On September 21, 2021, DNR Fisheries Crews out of Eau Claire conducted a survey on Otter Lake to assess walleye natural reproduction and evaluate walleye stocking efforts. This survey is conducted annually each fall and is accomplished by electrofishing the shoreline during the evening hours.

No natural reproduction of walleyes were detected or documented during the survey which has also been consistent with previous year’s surveys. Despite the lack of natural reproduction, the stocked walleyes are thriving in Otter Lake.

As part of former Governor Walker’s Walleye Initiative Plan, Otter Lake was designated as an experimental stocking project. The lake is stocked by the DNR with extended growth walleye which are approximately 7-8 inches at time of stocking. Stocking occurs each odd year at a rate of 10 fish per surface acre, which equates to over 6,000 plus walleyes.

Growth rates of stocked walleyes captured from Otter Lake surveys are far above the satewide average which translates into excellent survival. For example, during the 2020 survey the average size of walleye stocked in 2017 measured approximately 19 inches. According to DNR Fisheries Biologist Joe Gerbyshak, last month’s survey yielded a number of walleyes in the 14 ½ -16 ½ inch category which were stocked in 2019. He indicated Otter Lake has excellent walleye growth rates due to a plentiful forage base and by stocking extended growth walleyes, predation has more limitation. He indicated that Otter Lake is one of the most successfully stocked walleye lakes in the state of Wisconsin being studied under the Walleye Initiative Plan.

Gerbyshak went on to say, the fisheries crew observed a large number of forage fish during the recent electrofishing survey. "We get what we call the confetti effect. There are so many small pan fish the surface water becomes cloudy and resembles confetti”, he said. He also indicated a large number of keeper crappies were observed during the survey.

The next comprehensive survey for Otter Lake will be held in the spring of 2023. The survey was originally scheduled for the spring of 2022, however due to COVID restrictions; the survey was delayed one year. The previous comprehensive survey was conducted during the spring of 2018. Comprehensive surveys study and obtain results from all species of fish in the lake, not just one specific species such as walleyes. The 2018 comprehensive survey indicated a population of 6.5 walleyes per acre.

Due to 2021 being an odd year for Otter Lake stocking, over 6,000 extended growth walleyes ranging from 7-8 inches were stocked two weeks ago. Stocking is scheduled to continue for the foreseeable future which will fuel the walleye fishing for years to come.

Many continue to ask, why can’t walleye re- produce in Otter Lake? According to DNR offi cials, it’s likely due to a lack of suitable spawning habitat and predation of walleye fry from the lake’s bass and bluegill populations.

Photo depicts size of an extended growth walleye recently stocked at Otter Lake.