Walleye fish: the king of freshwater

What is a Walleye Fish?

If we talk about walleye fish, they are a type of freshwater marine animal that many fishers love to catch. Why? Because they're not just any fish; they're known for being tricky to catch and delicious to eat. Walleye fish are native to North America, often found in lakes and rivers, especially in the northern United States and Canada. They're part of the perch family, and they have some cool features that make them stand out.

One of the most interesting things about walleye fish is their eyes. Their name "walleye" comes from their unique, glassy eyes that seem to look sideways, like they're always on the watch. These eyes help them see well in murky water and at night, which is when they're most active. This makes walleye fish masters of stealth, sneaking up on their prey in low light conditions.

The Science of Walleye Eyes

A walleye fish have a special layer in their eyes called the tapetum lucidum, which reflects light back through the retina. This is the same feature that makes cats' eyes glow in the dark. It's an ability that lets walleye fish see in the dark, giving them an edge over other fish that can't see as well in low light. For fishers, this means that the best time to catch walleye is often early in the morning, late in the evening, or even at night.

Why Walleye Fish Are So Popular Among Fishers?

If you've ever talked to a fisher, you know that catching a walleye fish is a big deal. But why? Here are a few reasons why walleye fish are so popular:

1. They Put Up a Fight: Walleye fish are known for their strength and determination. When they bite, they don’t give up easily. This makes reeling them in a real challenge, which many fishers enjoy.

2. They're Delicious: Walleye fish are famous for their taste. They're often described as having a mild, sweet flavor and a firm, flaky texture. Many people consider walleye to be the best-tasting freshwater fish in North America.

3. They're Tricky to Catch: Walleye fish are not easy to catch, which adds to the thrill. They have a sharp sense of smell, great vision in low light, and they're very cautious. This makes catching them a real test of skill for fishers.

Walleye Fish Can Grow Big in Size

Here's a fun fact: Walleye fish can grow pretty large, sometimes reaching over 30 inches in length and weighing more than 20 pounds! The average walleye is usually between 1 and 5 pounds, but there have been some monster walleyes caught over the years. In fact, the world record walleye was caught in Tennessee in 1960, and it weighed a whopping 25 pounds!

How to Identify a Walleye Fish?

So, you're out fishing, and you think you've caught a walleye. But how can you be sure? Here’s a simple guide to identifying a walleye fish when you spot one:

1. Check the Eyes: Walleye fish have those distinctive glassy eyes that almost glow. If the fish has eyes that look like they could see in the dark, you might have a walleye on your line.

2. Look at the Body: Walleye fish have a long, slender body that's usually olive to golden in color. They have dark, vertical bands along their sides that can help you identify them.

3. Feel the Scales: Walleye fish have rough scales. If you run your hand along the fish’s body and it feels like sandpaper, you’ve likely got a walleye.

4. Check the Fins: Walleye fish have sharp, spiny fins. Be careful when handling them, as those fins can give you a painful poke if you’re not careful!

Walleye Fish Have Sharp Teeth

You should be reminded that walleye fish are predators, and they have the teeth to prove it. They have a set of sharp, pointed teeth that they use to grab and hold onto their prey. An adult walleye have dental arrangement of 50-60 teeth. So, if you ever catch a walleye, be sure to keep your fingers away from its mouth!

Where to Find Walleye Fish?

Most walleye fish prefer cool, deep waters with a lot of cover, like weeds or rocks. They’re often found in lakes and rivers across the northern United States and Canada. In fact, Minnesota is known as the "Walleye Capital of the World" because of its many lakes filled with walleye fish.

Best Spots to Catch Walleye Fish

If you’re planning a fishing trip, here are some of the best spots to catch walleye fish:

1. Lake Erie: Known as one of the best walleye fishing spots in North America, Lake Erie offers plenty of opportunities to catch these fish.

2. Lake of the Woods: Located on the border between Minnesota and Canada, this lake is famous for its large walleye population.

3. Mississippi River: The upper Mississippi River is a great spot for walleye fishing, especially in the spring and fall.

4. Leech Lake: Another Minnesota hotspot, Leech Lake is known for producing big walleyes.

Walleye Fish Like to Hide

Commonly, walleye fish are often found near structures like rocks, logs, or weed beds. They use these structures to hide from predators and ambush their prey. So, if you’re fishing for walleye, try casting your line near these types of cover.

