Walleye Forage

[Zemp]

I managed to catch a few eater perch the other day and one walleye to boot, when I cleaned the 'eye there was a frog in its stomach partially digested! That got me to thinking...where would a fish pick up a frog this time of year? There was some green color with black spots visible on one leg so it had to be a live frog, any theories? I am thinking bait, maybe? But where would you get frogs for bait in the winter? So many questions......

[CrappieNut]

wow thats a good question, i may be stupid but i didn't think frogs were active this time of year

must have been a nice size 'eye

[Tippman]

Don't think you're gonna find any frogs for bait around this time of year. They usually crawl into the mud about the time the lakes are icing over. There must have been one that didn't get under far enough and the walleye picked it out or he was just sitting around on the bottom.

[Fish Toys]

More than likely the frog was lying dormant on the bottom and the eye picked it up. I’ve seen northerns pickup crayfish on the bottom and also seen frogs sitting on the bottom while spearing.

[PerchJerker]

I agree, the frog was either sitting on the bottom or was only paritally buried in the mud.

The frog migration in the fall is a GREAT time to fish close to shore at night.

[Zemp]

 Originally Posted By: CrappieNut

wow thats a good question, i may be stupid but i didn't think frogs were active this time of year

must have been a nice size 'eye

Actually it was about a 16 incher, great eating size, but nothing to brag about.

[zamboni]

On a diff site I belong to someone caught a bass or trout- can't remember which that had a mouse in it

[ChemE]

very intriguing question about something I haven't given much thought. The number one reason for me that this forum is great. A quick search turned up some interesting froggy facts. Check item 7 here: http://cgee.hamline.edu/frogs/science/faq1.html.

[fiskyknut]

I've caught quite a few Pike on the LOTW thru the late ice, March and April, and over the years I've found Leopard Frogs in their bellies pretty regular. Frogs migrate to the water in the fall and hibernate in the mud and these Pikes must just grub them out?