With Spring coming into full swing, that means warmer weather, greener grass, and people enjoying the great outdoors more. What spring means for fishermen is that it is time to take the boat out and the walleye and starting to spawn. Walleye spawning typically starts in early to mid-April.
Walleye are a big deal in South Dakota, but the walleye spawn is an even bigger deal; it means big fish, late nights, and great memories. Senior Ayden Kellogg is most excited for the walleye spawn because “I love the late-night trips to Orman dam with my buddies to catch a ton of fish and just have a good time.” Ayden thinks that night fishing is the best. “We go at night because the walleye’s eyes glow in the water and under the moonlight or headlamps, you can see them and they are a lot easier to catch”.
But the walleye spawn is not just a big deal around here, but all over the state. Shane Cowan is from Pierre, South Dakota. His favorite part of the spawn is “the variety of fish you catch, you catch big females and smaller males as well as the smallmouth bass and Northern Pike that are up shallow as well”.
According to everythingaboutsouthdakota.com, “Walleyes typically grow to 14 inches in 3 to 4 years, commonly attain weights over 8lbs, and live to be 15 to 20 years old. ”
While there is a daily limit of 4 (with only one 20 inches or longer) of a combination of sauger, saugeye, and/or walleye, the spawn is a big event for fishermen all over the state.
