After 6 years of observation, Allegheny River walleye are.............

naturally reproducing and self-sustaining. This is the conclusion of the 6-year study which started in 2008. The PFBC suspended stocking of walleye in large rivers, including the Allegheny. The article, written by Mike Bleech, outlines several points. Here is a brief synopsis of the press release:

1) Allegheny River walleye are made up of a native Highlands strain of walleye and a stocked Lake Erie walleye strain

2) During the period of 2008 thru 2013, the PFBC conducted electro-fishing surveys to monitor walleye populations. These studies were conducted at Freeport, Templeton, East Brady, Oil City, President, Tidioute and Kinzua tailrace each year. Additional electro-fishing was performed at Tionesta and Starbrick in 2013.

3) Bob Ventorini, a PFBC Biologist and the author of the report was quoted as saying, "The large walleye we collected were remarkable considering how shallow and fast the water they were found in."

4) During the surveys, 4 of the 7 survey areas done at Kinzua, Tidioute, President adn Oil City met or exceeded catch rate objectives for legal size walleye in the PFBC's walleye management plan. Results at Tidioute and Kinzua not only exceeded targets by the largest margins but also netted some of the largest fish.

5) A team led by Dr. Matt White of the Ohio University continues to analyze fin clippings to determine which strain of walleye are present. Thus far, approximately 1/2 of the clippings belong to the native Highlands strain.

6) The report concludes that natural walleye reproduction is occurring on the Allegheny River and that it may be largely driven by native walleye strain.

7) Ventorini also concluded that the "free flowing" section of the Allegheny sites have been found to be much more productive than downstream impounded sites (lock and dam structures) in terms of legal length and trophy sized walleye. He also stated,"I continue to be impressed with the diversity of the fisheries at the tailrace of Kinzua Dam."

I can say the lower river is still doing well for walleye fishing. We've seen good year classes of smaller walleye the past few seasons(some years are better then others) and lots of nice walleye too. The last 2 springs have been very exceptional for me, a good number of 20 to 28" coming in the spring and early summer. The bite in the fall has been great too, generally more numbers then size compared to the spring bite.