Many of our wonderful fisheries are heavily sustained by stocking. I do not guide on lakes that are struggling to maintain healthy walleye numbers, it reduces the quality of the fishery for everyone, and gives guides a bad name.

I highly encourage anyone who wants to keep fish to keep them on the smaller side, it can vary by lake but that is usually 15-19”. Those fish are on average 4-7 years old, and quickly replenished by stocking. A 25” walleye is roughly 12 years old, and they grow at an incredibly slow rate after reaching that size. Keeping the larger fish reduces the quality of catch and release trophy fishing. By releasing them, we allow all anglers to have a shot at catching their biggest walleye ever.

When you catch a big walleye, admire a creature that has survived for potentially decades in an environment where everything is trying to kill it, feel proud that you tricked such a wise creature, and know you are part of the next generation’s enjoyment of the sport by releasing it. Today’s sacrifice fuels tomorrow’s success.

I always aim to create a positive learning environment, the ultimate goal is to share laughs, knowledge, and fishing tales…and catch a trophy too!