Tips and Tricks When Fishing for Walleye

Catching a walleye fish isn't just about luck. It takes skill, patience, and the right techniques. Here are some tips to help you catch walleye fish:

1. Use the Right Bait: Walleye fish are known to be picky eaters. They prefer live bait like minnows, leeches, or nightcrawlers. If you’re using artificial lures, try ones that mimic small fish or other creatures that walleye like to eat.

2. Do Fish at the Right Time: Remember, walleye fish are most active in low light conditions, so early morning, late evening, or cloudy days are the best times to fish for them.

3. Use a Slow Presentation: Walleye fish are cautious and often strike slowly. When using walleye lures or bait, a slow and steady retrieve usually works best.

4. Pay Attention to the Weather: Walleye fish are sensitive to changes in weather. They tend to bite more when there's a light wind or after a rainstorm. On bright, sunny days, they might be harder to find as they tend to stay deeper in the water.

Walleye Fish Have a Strong Sense of Smell

This freshwater fish have an excellent sense of smell, which they use to find food. This is why using live bait or scented lures can be very effective when fishing for walleye.

The Life Cycle of a Walleye Fish

Understanding the life cycle of a walleye fish can give you an edge when trying to catch them. Here's a quick rundown:

1. Spawning: Walleye fish usually spawn in the spring when the water temperature is between 42 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit. They prefer to spawn in shallow, rocky areas with good water flow.

2. Fry Stage: After hatching, walleye fry are tiny and vulnerable. They drift in the current and feed on plankton until they grow large enough to hunt for themselves.

3. Juvenile Stage: As they grow, young walleye start to feed on small fish and insects. They often stay in shallow water during this stage.

4. Adult Stage: Adult walleye fish move to deeper water and become more solitary. They feed on a variety of prey, including fish, insects, and even small mammals.

Walleye Fish Live a Long Time by 10 to 20 Years

On a maximum, a walleye fish according to research can live up to 20 years in the wild, although most don’t reach that age. The average lifespan of a walleye is around 10 years, but some have been known to live much longer. Their lifespan is affected by overfishing, climate change and increase in number of predators in the area.

What are the Different Types and Species of Walleye?

Walleye are freshwater fish that thrive in a variety of environments. They can be found in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs across North America. These fish are adaptable and can adjust to different water temperatures, making them a versatile species.

1. Yellow Walleye (Sander Vitreus)

The yellow walleye, also known as the Sander vitreus, is the most common species found in North America. It features a yellowish to golden color with dark vertical bars on its sides. This species is well-known for its excellent taste and is highly sought after by anglers.

2. Blue Walleye (Sander Vitreus Glaucus)

The blue walleye, a less common variety, is known for its bluish-gray coloration. Once prevalent in the Great Lakes, this species is now considered endangered. Conservation efforts are in place to protect and restore the blue walleye population.

3. Sauger Walleye (Sander Canadensis)

The sauger walleye, or Sander canadensis, is closely related to the yellow walleye but is smaller in size and has a different coloration pattern. It features a darker body with more pronounced spots and vertical bars. The sauger is found in various freshwater habitats and is also a popular target for anglers.

Walleye Fish FAQs:

What is the best time of year to catch walleye?

The best time to catch walleye is during the spring and fall when they are more active and easier to find in shallower waters.

Are walleye hard to catch?

Walleye can be challenging to catch due to their elusive nature and preference for low light conditions. However, with the right techniques and gear, they can be caught successfully.

Can you catch walleye at night?

Yes, walleye are nocturnal hunters, making night fishing an excellent time to catch them.

What do walleye eat?

Walleye primarily feed on smaller fish like perch and minnows. They also eat insects, leeches, and crayfish.

Are walleye fish good to eat?

Yes, walleye fish are known for their mild, sweet flavor and firm texture. They are highly regarded as one of the best-tasting freshwater fish.

Can walleye be caught all year round?

Yes, walleye can be caught year-round, though their behavior and feeding patterns vary with the seasons. They are often more active in cooler water, so fishing can be better in spring and fall, while summer and winter fishing require different strategies.

What is the ideal temperature for walleye?

Walleye prefer cooler water temperatures, typically between 45°F and 68°F (7°C to 20°C). They are most active within this range, though they can tolerate a wider range of temperatures. Their activity levels and feeding patterns can change with temperature fluctuations.

Are walleye dangerous?

Walleye are not dangerous to humans. They are a popular sport fish known for their sharp teeth, but they are not aggressive toward people. They can, however, bite if provoked or handled improperly, so it’s a good idea to use care when handling them.