New Walleye Movement Sonic Tagging Study on the Winnebago System

This information was shared by Adam Nickel, Senior Fisheries Biologist with the WDNR.

WDNR Oshkosh fisheries staff have began a new walleye movement sonic tagging study on the Winnebago System. The study includes tagging adult walleye with sonic tags during fall electrofishing surveys on Lake Winnebago and the upper Fox River. The goal of the study is to evaluate walleye movement on the system, particularly spring spawning runs. Staff have tagged 38 fish so far and aim to tag 70 fish total this fall. The study involves surgically implanting sonic tags into the abdomen of adult walleye and then the incision is sutured closed. All sonic tagged fish are also being tagged with orange loop tags that say RESEARCH REWARD and are worth $100 for anglers that report them (reward expires 12/31/2025). The sonic tags have 3.5 years of battery life and can be reused from harvested fish, so it is crucial to get them back from anglers if possible . The study is currently being funded by NRDA, the Department, and Walleyes for Tomorrow. Please pass this information around to your clubs and anglers.