Trip # 10 to Willard

[dubob]

[#800000][font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3]Thanks for the links Pat. Interesting analysis on wipers from the 2017 report:[/size][/font][/#800000]
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[#000000]Regardless of the accuracy of the current estimate of wiper relative abundance in 2017, the long-term trend in wiper abundance in Willard Bay Reservoir over the last three years has been one of decreasing numbers. The observed decrease has been in line with the objectives of fishery managers who chose to reduce stocking of wiper fingerlings in order to gradually bring the wiper population down from highs in abundance observed in 2013-2015. It was felt by managers that recent highs in the wiper population were approaching a threshold where food resources would become limiting, resulting in poor growth and condition of wiper, as well as other managed sport fish such as walleye and channel catfish. Evidence of that scenario manifested in 2016 when numbers of YOY gizzard shad (the primary forage) became unusually low in late summer and the corresponding condition of wiper and walleye declined significantly, lending support to the decision to reduce stocking until predator abundance decreased and there was less competition for food (Penne 2016). Considering the long-term trend of reduced wiper numbers coupled with the higher water level and increased forage observed in 2017, it is recommended that fishery managers stock the full quota of 250,000 wiper fingerlings in 2018 with the intention of increasing wiper numbers in Willard Bay Reservoir. In addition, if wiper fry are available that are surplus to statewide needs, those surplus wiper fry should be stocked in Willard Bay Reservoir in 2018 as well.[/#000000]

The 2018 wiper stockings of 435,482 exceeded the goal of 250,000. They have stocked 159,520 wipers so far this year and that will probably be it for the year. The stockings this year are in line with the stockings from 2015 thru 2017. It's a shame that reports haven't been forthcoming since 2017. Perhaps Mr. Penne could still give us some numbers showing the wiper trend from the gill netting [#800000][font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3]efforts [/size][/font][/#800000]even if a full report hasn't been published. My memory gets worse every year, but I'm fairly sure I caught about 5 wipers trolling this past summer. I think my walleye count for the year is 7 or 8. I kept all the eyes and let all the wipers go.

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