Walleye

Sander vitreus

Natural-history illustration of an olive-gold walleye with glassy eyes and a white tail tip
Reviewed species illustration. Confirm your catch with current state identification resources before keeping fish.

Walleye are the most popular freshwater gamefish in the northern United States, prized for both their sport and their exceptional table quality. Named for their large, glassy eyes — an adaptation for seeing in low light — walleye are crepuscular feeders most active at dawn, dusk, and night. They school in open water and along structure, making them a reliable target for experienced anglers who understand their patterns.

Catching Tips

Jigging a lead-head jig tipped with a plastic or live minnow along the bottom is the most versatile walleye technique. Slow-troll a Lindy rig with a nightcrawler along rocky points and humps at dusk. During post-spawn in spring, fish shallow rocky shoals at night with shallow-running crankbaits.

World Record

25 lbs
Weight
Old Hickory Lake, Tennessee
Location
1960
Year

No stocking events recorded yet for Walleye.