Seasonal and Spatial Distribution of Walleye Sex Ratios in a Large Nebraska Reservoir

Abstract The ratio of female to male Walleye Sander vitreus across the spatial scale large reservoirs and during nonspawning times receives little attention, even though standardized sampling occurs this time. This study evaluated whether proportion collected from seasonal at different areas within a reservoir fell 0.450–0.550 range, which would closely reflect 1:1 female-to-male sex ratio. We used Bayesian generalized linear mixed-effects model with binomial probability distribution assess Walleye, using season (spring fall) zone (riverine, transitional, lacustrine) as fixed effects year (2015 2016) random effect. total 2,163 Nebraska Game Parks Commission gill-netting methodology determined on subsample fish (n = 989) throughout each zone. There was no meaningful deviation range in mean posterior estimate caught riverine transitional zones either spring or fall. (SD) lacustrine 0.182 (0.024) 0.621 (0.032) These results are consistent previous observations increased presence near spawning locations demonstrate that fall catch could potentially bias results. provides further insight into sexes gradient Great Plains demonstrates need surveys.