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.
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