How deep is too deep?

[SpikeRoberts]

I suspect the eye's on my favorite lake have moved into very deep water (40'-60'). I know that the survival rate of released fish drops the deeper the water you pull them from, but am not really sure what depth is the threshold for a decent survival rate. Because I catch quite a few small ones that go back, I'd like to know how deep is too deep?

[Cliff Wagenbach]

Spike,
I fish a lot of deep water for walleyes on Lake Vermilion and other area lakes.
I have found that most fish pulled out of water that is 40 feet deep and deeper have a very poor survival rate. If you work them up slowly you will have a better chance of them surviving,but you may also loose more fish.
My advise would be to pull up any fish that you think is small very slowly.
Good fishing!
Cliff

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Cliff's Guide Service
CliffsGuideService-LakeVermilion.com
Lake Vermilion
Phone: (218) 753-2005

[SpikeRoberts]

Thanks Cliff. That's about what I was thinking. I think I'll take my chances in the shallower water. Rather catch fewer fish than needlessly risk low survival rates.