PSRguy: Given your last thoughts, what are the chances that you could find an adult yellow perch broodstock for introduction?
Here is a revised thought. You could stock walleye fry in spring of 2005. Barring any unforeseen event, they probably should make it as no other fish are now present. I�d expect lots of zooplankton for early survival of fry, and the age-0 walleyes can really grow on the large invertebrates (such as those freshwater shrimp). They may prefer small fish as prey, but you can bet that they�ll feed on the big invertebrates. You could do a little seining (I assume that would be legal if you have permission to stock privately owned fish in a private water?), and then make sure you have first-year survival on the walleyes. Then, you would know that it would be OK to make another walleye fry stocking in 2006, and then add pre-spawn adult yellow perch in late April or early May. Again, this is very subjective, but we often try for 20 adult panfish per acre of water when stocking smaller waters. However, I�m sure you could get by with less than 800 adult yellow perch.
If walleyes do not survive from the 2005 fry stocking, you might have to try fingerlings in 2006. Cross your fingers, and hope not. Again, you�ve got a pretty good situation for 2005 fry survival, so the odds are in your favor.
You're obviously knowledgeable, given your concerns over the fathead minnows and waterfowl populations. Yes, indeed � if the fatheads are unchecked, they can really knock back the invertebrates. Also, they tolerate lower dissolved oxygen than just about any other fish species. They are tough that way! The walleyes can really knock them back, but you�re right � why risk them getting into smaller waters where the fatheads may survive tough winter conditions that would kill all predator fish.
For the long run, I really think you need a prey fish present in your lake. Which is more risk -- fatheads or yellow perch? I think the perch will do you more long-term good, especially if you really expect 8-10 years between winterkills. You should have harvestable size walleyes after 2-3 growing seasons, and they do grow faster on a good supply of prey fish than on a good supply of invertebrates. The risk is that they can get out of control if sufficient walleyes are not present. Fatheads are much easier for walleyes to control, and that in fact is often the down side. Given abundant walleyes, fatheads can nearly disappear from a lake.
Where in central ND are you located? North, south, or middle?
Dave
