture fingerings. Copper sulfate crystals are added to the water to 

achieve a concentration of 0.15-0.30 ppm. The chemical irritates the walleye, which increases their movements, and thereby drives them into the nets. The fyke 

nets used are 4 x 4 ft (I .22 x 1.22 m) and 6 ft (I .83 m) 

long; lead lengths vary among ponds. The condition of 

fish captured in these nets is usually excellent. 

Drainable ponds enable fingerlings to be captured in a 

screened box or with a seine at the spillway. We usually 

employ the netting method prior to draw down, as it 

results in fish in better condition and with less 

mortality. 

Occasionally, we raise fingerlings to 3-6 in (75-150 

mm). To successfully produce these fish and still get an 

acceptable harvest, the fish need to be provided with a 

food source to limit cannibalism. There are two ways 

we have successfully done this, and both utilize fathead 

minnow. In pretreatment, fathead minnow are captured 

in either fyke nets or seined from brood ponds and 

transported to culture ponds where they are released. 

Walleye in these ponds are usually thinned with the use 

of nets to reduce competition before the fathead 

minnow are added. Spawning structures for the fathead 

minnow are often placed in the ponds; cement blocks or 

wooden planks work well. In the second treatment, a 

known number of fingerling walleyes are stocked into a 

pond that has an established fathead minnow population. Good results have been realized using both 

methods. The latter method is easier to assess because 

stochng density is known. The former method, however, is used more often because it is easier. Larger 

fingerlings are harvested in late summer and in the fall. 

NCRAC Culture Series 101 - Walleye Culture Manual 155 
Chapter 6 -Walleye Fingerling Culture in Undrainable Ponds 

156 NCRAC Culture Series 101- Walleye Culture Manual 
Gunderson, J., P. Goeden, and T. Hertz. 1996. Walleye fingerling culture in undrainable, natural 

ponds. Pages 157-160 in R. C. Summerfelt, editor. Walleye culture manual. NCRAC Culture 

Series 101. North Central Regional Aquaculture Center Publications Office, Iowa State University, Ames. 

Walleye Fingerling Culture in Undrainable, 

Natural Ponds 

Jeffrey Gunderson, Minnesota Sea Grant Extension, University of Minnesota Duluth, Duluth, Minnesota 558 12, 

Phil Goeden, Purewater Aquaculture Corporation, Garfield, MN 56332, Tom Hertz, Brandon Fisheries, 

Brandon, MN 563 15 

Introduction 

Commercial walleye fingerling producers in Minnesota were interviewed in November 1994 on cultural 

practices used to raise walleye fingerlings in 

undrainable, natural ponds. Although they gave 

information freely, to protect the proprietary nature of 

the information not all of the subtle variations of their 

techniques are presented. Because natural ponds are 

highly variable in size, depth, water quality, and fertility 

cultural practices are not standard and experienced 

growers encounter substantial variation in survival, 

yield (lbdacre, kgha) and size at harvest. What follows 

is a description of the general practices used to produce 

walleye fingerlings in Minnesota. 

1992 survey 

A 1992 survey (Minnesota Aquaculture Report, 1993) 

of commercial aquaculture producers in Minnesota 

indicated that 53 of 79 (69%) producers used natural 

waters for some of their production. About 1,206 

natural ponds, totaling 39,291 acres (15,900 ha) (mean 

was 33 acres, 13.4 ha) were used to raise bait fish, such 

as suckers and fathead minnows, and to produce 

walleye fingerlings for stoclung. The survey reported 

that over 600,000 walleye fingerlings, valued at 

$328,000 ($0.54/fingerling), were sold by private 

growers in 1992. Data were not obtained from all 

producers in 1992, so actual production was probably 

higher. Minnesota producers are able to produce more 

fingerling walleyes than the existing market can bear in 

most years. Expanded markets in Minnesota and other 

states could significantly benefit producers. 

Natural pond selection 

Ponds vary considerably in size, depth, fertility, and 

many other features. Findmg an available pond that is 

appropriate for fish culture can be difficult. Typically in 

Minnesota, commercial producers lease ponds from a 

farmer or farmers with riparian lands. The most 

productive ponds for aquaculture purposes are in westcentral Minnesota. Competition for water in this area of 

the state can be high. 

