We were out fishing today catching numerous walleye; probably caught over 30 in just under 3 hours. At the Marina Bay in Sylvan Lake Alberta
However we noticed that the walleye appeared to have red and grey worms covering most sections of them. Almost every walleye we pulled up appeared to have this sort of parasite on them.
Has anybody ever seen this before? Any idea what this actually is?
Believe those are just “Bloodworms”. Walleye feed on them right from the time they are small fry. Walleye gorge on them wherever/whenever plentiful even as adults and especially in lakes that have had other forage species like minnows thinned out. Explains I think why I catch them on mealworms too while fishing for Perch in some lakes. Nothing to be concerned about there I don’t think. Suspect if you were to get a look inside their stomach they’d be full of those little bloodworms. Good protein source for them when others may be scarce.
Thank you both VERY MUCH this was a concern that I never noticed before. Makes sense and it's not like I plan on eating these. Just glad they're not actually a problematic parasite.
Yes they are visible right on the fish... However I'm not sure how you were going to eat them as there is a zero keep limit on walleye in most lakes... including Sylvan in Alberta.
Regardless of the fact I would avoid home made Pickeral sushi or sashimi haha.
Take a look at the pictures I posted. I think it makes most people's stomach turn
Walleye Parasites in Sylvan lake AB?
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