Walleye

Reproduction

Fishing for Walleye during low-light hours and throughout the night can be very productive. ©Photo by Tim Aldridge

• Large teeth designed for puncturing and holding prey
• 2 distinct, disconnected dorsal fins
• The front, spinous dorsal fin has a distinct dark blotch at the rear connection point
• White blotching on the bottom of the caudal fin
• 6 to 8 blotches throughout the dorsal, atop a white belly
• Brassy – Olive sides with flakes of green or gold
• Eye may appear to be cloudy

Percidae Characteristics and Anatomical Terms

Illustrations by ©Makayla Haggard – DWR

Distribution

Walleye are native to the Big Sandy, Tennessee, and New River drainages of Virginia. Naturalized populations are found in the Roanoke and Nottoway drainages, as well as several reservoirs across the Commonwealth. Most of Virginia’s Walleye populations are maintained by supplemental stocking efforts made by Virginia DWR.

Habitat

Walleye in Virginia prefer our larger and cooler waterbodies. They orient to submerged hard structures such as boulders, logs, and rock ledges. They will often conceal themselves near these structures during peak daylight hours, and become more active as light fades into nighttime.

Walley will spawn in habitats with clean rocky substrates, often near submerged aquatic vegetation. In Virginia, Walleye spawn in late winter when water temperatures range from the upper 40s to lower 50s degrees Fahrenheit.

Diet

Walleye are a highly piscivorous species, primarily preying on other species of fish. As opportunistic predators, they will also consume crayfish, amphibians, insects, and other aquatic and terrestrial wildlife that presents an easy meal.

Additional Information

Walleye / Saugeye Management Plan

Walleye & Saugeye Production and Stocking

Walleye Fishing Forecast

An angler shows off a beautiful winter-catch Walleye. ©Photo by Kayleigh Tuttle