AUTHORS: Dave Knuth, Missouri Department of Conservation; Paul Cieslewicz, Missouri Department of Conservation; David Ostendorf, Missouri Department of Conservation; Leah Berkman, Missouri Department of Conservation; Blake Stephens, Missouri Department of Conservation; Brett Timmons, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
ABSTRACT: The Black, Current, Eleven Point, and St. Francis rivers in Southern Missouri and Northeastern Arkansas contain the Highland Strain of Walleye, which is more closely related to Eastern United States populations than other Missouri and Arkansas Walleye populations. Largescale efforts have been made to understand the genetics, movement, and population dynamics of the Walleye in this fishery. Acoustic telemetry and reward tag returns from ongoing and past exploitation evaluations indicate largescale movements within and among rivers. Data also suggests spawning site fidelity and seasonal movement patterns. This riverine population exhibits significant sex-specific growth, with females reaching much larger sizes than males. This presents challenges when managing the fishery under current minimum length limit regulations. The Walleye population in these four rivers is currently managed with three different length-based regulations. In some circumstances, there is concern under current regulations that more harvest is directed at females within the population. Management actions are being evaluated collaboratively across state lines to ensure the sustainability and quality of this unique fishery.
