Walleye Characteristics

In walleye fishing, as with every other type of fishing, it is important to have a suitable understanding of the species of fish you are aiming to catch.  If you understand their feeding habits, favorite aquatic locations, and physical characteristics, you will have better success when out on the lake.

Perhaps the walleye’s most identifiable characteristic is its eyes.  They are very dark in color and almost look haunting.  This dark appearance is due to a type of pigment called tapetum lucidum that lines walleye’s eyes.  This pigment allows them to see at night.  However, this also makes their eyes highly sensitive to light.  This is why nightfall is a great time of day for walleye fishing.

In addition to the dark, glassy eyes, walleyes are also characterized by their grayish green body that generally fades to a white or yellow colored underbelly.  A walleye’s body is long with a forked tail.  Despite the common nickname “walleyed pike,” walleyes are actually a member of the perch family.  Most walleyes live to age ten or less, but some can live to up to 20 years of age.

Walleye generally prefer moderate water temperatures, although their bodies can adapt to other conditions.  Walleyes were originally mostly found in rivers, but now they are quite common in lakes; however, they still tend to try to spawn in rivers if they are able.  The range for this fish is great; they can be found well into northern Canada but are also prevalent in the southeastern portion of the United States.  Most walleye stocking occurs in the upper Midwest region of America.

A walleye tends to travel frequently, even in lakes.  It will move to different locations and stay for only short periods of time.  The only exception to this is in the summer, when they will pick a home location where they will congregate for a longer time period.  Lake walleyes will generally move about to rock beds, weed beds, and small creeks that feed into lakes.  Popular walleye fishing spots in lakes are weedy areas and deep waters.  Because of their light-sensitive eyes, these fish will generally stay deep in the water so they can protect their eyes from the sun.  Fall walleye fishing can lead to catches during the daylight hours, because the sun is not totally overhead as it is in the summer.

With this information, you can properly identify a walleye when you see one, as well as understand how they live so you can more easily catch one of these fish the next time you are out on the water.