As a rule, ponds used to raise walleye fingerlings must 

not have other fish present or at least nothing other than 

minnows. Other fish in the pond may be predators or 

competitors, and they may greatly reduce walleye 

production. The preferred depth is five to ten feet. 

Shallower ponds are at risk of summerlull and they 

often develop heavy growths of aquatic plants which 

hamper harvest efforts. Deeper ponds can be difficult to 

harvest and may allow overwinter survival of walleye or 

other fish. A carryover of walleye will severely limit the 

following year’s production because the carryover 

walleye will prey on newly stocked fry. Thus, the best 

fingerling culture ponds winterkill every year. The 

process which eliminates oxygen from the water and 

causes winterhll can vary from one year to the next, so 

a pond that has a complete kill one year may only have 

a partial kill another. Checking dissolved oxygen levels 

in late winter will help predict the extent of winterkill in 

a pond. 

The size of the winterlull ponds that are used for 

walleye culture can range from 1-1 00 acres (0.4-40.5 

ha), but the typical pond ranges from 5-30 acres (2-1 2 

ha). Although ponds approaching 100 acre (40.5 ha), 

can be productive, it is often very difficult to harvest a 

high percentage of the fish from large ponds. Higher 

percentages of available walleyes can be harvested from 

small ponds. 

Physical and chemical characteristics of ponds also 

varies. Bottom type may be sand, clay or muck, but 

harder bottoms are preferred because harvest is easier. 

NCRAC Culture Series 101 - Walleye Culture Manual 157 
Chapter 6 -Walleye Fingerling Culture in Undrainable Ponds 

Brush, logs, heavy vegetation and rocks make harvest 

more &fficult. Total alkalinities of around 150-200 

ppm are typical, but alkalinities may range from 50-300 

ppm. The typical pH of the waters used ranges from 

6.5-9.0; however, pH varies in a daily cycle, with 

highest values at mid-afternoon and lowest values 

before sunrise. Presunrise dissolved oxygen levels 

should not drop below 5 ppm. It is the opinion of 

producers that ponds in good farm country are often 

more productive than ponds in wooded areas, and ponds 

with embayments are usually more productive than 

circular ponds. 

Fingerling culture and pond management 

Controlling insects 

Ponds should be checked before fry are stocked to 

assess the numbers of predatory invertebrates such as 

beetle larvae and backswimmers. One practice is to lull 

predatory air breathing aquatic insects by covering the 

pond with a thin film of oil. According to Dobie (1956) 

kerosene, fish oil, No.2 fuel oil, and cod liver oil can be 

used for this purpose. Recommendations include using 

3-5 gallons of fuel oil/acre (4.5-7.7 Lha), 10-12 

gallons of kerosene per acre (15.4-18.2 Lha), or 4-5 

gallons of fish oil per acre(6-7.7 Lha). The oil is 

applied along the windward side of the pond when it is 

windy enough to spread the oil over the pond surface, 

but not so windy that it all blows to one shore. One 

producer used soybean oil mixed with kerosene, but he 

has since stopped the practice of oiling his ponds. 

Although the producer thnks an oil treatment improves 

survival, he has halted the practice because of costs for 

the oil and labor and to maintain landowner relations 

which could be strained by perceived negative environmental impacts. Another producer uses vegetable oil 

without kerosene mixed in. 

