Can you identify this disease

[FrontenacPike]

This Sauger was caught on LOW last weekend. Nothing else was unusual about the fish other than what you can see in the pics. It was caught over 35 feet of water. The outfitter had never (nor had I) seen anything like this so I told them I would get some info and get back to them.

BTW the fish was eaten and tasted good, although the wife said she noticed a side effect...missing LOW fever!!!

[fisherman-andy]

Probably this: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fish_diseases/dermalsarcoma.html

[stealth3350]

i been up there 8 wknds in a row.. i have caught at least 1-2 fish every trip that have some of that stuff on them.... they still taste great!!

[stealth3350]

interesting link... it sais can only be passed to another fish through contact.. boy would i like to be fishing in the spot that they are running into each other!! lol

[magnum mike]

The common name is cold water warts. We visit the trap nets in Cutfoot every spring and many of the walleyes have this. It is common this time of year and is harmless to the fish and to humans. It apparently falls off after a few weeks.

[olbaidhh]

lol warts... transfered by touching another infected fish. Apparently some of the walleye are hanging out on the seedy side of the lake. I wouldn't know from experience... just saying.

Falls off after a few weeks... had that happen to a buddy almost. Seems walleye and us have a lot in common.

That was just too easy this morning...

[jjjohnson]

Fish Herpes

[leech~~]

This Sauger was caught on LOW last weekend.

I think we need to kill thousand more of them for testing! They may not effect humans yet, but you never know when it may!

But, sadly with the thousands of testers already out on the lake each year already killing them. It may already be to late!

[Ed Carlson]

It likely is Dermal Sarcoma.

Cause of disease: Virus

Fish species affected: This disease is only seen in walleye.

Life cycle: Infections occur throughout the year but at a higher rate during the walleye's spring spawning season. Walleyes congregate on their spawning grounds and the virus spreads from fish to fish through physical contact.

Where is the disease is found? Found predominantly in the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes Region. Occurs throughout Minnesota.

Is it safe to eat? The disease is not known to infect humans. As always, cook fish thoroughly.

How can I prevent the spread? There are no practical ways to control this disease.

Disposal of unused portions: Skin of infected walleye should be buried or disposed with household waste. Fish entrails should never be discarded back into the lake.

[fishfearme]

I have seen that on Mille Lacs eyes for years.

[Harmonica Bear]

+1

[FrontenacPike]

Thanks guys, I will send this topic up to the outfitter, they will be glad to hear back from me.

[quijibo]

Definitely not fish herpes, they would all be gone by now.

[bobbymalone]

I don't need to fill my limit so bad that I would eat one with something like that on it. Safe or not. Why not catch another one that isn't diseased?

[BronzeBrother]

I have seen that on Mille Lacs eyes for years.

Been fishing the "Pond" for 30 years and never seen this. What end of the lake are you fishing that you are seeing this?

[BronzeBrother]

I don't need to fill my limit so bad that I would eat one with something like that on it. Safe or not. Why not catch another one that isn't diseased?

+ 1

[jwmiller33]

+2

[Harmonica Bear]

North End

[mrklean]

walleye pimples

[Jimmy from Cottage Grove]

It looks like what they call winter growth. I caught a few walleyes on red a few years ago with it. Guide told us it was something walleyes get during the winter months, and perfectly fine to eat. Although we chose not to.

[stealth3350]

catching eyes with the herps out of zipple bay