Walleye
Stizostedion vitreum

Key Distinguishing Markings:

• The walleye is named after its large opaque and almost blind-looking eye.
• The large reflective surface of its eyes give the walleye a sight advantage over other fish, allowing them to find prey during the night.
• The walleye has a dark green or olive-green back, light brownish yellow sides, and a white belly.
• The back is crossed with five to twelve narrow dark bands.
• The walleye has two dorsal fins, the first having a dark spot at the posterior base of the fin.
• The lower lobe of the caudal fin and the anal fin are white at the tip.

• The walleye is the largest member of the perch family, attaining lengths of more than 30 inches and weights of more than 10 pounds.

• Walleye are common in most of Canada and the northern U.S., however they have been introduced throughout the United States as far south as Alabama.
• In Maryland, good walleye populations are found in Deep Creek Lake, Youghiogheny River Reservoir, Jennings Randolph Lake, Savage River Reservoir, Potomac River, and Liberty Reservoir.
• Efforts are currently underway to establish walleye populations in other Maryland reservoirs.

• Walleye prefer large, clear, cool waterbodies with gravel and sandy substrate.

• Feeding occurs during mainly during the dawn and dusk time periods.
• Walleye prey primarily on spottail shiners, emerald shiners, and yellow perch.
• Other important prey species include bluegills, crappie, bullheads, and crayfish.
• Young walleye feed primarily on zooplankton, aquatic invertebrates, and small juvenile fish.

• Walleye rely heavily on stony shoals for spawning.
• Spawning occurs in the early spring, usually just after ice-out when water temperatures are between 38 - 50 F.
• The female broadcasts her eggs, then two or more males release their milt to fertilize the eggs.
• The eggs are very adhesive, sticking to the rocks and gravel on the shoal.
• A single female can produce as many as 495,000 eggs.
• Incubation is from five days to two weeks.
• The young then leave the spawning areas and grow to be about five to six inches by fall.
• Males reach sexual maturity in two to four years, while females reach sexual maturity in three to five years.

• Fishing for walleye is most productive in the evening using minnow type lures or jigs fished near the bottom over rock piles or along the edges of weed beds.
• Nightcrawlers and live minnows worked very slowly are also good producers.
• Walleye are considered to be one of the best tasting freshwater fish.
• For current recreational size and creel limits, see Maryland's updated regulation page.

Fun Facts:

• The Maryland State Record walleye was captured in Jennings Randolph Lake, Garrett County during 1998 and measured 34 inches and weighed 14 lbs. 4 oz.

For information concerning walleye and their management, please contact  John Mullican at 301-898-5443 or  jmullican@dnr.state.md.us