Bad News for Walleye Fishermen

[Sluggo / NY]

Just read this in the morning paper.. Not Good!

Beginning of end for N.Y. walleyes

Word has come down from Albany that, due to the current year state budget shortfall, required VHS testing must be paid for by each cooperator for each batch of stocking.

The testing is required for any fish stocking in state waters, just as baitfish require testing and certification. The cost for VHS testing is $800-$1,000. This will effectively end many of the walleye cooperator stockings, wasting a lot of volunteer time and money.

It's a shame because the walleye fingerling cooperator program is a great model of private/public participation.

When VHS is finally detected in Oneida Lake (the source of the state's brood stock), which it will due to the Canal System, walleye stocking in the state will effectively done.

[Absolut40]

First the pheasants and now the walleyes.The only people making out good with the budget are people on welfare.

[salmonite]

i guess i should sell the small boat now!!!!!! that sucks

[FREEMAN77]

damn this state whats next salmon and trout fingerlings oh no thats right we will pay for that when we pay for our nice new stamps

[waterwalker]

I feel for all of the New York fishermen and women. Our State is placing rules, etc, on our baitfish, and now the hatchery's. Ice Fishing is getting more and more expensive, because of the baitfish regs. More will be revealed in the years to come, as this VHS Virus takes it toll. Lake Champlain had a great Walleye club, that supported the conservation of there Walleye.