It’s the second weekend in May, and that means walleye opener in the great state of Minnesota. Thousands of anglers will be heading north this afternoon en route to walleye factories such as Leech, Cass, Winnie, Upper Red and of course, Mille Lacs.

Some of these fishermen will return home with limits, while others will struggle. That’s part of fishing. But what I don’t like hearing this time of year is whining. Many of those that struggle will blame their lack of luck on insufficient stocking. But in truth, these anglers had every opportunity to make a positive impact on walleye populations, and didn’t.

Last year, 32,000 Minnesota anglers bought walleye stamps. That’s a good start for only the second year of the program, but that number should nearly double in 2011. These stamps cost only $5 and the funds go directly into a dedicated account for walleye stocking activities. Last year’s proceeds were used to purchase 200,000 walleye fingerlings and improve an important walleye rearing pond.

Minnesota is blessed with about 2 million acres of walleye water, half of which has strong self-sustaining populations. Stocking improves fishing in walleye waters where natural reproduction occurs at only low or moderate levels.

You want better walleye fishing? Put your money where your mouth is and buy a walleye stamp. Otherwise, I don’t want to hear it. Purchase your walleye stamp here.