AUTHORS: Todd Caspers, North Dakota Game and Fish Department
ABSTRACT: Devils Lake is one of North Dakota’s most important fisheries. Devils Lake is the state’s 3rd largest waterbody overall and is the largest natural lake in the state. Walleye have long been and continue to be one of the most abundant and sought-after gamefish species in the lake. Walleye were not native to the lake, but were stocked in 1970, and stockings have occurred most years since then. Beginning in 1993, a prolonged period of wetter climatic conditions caused Devils Lake to grow greatly in size and depth. The influx of water also caused the salinity of the lake to decline, which improved walleye spawning success. After 32 years of data collection on Devils Lake, changes in the walleye population have become evident. Over the years, recruitment has increased. The walleye population has also increased in density over time. Smaller walleye in particular have increased in density. However, the increasing walleye densities have led to changes such as lower walleye body condition and reduced growth rates. Lower walleye body condition and reduced growth rates have also occurred in spite of increasing angling pressure and walleye harvests. Potential factors that contribute to the resiliency of the walleye population of Devils Lake include a relatively simple fish community, consistent recruitment, supplemental stocking, adequate growth rates and relatively low mortality rates.
