Tim Cwalinski provided an update on the results of the walleye survey of the Inland Waterway and the details are below in his forwarded note.  In spite of very difficult weather conditions, crews from all regions of the State put in long hours and successfully captured and tagged nearly 7,000 walleyes.  In order to learn as much as possible about the number, movement and habits of the walleye it is critical that anglers and others work hard to return the tags from the fish and collect walleye stomach samples.  The walleye season will be opening this Saturday April 30 on Burt, Pickerel and Crooked Lakes and for your convenience I have attached the walleye tag return form and the walleye stomach collection kit.  A $10 reward will be provided for approximately 1/2 of the returned tags.  The completed form may be mailed to the address on the form, dropped off at the Gaylord DNR Office, given to the Michigan State University researchers or filled out online at http://www.michigandnr.com/taggedfish/  Please note that the walleye season does not open until May 15 on Mullett Lake, the Cheboygan River from Mullett Lake downstream to the Cheboygan Dam and Black River from Alverno Dam downstream to the confluence with the Cheboygan River.

When fishing and returning to shore you may encounter Michigan State University researchers that will be asking for your permission to obtain information about how many fish were caught and a length measurement from any walleye that were kept.  In addition, they would like to collect walleye tags and stomach samples.  The interview will be anonymous so no one will be identified.  Your cooperation and support will be greatly appreciated.

Frank