Walleye
On September 22, 2003 the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) stocked 23,520 walleye fingerlings into Golden Lake. This stocking is one of the elements in a co-operative walleye rehabilitation for Golden Lake.

In September 2004 MNR added a further 15,500 walleye fingerlings to Golden Lake in its efforts to improve the walleye numbers.

Dale Benoit-Zohr, Conservation Officer for the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn and Melissa Passendawatch, Field Monitor, ventured out in wet and cloudy conditions to participate in the walleye re-stocking with members of MNR. Zohr said that the Algonquins have been a consistent part of this re-stocking effort. She added that, “Conservation is not just a wildlife issue. It’s also a fishing issue. By being involved in this walleye re-stocking we are replenishing for the future.”

Darwin Rosien, Acting Senior Fish and Wildlife Technician for MNR, piloted and prepared the boat for the re-stocking. A truck from MNR’s White Lake Fisheries arrived and a tube was used to move the fingerlings from tubs on the truck to a tub on the boat. After Rosien located a lake depth of 20 feet Zohr and Passendawatch worked together to net the fingerlings by hand and place them in the lake. Despite the cold, rain, and cloudy skies, it took the small team only a few hours to deposit the 15,500 walleye fingerlings into Golden Lake.

Walleye remains the most popular fish for re-stocking. A number of concerned groups, including the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn came together to find a solution for the declining walleye population. The first step of the plan began with a five year closure on walleye fishing. Zohr added, “Pikwàkanagàn is doing its part to conserve walleye numbers and they should be proud of their efforts.”

In September of 2003 MNR stocked 23,520 walleye fingerlings into Golden Lake. The ministry requested 45,000 walleye last year but only received 23,520. With this new addition of walleye the re-stocking effort now totals 39,020 fingerlings, just shy of MNR’s original request. Last year MNR biologist, Tania Baker said the goal is to stock Golden Lake with 90,000 fingerlings or 25 fish per hectare of the lake.

The fish were born between April and May of this year. Bill See, Operations Co-ordinator for the White Lake Fish Hatchery reports that it cost $5,000 to raise the 15,500 fingerlings. The walleye fishing closure should help the survival chances of the 4-6 inch fingerlings and allow the females to grow up and spawn. It is expected the walleye will reach legal size in 3-4 years.

Whitefish netting
Permits are issued annually through the Algonquin Harvest Department for whitefish netting. The netting season is November.

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