Description

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.

Age & Growth

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