Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Optimum Temperature to Transport New Fish

In the near future I have access to A. 75 8-12" walleye for my lake. I will transport only 10 miles but should I wait until the water cool even farther? At present the water temp. is A 63 degrees in SW Ontario. Wanting the best success for survival. Thanks in advance.

Rowly

Rowly,

My uneducated opinion is stock now. I stocked my trout 2 weeks ago (SE Quebec). The temperature was about 63F at the time also. The trout were hiting insects on the surface within 2 minutes from release. I've caught & released some since then and all seem to have adapted without any problems.

I'd think if you let temperature drop too low and the fish are too lethargic when transfered they may have a hard time finding winter cover/habitat and may have a harder time adjusting than if you stock now. With Walleye this may not be an issue as they are cool water fish but, I'm certain at 63F your in the right range to stock.

Rowly -- the local Game, Fish and Parks biologists around here generally wait until water temperatures dip below 70 F before they start their trap and transfer operations for fall walleye fingerlings. I'd say lower 60s would be a great time to move walleyes.

Dave

Rowly - I also concur that lower 60's F or even upper 50's are ideal for fish transport. I assume the fish source is holding the fish in ambient pond water so the water temps between the source and receiving water should be quite similar. Travel time will be short so heating of water will be minimal. Glad to hear you found some good stocker walleyes. Growth was very good if they are this year's fish. Keep us posted on their growth.