Walleye production up and running again in Michigan

Michigan wildlife officials say the state is resuming large-scale hatching of new walleyes as it forges ahead with an effective treatment against a fish virus. The Department of Natural Resources and Environment plans to take about 50 million eggs this spring for pond-rearing and direct stocking – an eight-fold increase over the last two years.

Michigan has been cutting back most of its walleye propagation efforts since 2006 as a defense against the spread of viral hemorrhagic septicemia, or VHS, into inland waters. After several years of testing, however, department officials now say they have found a technique to disinfect walleye eggs and prevent the spread of the virus.

Officials expect that it will take two years to return to full walleye production.