Joe Manchin III, Governor

Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : July 10, 2006

Hoy Murphy , Public Information Officer (304) 558-3381 hoymurphy@wvdnr.gov

Contact: Bret Preston, Wildlife Resources Section (304) 558-2771 wildlife@wvdnr.gov

DNR Stocks Native Strain of Walleye

  West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has recently completed stocking of more than 51,000 native walleye fingerlings in the Ohio, Kanawha, New, and Cheat rivers, according to Bret Preston, Assistant Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section. These stockings are part of a walleye enhancement program implemented in the spring of 2005.

  This strain of walleye was initially detected through research efforts conducted by the DNR, Ohio University , and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Biologists collected adult walleye from rivers known to have this unique strain and genetically assessed the adults. All walleye were spawned and reared at either the Apple Grove or Palestine state fish hatcheries. The strain is better adapted to river conditions and will provide enhanced fishing opportunities in these waters.

  A stocking of larger walleye fingerlings is planned for this fall.

**DNR**