This pike-like freshwater perch is a ‘perciform’ fish native to the northern United States and southern Canada. The walleye (Sander vitreus vitreus, or Stizostedion vitreum vitreum) is considered the North American relative of the European walleye, although they are not in the same family.
Walleye are usually larger than perch and can be distinguished from them by the color of their scales. Some walleye are often referred to as pike or yellow pike, although this name should be discouraged as they are not walleye or pike fish, but yellow walleye is the correct name, it is also used to distinguish it from the extinct blue walleye.
Walleye show some variation between watersheds, and their peculiar name comes from the fact that their cat-like eyes reflect light. The light in the walleye’s eyes is the result of a light-gathering layer called the tapetum lucidum. This feature allows fish to see well in low light conditions.
Because walleye feed at night, anglers often seek them out knowing their luminescent eyes. This fish can also see well in stained or rough murky water, giving them an advantage over their prey. Walleye is often found in breaking waters off Minnesota, at Mille Lacs Lake, Brainerd Lakes area, Lake of The Woods, Rainy River, Kabetogama Lake, Leech Lake, Saint Croix River, and Mississippi.
Other states with walleye in their waters include Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Michigan, Ohio, Montana, and Nebraska, in addition to Canada, particularly in the Ontario and Toronto areas. Walleye can be found lurking in murky water, but their natural habitat is in clean water, particularly deep mesotrophic lakes and moderate to low gradient rivers.
Walleye are “cold water” species that grow to about 30 inches (75 cm) long and weigh about 15 pounds (7 kg), though their growth rate sometimes depends on where in their range they are. . Southern populations generally grow larger and faster than other fish in the same family, however females of all walleye species grow larger than males.
It is not normal to find a walleye older than 5 or 6 years, but it is known that they can live for several decades. The oldest walleye on record reached 29 years of age. Walleyes are olive on the back and golden on the flanks, divided by 5 dark saddles that extend to the top of their sides, and are distinguished from dachshunds by their white coloration on the lower tail lobe.
Walleye are best caught when the water temperature drops below 55º F, this is why this fish is a favorite catch during the fall, when also the turbidity of the rivers decreases the visual stimulus of the walleye, that they can see their food floating, making it easier for the angler to see their activity.
There is a website that has great information on most freshwater fish species. It has details pertaining to each fish species such as habitat, spawning, eating habits, best lures and baits and more, the website is called: Fishing Stringer, and can be found at this url:
http://www.fishingstringer.com
By Robert W. Benjamin
Copyright © 2007
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