Get to Know the Walleye Fish Species
The walleye or Sander vitreus is one of the most popular game fish in North America. It is a relative of the perch and is a sought-after fish for its size, looks and its great taste. This particular species is found in great numbers in Canada and the U.S., specifically the northern areas.
The species
The walleye is just one of the 140 or so fish species that belong to the perch family. Walleye generally appear with characteristic colorings that include a white to off-white belly, golden sides and dark olive back.
Young walleye have dark spots on their backs and on the sides. When they grow older, they lose these colorings. The colorings of walleye depend greatly on their location and the physical characteristics tend to vary slightly according to their environment.
The walleye is so named because of its eyes. Its retina is designed to gather and reflect light very efficiently, which allows it to live even in low light conditions.
Male walleye reach adulthood at about 3 or 4 years of age, while females become mature at about 5 years. In winter or spring, adult walleye migrate to spawn, choosing areas in the streams or rivers that have rock and gravel. In other areas, walleye choose locations that contain vegetation or sand.
A mature female can lay as many as half a million eggs in one spawning season. Incubation can last from two weeks to one month, depending on the water temperature.
Walleye diet
As fry, walleye feed on planktons and larvae. They also eat other fish, such as ciscoes and yellow perch. Generally, though, walleye prefer leeches, worms, crayfish and minnows.
As a sport fish
The walleye is the species of fish that is highly valued as a sport fish in many parts of North America. It is also considered as one of those that are economically valuable. As a commercial fish, the walleye is also a major objective among fishermen.
Walleye reach lengths of about 30 inches or more, depending on the availability of food in their habitat. They also reach weights of about 15 to 25 lbs. On average, most walleye caught are about 5 years old, although some walleye that live in under fished areas can reach over 25 years of age.
The average size of the walleye caught by most anglers is about 2 lbs. Other than humans, walleye also have a natural enemy in the muskellunge and the northern pike.
Other names
The walleye is called by several other names, including yellow walleye, pickerel, yellow pike and walleyed pike.
Tags: game fish, walleye, walleyed pike
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