I have been asked many times if walleye do spawn in Geneva, but as of late there still is no data of natural reproduction. Reasons being are, 1. The lake water remains so cold that before the eggs have the chance to incubate, they roll around in the gravel so long they bust. 2. The lakes bottom gets coated in an algae in spring which cover the eggs and the fry can not get through the algae to survive. 3. Any fry that make it are consumed by predators, the shallows are teaming with them in spring and the fry which is about the size of a mosquito at that time are easy targets.
Anyone interested in helping the Lakes walleye population is encouraged to join the Walworth chapter of Walleyes for tomorrow. The chapter was formed over two years ago and has successfully released about 6,000,000 fry into the lake from eggs collected from Geneva. For those that would just like to catch walleye, try sand gravel flats that get a lot of sunshine, cast small lures after dark near shore. Remember the season opens the first Saturday in May. More info on the chapter can be found at www.walleyesfortomarrowwalworth.org good luck this season.