A long olive-bronze fish with reflective eyes that glow in low light — an adaptation for hunting at dawn, dusk, and night. The state fish of Minnesota, Vermont, Ohio, and South Dakota.

Also called: Pickerel (informal/incorrect)

Native status: Native to north-central US/Canada; widely stocked

§ Quick facts

SizeLength 35–70 cm (14–28 in); record 92 cm
Weight0.9–4.5 kg (2–10 lb); record 11 kg
LifespanWild 7–10 years; record 29
OrderPerciformes
FamilyPercidae

§ Encyclopedia

The walleye, also called the walleyed pike, yellow pike, yellow pikeperch or yellow pickerel, is a freshwater perciform fish native to most of Canada and to the Northern United States. It is a North American close relative of the European zander, also known as the pikeperch. The walleye is sometimes called the yellow walleye to distinguish it from the blue walleye, which is a color morph that was once found in the southern Ontario and Quebec regions, but is now presumed extinct. However, recent genetic analysis of a preserved (frozen) 'blue walleye' sample suggests that the blue and yellow walleye were simply phenotypes within the same species and do not merit separate taxonomic classification.

Source: Wikipedia — Walleye Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Long olive-bronze fish with white belly; large reflective eyes; sharp spines on first dorsal.

Similar species. Sauger (smaller, mottled). Yellow Perch (different body shape, banded).

Voice. Silent.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Small fish (primary), aquatic invertebrates.

Behavior. Crepuscular predator with reflective eyes for low-light vision. Forms schools in lakes. State fish of multiple states.

§ Range

Native to north-central US and Canada; stocked widely

§ Habitat

Large lakes and rivers, often over rocky and sandy bottoms

§ Threats

Climate-driven warming of northern lakes, mercury contamination, invasive species (especially zebra mussels altering water clarity).

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the walleye is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Follow catch limits. Support clean lakes. Reduce mercury pollution by skipping coal-fired electricity where possible.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Minnesota DNR
  • Walleyes Forever
  • American Fisheries Society
  • IUCN Red List 2013