OK, as expected, there are some that are not comfortable with fry stockings - I get that - but we have been taught a lot about fish species we all deal with regularly and have pretty much been able to have a certain "expectation" as to what survival rates will be.
Unfortunately, The data available proves survival of SAE fry - when stocked correctly - saugeye fry after many years of stocking studies are producing better recruitment than fingerling stockings of Saugeye (SAE). These stockings of SAE fry are proving to a unique type of fish.
I received some results of state recruitment saygeye in-depth studies yesterday of the 24 season fall sampling and the average recruits (survivals) for SAE were over 300% greater for SAE vs WAE(walleye) stocked at the same number per acre.
The state of Kansas DNR all have formulas for calculating potential numbers based on setting trap nets and gill nets in the same place in each impoundment every year for several days as close to the historical sampling dates as possible.
Average figures were 0.5 to 0.7 percent of year end-year zero recruitment for WAE versus for
Saugeye averages were 2.2 to 8.4% survival when stocked as fry. The highest numbers of recruits for SAE were found in exactly the opposite conditions where WAE have the highest recruitment.
Example - consistent visibility of less than 36" produced better SAE recruitment with water temps appearing to have little affect.
Visibilities of 4'+ showed higher numbers of WAE recruits compared to lower visibility.
Conclusions are Saugeye fry survival to adult stages show higher survival in lower water clarity compared to walleye who better survive in more clear water of 4 ft or more visibilities.
Higher water temps had a much greater affect on WAE survival than SAE but we already are aware of saugeye thrive better in warmer water.
One of our hatchery managers told me yesterday, 2025 will be the last year for stocking of fingerling SAE because recruitment of SAE has proven to be better when fry were stocked compared to using the fingerling sizes. DNR WAE stockings will go primarily to using fingerlings because the opposite occurs.
I have received comments of being skeptical about stocking fry..... that's Okay, then using the SAE fry are not for you then.
I strongly believe in selling a customer what they need... sometimes the customer has a "want" more than a need when there is very little data publicly available. I can only provide state in-depth fishery findings and the numbers they share with me that I ask for.
Return business is our goal and screwing someone over never works well for anyone.
I'm staking my reputation on my state fishery brothers that have for years worked with saugeye and what I've learned from them over many years of utilizing these hybrid saugeye.
If anyone has questions, please post and ask away. The questions and answers will benefit all who read it.
Last edited by Bill Cody; 02/24/25 08:28 PM. Reason: enhancements for easy reading and learning
