Diel Behavior and Seasonal Distribution of Walleye, Stizostedlon vitreum Mitchill, in Marion Reservoir, Based on Ultrasonic Telemetry

ABSTRACT

Diel activity and seasonal distribution of four female and five male adult walleye implanted with ultrasonic tags were monitored in Marion Reservoir, Kansas, on 73 dates from March 28, 1987, to August 10, 1988. There were 299 separate contacts with the implanted walleye during 454 hours of tracking. On a seasonal basis, the number of contacts recorded was proportionate to the tracking effort expended per season. However, the difference between the number of contacts recorded per diel period and the number expected based on hours of tracking per period was significant (P < 0.001). More individuals were actively swimming when contacted during crepuscular and nocturnal hours than during the day. Behaviors exhibited by the implanted walleye were holding station, meandering swimming and cruise swimming. Three females and one male established separate home ranges, and each used the same home range during 1987 and 1988. The remaining individuals tended to be nomadic. Except during the spawning season, there was no evidence that the walleye tended to use specific areas of the lake at different times of the year.