fishing_lines
pike
Site Search | Canada | Fishing Software | Fishing Books | Videos | Fish Species | Links

Walleye


Photo © 1996-2001 Creative Publishing, International
from the book Successful Walleye Fishing

Overview

Walleye are also called walleyed pike, pickerel, jackfish, dore, and ol' marble eyes. The sides of the walleye are olive-green with gold flecks. The spiny dorsal fin lacks spots, but has a black rear base. The lower lobe of the tail has a white tip.

Strong fighters, walleyes stay deep and wage a determined battle. Walleyes are light sensitive. They have a layer of pigment in the retina of the eye called the "Tapetum lucidum". Because of their light-sensitive eyes, they bite best around dusk and dawn, at night, or in cloudy weather. Popular baits and lures include minnows, nightcrawlers, leeches, jigs, spinners, and plugs, especially minnow plugs.

Most numerous in large, windswept natural lakes of moderate to low clarity. They can also be found in smaller lakes, reservoirs, and rivers and streams with moderate current. Walleyes prefer clean, hard bottoms and water temperature from 65 to 75 degrees F.

Eating Habits

Primarily fish eaters, walleyes also feed on immature and adult aquatic insects, leeches, crayfish, snails, and larval salamanders. Except in waters of low clarity, they feed most heavily in dim-light periods, especially when light levels are fading rapidly.

Table Quality

Walleyes are considered one of the finest table fish. The white, flaky meat has a very mild flavor.

Age & Growth

Walleyes have been known to live as long as 26 years. Females typically grow much larger than males.

World Record

1960 - 25 pounds, caught caught in Old Hickory Lake, Tennessee.


Walleye Resorts

Manitoba

Big Whiteshell Lodge Ltd.

Northwest Territories

Hearne Lake Lodge

Ontario

Chapleau Lodge
Cianci's Holiday North Lodge
Leisure Island Houseboat Rentals
Maynard Lake Lodge
O-PEE-CHEE Lake Lodge
Papa John's Place
Sudbury Aviation Ltd.

Quebec

Wapoos Sibi

 

 

Saskatchewan

B & L Cabins and Outfitters Ltd.
Cree River Lodge
Minor Bay Camps Ltd.


A nice Walleye caught at Cree River Lodge.
Walleye Books
Walleye The reference for walleye. Learn about the fish itself, where it lives, and most important - its eating preferences and how to imitate and present what the fish enjoys most. Freshwater Gamefish of North America
Walleye Patterns and Presentations A book that shows you how to find good structure, rig live bait, and catch trophy walleyes in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs.



Back to Fish Species

Species text copyright © 1996-2005 Creative Publishing, International
All other text, photos, & graphics, except where otherwise noted,
copyright © 1996-2005 by Perspective Visuals, Inc. All rights reserved.
Fishing Lines is a trademark of Perspective Visuals, Inc.


Last Update: March 8, 2006

Fishermen have visited this site since 6/26/99