Monitoring zooplankton densities 

Many producers check zooplankton densities with a 

plankton net before walleye fry are stocked and one 

experienced grower stated that a plankton net is 

essential for walleye pond management. Zooplankton 

are sampled with a plankton net towed 50-100 ft (15- 

30 m) through the pond early in the morning or in the 

evening when zooplankton are higher in the water 

column. Experience is generally used to determine if 

fry should be stocked rather than specific zooplankton 

counts. If sufficient numbers of rotifers, daphnia, and 

copepods are not found, fry should not be stocked 

because survival will be low. If zooplankton numbers 

are low, then organic fertilizers can be added prior to 

stocking to stimulate a zooplankton production, 

however, results of pond fertilization are highly variable 

and are not immediate. Zooplankton populations must 

be surveyed far enough in advance of stocking to allow 

zooplankton time to respond to fertilization. Most 

producers do not fertilize large ponds. Many ponds in 

the row-crop area of west-central Minnesota receive 

sufficient fertilizers from runoff of adjacent farming 

operations. Fertilization may also be warranted after 

stochng if zooplankton numbers start to decline. The 

use of water clarity (Secchi dsk-transparency) to 

determine when and how to fertilize (as recommended 

for southern U.S.) is not recommended by experienced 

growers in Minnesota. Better results are achieved by 

examining zooplankton numbers and composition than 

by loolung at water clarity. Zooplankton can also be 

trapped from enriched ponds and stocked before fry are 

stocked or when zooplankton numbers decline (at least 

until the walleye reach 1.5-2 in [3.8-5.1 cm] when they 

become piscivorous). 

Sources and stocking of fry 

In Minnesota, walleye fry are purchased from the 

Department of Natural Resources or from private 

producers. Although the number of commercial sources 

are limited, the number of fish farmers building 

facilities for holdmg brood fish is increasing. Producers 

pay around $7 to $9 per thousand for walleye fry. Prices 

vary from place to place and by the size of the order. 

Walleye fry are transported in plastic bags with a small 

amount of water and a large volume of oxygen. The 

bags are usually placed in a cooler to reduce temperature increases. When the fry reach the pond it is 

important that they be acclimated to both the temperature and chemistry of the water. The plastic bags are 

typically floated in the pond until the transport water 

temperature equilibrates to the pond water temperature, 

then the bags are opened and pond water allowed to 

slowly enter the bag. Once the pond and transport water 

have mixed, the fry are slowly released into the pond. If 

pH of the pond water dffers substantially from the 

transport water, additional acclimation procedures may 

be warranted. Some producers allow fry to escape 

slowly into the pond on their own from an acclimation 

chamber; others spread the fry throughout the middle of 

the pond to reduce predation by any minnows and 

aquatic invertebrates that may be present. 

158 NCRAC Culture Series 101- Walleye Culture Manual 
Walleye Fingerling Culture in Undrainable Ponds - Chapter 6 

Stocking density 

Most producers stock 2,500-10,000 walleye fry per 

surface acre (6,200-25,000/ha). Stocking rates of 

20,000-30,000/acre (49,000-74,000/ha) or higher are 

used if the pond is known to be very productive, 

artificial aeration is used, and it is more intensively 

managed. Usually, when higher stocking densities are 

used, fingerlings are harvested or thinned in early July. 

Pond aeration 

It is a general practice to aerate small fertile ponds if 

there is access to electrical power. The risk of catastrophe loss is greatly reduced, and some producers 

think that aeration increases production. Because many 

of the ponds are large, they are not fully aerated to the 

manufacturer’s recommendations because the expense 

would be too great. The most common type of aeration 

is an air compressor with a bottom diffuser. 

Feeding 

For production of advanced fingerlings, that is, fish 

larger than 2 in (5 cm), many producers feed fathead 

minnows to their walleyes once they reach 2-3 in (5- 

7.6 cm). Appropriate sized fathead minnows are less 

then 1.5 in (3.8 cm) and they pass through a 16 to 17 

grader. Fatheads are added to the pond on a regular 

basis to maintain an adequate food resource. Without 

minnows, walleye can become quite cannibalistic. An 

indicator of cannibalism is a wide range of fingerling 

sizes; cannibalistic walleye grow faster than other 

walleyes. Some producers stock fathead minnow 

broodstock into ponds after stocking walleye fry. 

Fathead reproduction through the season is then a food 

source for the walleyes. Fatheads will, however, 

compete with or prey upon walleye fry, so care should 

be taken not to stock them before walleye fry are 

stocked. 

Bird predation 

Bird predation is regarded by the fish farmer as a 

significant cause of mortality in natural ponds. Fish 

farmers have said that cormorants and pelicans can 

wipe out an entire pond very quickly. Flocks of 100- 

200 have been seen on some production ponds. The 

stomach of one cormorant contained 42 four-inch (1 0.2 

cm) walleye. Retail value of that one meal was about 

$42. While larger ponds seem to be at greater risk to 

bird predation, even smaller ponds are not safe. One 

experienced fish farmer claimed that if he had known 

how much of a problem birds can be, he never would 

have gotten into the walleye fingerling business. For 

more information about bird predation problems and 

solutions, the Southern Regional Aquaculture Center 

publications, numbers 400,401, and 402 are useful. 

