FECUNDITY OF WALLEYES IN WESTERN LAKE ERIE, 1966 AND 1990-91

Ovaries were collected from walleyes (Stizostedion vitreum vitreum) in western Lake Erie just prior to spawning in 1990 and 1991 to determin e current fecundity. Results were compared with fecundity determined i n 1966 prior to stock rehabilitation when walleye abundance was lower and fish size at age was greater. Fecundity estimates determined from 121 fish aged 3-10 ranged from 53,000 to 426,000 eggs per female. Incr eases in egg production correlated with increases in length and weight , and weight accounting for most of the variability. In 1990-91 the me an egg production of the dominant age groups of spawners (ages 4 to 8) was approximately 25% lower than fishes of similar age in 1966. The m ean egg diameter in 1990-91 (1.63 mm) was not related to the size or a ge of the fish and was not significantly smaller than the egg diameter in 1966 (1.72 mm).