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Genoa Hatchery Works the Circuit to Bring Walleye Back to the River
Midwest Region, October 16, 2004
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For the third year in a row, the Masters Walleye Circuit held its world championship of walleye fishing at Pools 9 and 10 on the Mississippi River in southwest Wisconsin. Over the years, competitive fishing tournaments have been blamed for causing undue stress to the fish population and returning caught fish to locations many miles away from the habitat in which they were caught. The Falling Rock Walleye Club, a local group of sportspersons, asked the Genoa National Fish Hatchery staff to participate in the live-release portion of this year's tournament to ensure that fish were released with the most amount of care possible to help ensure their survival and safe return to their native habitat. Only the nation's top walleye anglers are asked to participate in the World Walleye Championship event, and this year, more than 45 teams were invited. During the four-day tournament, the pros caught more than 200 fish. After the fish were weighed, the Genoa National Fish Hatchery staff was on-hand to promptly take possession of the fish, check their health and quickly place them in the hatchery's 450 gallon distribution tank to help the fish recover. The fish were then taken back to the river and released in two separate locations. Approximately 250 people were at the event on the last day of weigh-ins held at the Cabela's store in Prairie du Chien, Wis. This cooperative effort between sportspersons and the Service should help conserve local populations of walleye, and also provide a useful tool in reaching people with a conservation ethic message during a competitive fishing event.

Contact Info: Midwest Region Public Affairs, 612-713-5313, charles_traxler@fws.gov



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