Here is one for the Myth Busters!  Apparently Lake Nokomis Walleye really do glow in the dark.  I've heard this one before and assumed it was, what else, a "fish tail".Walleye Painting

Apparently there may be some truth to it.  Most Minnesotans already know that Walleye's have reflective, almost luminescent eye's - hence their name.  But, there is more to it. 

In 1942 the Coast Guard and the Marine Air Reserve secretly released millions of Glowlight Shrimp into Lake Nokomis as part of Operation Four Eyes.  These small effofluorescent TI Sub Testing at Lake Nokomisshrimp glow when agitated, and helped the military locate submersible water craft they'd lost track of, as the shrimp glow in the wake of the craft.  The shrimp also happen to be a great food source for Walleye stocked by the DNR in Lake Nokomis!

Map of Lake NokomisAdding a degree of mystery to this fish tail, the Walleye's natural mating process includes schooling near the surface of the water, during the full moon.  Their eyes naturally capture and reflect the moon light which, in turn, attracts more fish!

Apperently GI's returning from WWII would take their sweethearts to Lake Nokomis at night to marveling at the mysterious bluish light in the water.  Or so you might be told, by any of the old fisherman sitting on a 5 gal. buckets, by the shore, all of whom have seen the glowing walleye.

I remain skeptical but, I'm inclined to think this one's plausible.  I've caught my share of Walleye's many at night, I'd bet I've even caught some during a full moon, but, I've never seen one glow!

For more info and references to this story check out the Nokomis East Neighborhood Association's story on their wonderful website.

 
 
This post has been included in Minnesota Real Estate News

1 Comments on Lake Nokomis: Walleyes that Glow in the Dark!

JUN
17

That story you referenced was fictional.  See the **note at the bottom of the page.  Also, about 90% of Lake Nokomis doesn't exceed 13' in depth.  I don't think testing a submarine there would make much sense.

 
jon
8:51am • #1


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Ben Kolkman Real Estate Author & REALTOR Southwest Minneapolis & Edina Minnesota

Ben Kolkman

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Ben Kolkman has been recognized by the local association of realtors and by local media as an expert in the Twin Cities real estate market. Ben leads discussion groups on marketing techniques for the Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors, Young Professionals Networking group. He was awarded the 2009 Super Agent award by Mpls St. Paul Magazine and Twin Cities Business. KSTP and WCCO have both featured Ben in their newscasts, and he is a regular contributor on the DIY Network "Sweat Equity" cable TV program.


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