Red Lake research mark now an effective enforcement tool

A research mark in walleye stocked in the Red Lakes became a key piece of evidence that helped convict a walleye poacher in Beltrami County earlier this month. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says the mark may prove to be a valuable, if unintended, enforcement tool as the DNR and Red Lake Band of Chippewa prepare to reopen the lake for walleye fishing in May.

When the Red Lakes were stocked as part of the walleye recovery program, fry were marked in order to distinguish between stocked fry and wild fry produced naturally. The marks are an exceptional research tool, not only in determining contribution from stocking, but in documenting the vast improvement in wild fry production as the population recovered.

A key component of the successful walleye recovery program is a complete walleye harvest moratorium, which has been in effect on Red Lake since 1999. As the lifting of that moratorium approaches, the temptation to poach walleye has increased with the lakes' population numbers.

The Beltrami County poaching conviction on Feb. 22 used the unique research mark to prove the walleye were indeed from Red Lake - contrary to the poacher's claim the fish were caught in a nearby lake.

"Being able to positively identify Red Lake walleye provides a distinct advantage in enforcing the walleye closure, since poachers can not claim they were taken from some other lake," said Conservation Officer Tim Gray, who routinely patrols the Red Lakes. It will continue to be a valuable tool once walleye fishing reopens on Red Lake this May, since a statewide bag limit of six walleye may only include two from Red Lake.

Of course, not all Red Lake walleye are marked, only those originating from the stocking events. However, the mark is not readily visible, requiring special magnification and florescence to detect.

"Anyone tempted to poach a Red Lake walleye, or exceed the possession limit when fishing reopens, should know that 80-90 percent of the fish being caught on Red will carry that mark," said Gary Barnard, Bemidji area fisheries supervisor.

Not very good odds.