MN/BE River Walleyes

[smeese]

Man the river fishing has been good so far this year. I got a 17" and a 15" walleye among others that I did not keep. My question is after cleaning them I notice the meat looks darker then the fish I caught out of the lakes in the winter. Anyone know if this will effect the taste of them? Reason I ask is I want to go get more but do not want to waste them by deciding they are too gross. I hope everyones season is starting out good like mine. We caught some channels and a 31" northern as well along with some sheep head and other throw backs.

[fishn4kids]

You might post this in the SouthCentral forums. Welcome to FM. Its very addictive.

Duane

[tunrevir]

Water quality can have an effect on the meat and its color with some stained water fish gaining more of a stained appearance. Depending on what river and where you are fishing I'd consult the regs and see if they are edible fish.

Tunrevir~

[katoguy]

Ive eaten dozens maybe hundreds of eyes out of the area rivers over the last 20 years. The last couple years I switched to all C&R around Mankato, but I have friends that still say they are delicious. The DNR site says a meal per week of 15-20" fish (1 meal/month for pregnant women & kids). I'd recommend keeping smaller fish (17" max) & cutting any read meat out of the filet.