The recent newsletter notes of the Iowa muskies now in place at the Wolf Lake Hatchery is certainly good news. The 75,000 2" advanced fingerlings should fill up the four culture ponds. So how is the challenge of funding for fathead forage shaping up? Are any of the northern pike or walleye funds available for the muskies since they are not being cultured this year?
Tom – Your assumption is correct. With the savings in feed from Pike and Walleye there is NO shortage of funds to feed these fish.
There are no outside options for Walleye.
Salmon and Steelhead aren't an issue since they discovered that VHS is removed with the Iodine-mixture they've used for years on the eggs of those fish.
Thank you for the good news. Per the saying, "When dealt lemons, make lemonade". I'm still optimistic that the VHS challenge will be a major adjustment, but we will be on track within a year. I needed a bit of good unexpected news which makes things easier for me to get fraternal support between organizations and I'm sure the DNR fishery staff greatly appreciates everyone's help. MMA is receiving good statewide PR.
Another example: The downtime in walleye culture and funding is not to be wasted. Our Ludington MCWA is using this 'dry' season to do major pump repair, pond repairs, and renovations we couldn't get to with a wet pond after raising walleye. We are also constructing another larger fathead culture pond and zooplankton culture area. I've got permission to transfer pond liner material from my local Whitehall Wastewater facility to Ludington MCWA for our fathead pond. This is easier said than done, but sportsmen networking for heavy equipment is possible. Meanwhile the Hamlin Lake folks on the MCWA board will be pleased to hear the Iowa muskies are in Michigan no matter where they are stocked this fall.
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