Sander vitreus
(Mitchill, 1818)

Walleye
Also Known As: Pickerel, Walleyed Pike, Yellow Pike

Above: A Walleye in aquaria. Photo by Sam Borstein.

Etymology:

Genus- Sander= old German and name for the fish.
Species- vitreus= glassy, in reference to the way the eye looks (Greek).

Intro:

The Walleye is an old time favorite. It is a delicious fish and also fun to catch. Although it doesn't fight that well, if you find a good spot, you can pull them up all day and have a blast.

There was a sub-species of Walleye known as the Blue Walleye or Blue Pike (Sander vitreum glaucus). This fish was fished to extinction and the last known fish caught was in 1983.

Habitat:

Walleye are found in the deeper parts of bodies of water and are associated with the bottom and the cover available there. This fish occurs in creeks, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. There is a good population of them in the Great Lakes.

Spawning:

Walleye usually spawn in April when the water temp is between 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit. They usually breed over gravel.

Diet:

Walleye feed on various species of bait fish.

Size:

Usually Walleye are between 14-22 inches and weigh about 2-4 pounds. Walleyes do get large and can reach 36 inches and 15 pounds.

Keeping In Aquaria:

I have a friend who keeps a Walleye so it is possible. They do get large though. Breeding in an aquarium would probably be extremely difficult if not impossible.

Gaming Qualities:

Walleye are fun to catch, but they do kind of give up while you are fighting them.

Fishing Tips:

Jigs usually are the best bait for Walleyes. I like to tip them with small minnows.