They can be obtained from your state aquaculture 

extension specialist or from the state USDA, APHIS, 

Animal Damage Control office, or the Regional Office 

of APHIS in Nashville, TN. 

Harvest 

Some walleye fingerlings may be harvested in early 

July when they are 2-3 in (5-7.6 cm), but most are 

harvested during September and October when water 

temperatures cool to below 60°F (16°C). Fingerlings 

harvested from warmer water can be stressed and are 

difficult to hold and transport. High and even total 

mortality can occur when fingerlings are captured in 

trap nets when the water temperature exceeds 70°F 

(21°C). If catches are small, walleye have been successfully trapped in warmer waters, but risk of loss is still 

high. The disadvantage of waiting for cooler water 

temperature is that there is less time to harvest the 

fingerlings before ice-up, resulting in reduced harvest 

rates, Walleye fingerlings can range in size from 3-10 

in (7.6-25.4 cm) in September, although they are 

generally 4-8 inches (10.2-20.3 cm) long and 15-25/1b 

(7-1 1/ kg). 

Walleye fingerlings are usually captured in trap nets, 

but may be seined if pond conditions permit. Traps are 

set along the shoreline at intervals of 1 SO-200 yd (1 37- 

183 m). Catch rates vary daily. It can be very frustrating 

to realize that the fish are in the pond but are simply not 

moving enough to encounter the nets. It is speculated 

that when food is abundant, fish move less. Therefore, 

feeding is usually discontinued prior to harvest. Various 

methods to induce fish movement have been tried with 

variable success. Development of more effective harvest 

methods would be very beneficial. 

The yield of stocked fry varies considerably among 

ponds and years, but it generally ranges from 10-15%. 

In any given year there are ponds in which harvest may 

be zero, while other ponds may produce up to a 30- 

40% or greater return. Prices for walleye fingerlings 

vary, but a general rule of thumb is that walleye 

NCRAC Culture Series 101 - Walleye Culture Manual 159 
Chapter 6 -Walleye Fingerling Culture in Undrainable Ponds 

fingerlings less than 8 in (20.3 cm) sell for around 

$O.lO/in ($0.04/cm) wholesale and about $0.15-$0.30/ 

in ($0.06-$0.12/cm) retail. The wholesale price for 

fingerlings greater than 8 in (20.3 cm) is about $0.12- 

$0.1 5/in ($0.05-$0.06/cm) and retail price are about 

$0.18-$0.40/in ($0.07-$0.16/cm). Walleye longer than 

12 in (30.5 cm) are generally sold for around $3-$4.50/ 

lb ($1.36-$2.04/kg) round weight. 

Summary 

Successful producers of walleye fingerlings in 

undrainable, natural ponds are experienced. Their 

advice is “get to know your ponds” and do not stock 

walleye fry in ponds if fish have survived the winter or 

if zooplankton populations are not sufficient in density 

and composition. Another recommendation from 

experienced fish farmers is to clean boats and equipment thoroughly before moving to another pond. This 

will help prevent introducing unwanted aquatic vegetation (e.g. Eurasian water milfoil) from one pond to 

anot her. 

Experienced producers are moving towards exerting 

more management control over the production of 

walleyes in undrainable, natural ponds, but it remains 

an extensive type of aquaculture with inherent risks. 

Bird predation and weather are important factors that 

are difficult to manage. Manuals and case studies like 

this one provide insights and guidelines on culture 

techniques for the beginning fish farmer, however, 

experience is required to appropriately apply the 

information to each specific set of environmental 

conditions. 

References 

Dobie, John. 1972. Rearing suckers for bait in Minnesota. Investigational report No. 256. Minnesota Dept. 

of Nat. Res., Div. Game and Fish, Section of Fisheries, St. Paul, MN. 34p. 

Minnesota Aquaculture Report. October 1993. Minnesota Department of Agriculture, 90 West Plat0 Blvd, 

St. Paul, MN 55107. 64 p. 

160 NCRAC Culture Series 101- Walleye Culture Manual