Average Size
1-5 lbs (15-22 inches)
World Record
25 lbs
Best Season
Spring (post-ice-out) and Fall
Water Type
Freshwater
About Walleye
The walleye is the most sought-after freshwater game fish in the northern United States and Canada. Named for their distinctive large, glassy eyes that reflect light (an adaptation for low-light feeding), walleye are prized by both tournament anglers and table fare enthusiasts. Their light, flaky white meat is considered among the finest-tasting freshwater fish. Walleye tournaments have exploded in popularity, with major circuits offering six-figure payouts.
Habitat & Environment
Large lakes, reservoirs, and rivers with moderate clarity. Prefer cool water (55-70°F) with rocky or sandy bottoms. Often found near reefs, points, and river channels.
World Record
25 lbs (Mabry Harper, Old Hickory Lake, TN, 1960)
Did You Know?
Walleye have a special reflective layer in their eyes called the tapetum lucidum, which gives them superior night vision and allows them to feed effectively in low-light conditions.
Where to Find Walleye
Michigan
excellentBest: Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov
Lake Erie, Saginaw Bay
Minnesota
excellentBest: May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov
Mille Lacs, Lake of the Woods
New York
goodBest: Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov
Oneida Lake, Lake Erie
Ohio
excellentBest: Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov
Lake Erie, Mosquito Lake
Wisconsin
excellentBest: May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov
Green Bay, Lake Winnebago
Indiana
goodBest: Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Tippecanoe River, Brookville Lake
Iowa
excellentBest: Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Spirit Lake, West Okoboji
Montana
goodBest: May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Fort Peck Reservoir, Canyon Ferry
Nebraska
excellentBest: Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Lake McConaughy, Merritt Reservoir
North Dakota
excellentBest: May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Devils Lake, Lake Sakakawea
Pennsylvania
goodBest: Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Lake Erie, Pymatuning
South Dakota
excellentBest: May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe
Wyoming
goodBest: May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Boysen Reservoir, Buffalo Bill Reservoir
Memorial Provo Walleye Face-Off
Summer Bomoseen Walleye Tournament
Super Springfield Walleye Classic
Giant Bennington Walleye Face-Off
Masters Pueblo Walleye Brawl
Governor's Cup Dillon Walleye Stampede
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