Slot Size and Keepers: Clarification

[FSZ]

Jay,

We were told this at the zec office years ago.  This corresponds to other literature I have seen from onatrio for inland lakes indicating sexual maturity at age 6-7 and 13-15 inches.  I am not a biologist but it stems to reason not every lake is the same.  Kipawa is considerably larger than the area back lakes.  And it is oligotrophic (clearer and more infertile) as oppsosed to mesotrophic (darker and more fertile).  So fish may reach sexual maturity at a different age.  For example, on lake erie, it is widely believed female walleye can spawn when they are around 18" which is age 3-4.   

It is difficult for the wardens to enforce competing regulations in the same general area based on each individual lake, so the "one size fits all approach" is often used. 

I do believe the "slot" limit has only nominally improved the fishing in terms of numbers and size, but let me qualify that.  I have caught 10 fish over 28" the last 5 years.  In the previous 25 years, I caught exactly 0 in that size.  Because many people keep the biggest fish they catch.  Those are special fish up north and should be protected.

[Steam]

What is the limit of fish per person? Also what needs to happen to get the fish across NY border?
I heard full fish or Filet with skin on needs to be a certain length???

[NortonJoe]

What is the limit of fish per person? Also what needs to happen to get the fish across NY border?
I heard full fish or Filet with skin on needs to be a certain length???

We fish in Lake Watson, which is outside any of the ZEC areas.  The limit there is 6 walleye and 6 pike per person.  The slot size for keepers  is 32-47 cm for walleye. No length limit for pike.  The best bet is to look up the size/number limits for your specific area. http://www.mffp.gouv.qc.ca/english/publications/online/wildlife/fishing-regulations/index.asp  Pike should be fileted leaving the skin on to identify the species.  Walleye should be cleaned by only gutting them and leaving the head on or you can remove the head but MUST leave the pectoral fins so officers can determine the length.

[Hodgey1]

Is this a safe statement to make and keep within the regulations for walleye at Kipawa? Just double checking as slot size and wallet filet is very new to me.


I can gut and remove the head as long as I keep intact the with the tail and pectoral fin?

Full intact fish legal size

Below 37cm/14.56" Throw back

Above 53cm/20.86" Throw back

Slot/Keepers in between 37cm and 53cm?

[Greg]

Hodgey1,

Your measurements are correct - last week - we basically kept everything between 15 and 20.5 inches.

As for bringing home frozen fish - I spoke with a game warden when we arrived (I forgot to put this in my trip report) - he was really nice and he was checking to ensure we did not bring in minnows - he went through all our coolers and checked live well, and looked around our luggage for any other container which could hold minnows.   We chatted about everything fishing, regulations and Kipawa lake for about 15 minutes.  I spoke to him about what I did last year, just gut the fish, remove the gills and freeze entire fish (head to tail) - he said this was fine and encouraged it as if it was preferred by him and his colleagues - because he said "it is easy to measure this way".

Greg

[Hodgey1]

remove the gills and freeze entire fish (head to tail) - he said this was fine and encouraged it as if it was preferred by him and his colleagues - because he said "it is easy to measure this way".

Thanks Greg, the only difference is, I'm proposing removing the head also with the gills. But I think we're on the same page and unless I hear otherwise, I think that's how I'm going to roll.

[fishtildark]

Hodgey, sent you a pm. enjoy your trip.