Walleye (Sander vitreus)

Body Type & Identification: Olive-gold to brown with brassy mottling and a distinctive white tip on the lower lobe of the tail. Large, glassy eyes with a reflective tapetum that glow in low light — an adaptation for feeding in low-light conditions. The most popular table fish in freshwater North America — the premier food fish of the Great Lakes.

Preferred Water Temperature: 60°F–72°F. A low-light feeder most active at dawn, dusk, and night — their specialized eyes give them a major advantage over prey in dim conditions. Most active when light levels are low — overcast days, dawn, dusk, and after dark produce the best action.

Habitat: Large lakes, reservoirs, and rivers of the Great Lakes region, upper Midwest, and Canada. Prefer open water with sand, gravel, or rocky bottom — often found over mid-lake humps, rocky points, and river channel edges. Extremely popular ice fishing target throughout the northern US and Canada.

Best Lures: Jigs (1/8–3/8 oz) with soft plastic bodies or live minnows are the all-time top producers — jigged slowly near bottom. Trolling with spinner rigs (bottom bouncers and crawler harnesses) covers water effectively and produces large fish. Jigging Raps and blade baits in winter through the ice are outstanding. Lindy Rigs with live minnows are a classic presentation. Crankbaits trolled at night produce trophy fish on large lakes.

Best Baits: Live minnows (fathead minnows, emerald shiners) are the top natural bait — hooked through the lips on a jig or Lindy Rig and worked slowly near bottom. Nightcrawlers on a spinner harness are outstanding in summer. Large leeches are excellent especially in summer — very popular in Minnesota. Live small perch produce large Walleye where legal.

Top 5 Destinations: Lake Erie OH/PA/NY, Lake of the Woods MN/Canada, Mille Lacs Lake MN, Devils Lake ND, Fort Peck Lake MT.