Photo courtesy of Ted Peck.

Photos of grinning Hawkeye anglers hefting big walleyes used to provide the opportunity for weaving fish tales set only beyond our borders. But changes in the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ walleye management philosophy set in motion in 2000 are making a profoundly positive impact across the state, creating ever-growing opportunities for Hawkeye anglers to tangle with trophy walleyes close to home.

Growing walleyes for sport angling is somewhat like growing corn: The success of naturally produced walleye year-classes is driven by environmental conditions in individual ecosystems. To generate a good “crop” where yields have historically been low -- or nonexistent -- you need to plant the right “seed” and provide the appropriate nurturing.

Over the past several years the IDNR has been aggressively stocking larger fingerlings in a number of state waters, a phenomenon that has truly jump-started the state’s walleye fishery.

During the same time frame, survival conditions for natural and hatchery-raised stock have been extremely favorable. Across the state there now are numerous waters where both walleye populations and dimensions are growing increasingly larger.

The days of walleyes being considered a “bonus” species may be behind us forever. Following is a look at our state’s top spots for chasing the myopic manitou -- that dual-dorsal denizen of the dim depths -- that is the walleye.

IOWA GREAT LAKES
A slot limit that went into effect on both East and West Okoboji lakes and Spirit Lake in 2007 is showing promising results, according to IDNR fisheries manager Mike Hawkins.

Under the new regulations, fish between 17 and 22 inches are protected, and anglers are allowed to keep one walleye over 22 inches.

“Walleye fishing the past couple of years on Spirit Lake has been tremendous,” Hawkins said. “We estimate a harvest of nearly 17,000 for 2006 -- the largest one-year harvest on this water in over 40 years!”

Most fish that have been greasing the skillet out of this sprawling northwestern lake are progeny of the banner 2001 year-class. Most of the class of ‘01 now is entering the protected slot size and should provide great fishing for years to come.

In 2007, creel surveys indicated that anglers harvested about 7,000 walleyes from Spirit Lake, which Hawkins pegs “well above the 20-year average.” Further IDNR sampling indicates the 2007 year-class will be another beauty, with seine hauls yielding “great numbers of young-of-year walleyes,” according to Hawkins.

STORM LAKE
Storm Lake in Buena Vista County also saw implementation of a slot limit protecting 17- to 22-inch fish in 2007. IDNR fisheries manager Lannie Miller said that anglers in western and northwestern Iowa took advantage of rule changes, posting a record harvest of more than 24,000 walleyes during April, May and June of 2007. Most fish put on the stringer were between 13 and 15 inches.

“Due to the record harvest last year, those anglers looking for fish below the protected-slot size will find a little tougher fishing in 2008,” Miller said. “Walleyes protected by the slot limit will grow rapidly, producing some excellent catch-and-release action this year. It will be a couple of years before this dominant year-class works through the system and will be vulnerable for harvest again.”

Many serious walleye anglers release walleyes over 22 inches, realizing they hold the future of good fishing literally in their hands. It will be interesting to watch the status of the walleye fishery on Storm Lake as we ease into 2010.

Seasonal movement of walleyes is fairly predictable in this fishery. Male walleyes move into the shallows at ice-out, where they are veritable fools for wading anglers tossing a jig-and-minnow combination until the larger female fish start to move in as waters warm.