On this page you’ll get the chance to learn about walleye and walleye fishing. Both the novice and expert angler can find information in this section to help improve their skills. To start you’ll learn about walleye and get an idea about what they do and why they do it. We follow that up with some of the best walleye fishing tips currently available to us. In addition, we will also provide you with walleye world fishing records, walleye facts and a list of additional resources.

• About Walleye (Sander Vitreus)
• Walleye Fishing Tips, Tricks and Techniques
• Walleye Fishing Records
• Walleye Facts
• Additional Resources on Walleye

About Walleye (Sander Vitreus)

Walleye (sander viterus) is a species of fish native to Canada and the northern United States. Walleye live in freshwater and are a perciform fish. Walleye are also called yellow walleye at times to distinguish it from blue walleye, which went extinct in the 1980s in the Great Lakes of North America. Walleye emerge from their eggs at about 1 1/2 to 2 inches in the late spring and can reach as much as 6 inches by fall. Their diet changes quickly as they begin to grow, changing from invertebrates to other fish. Technically, they never stop growing and have a vicious appetite.

Walleye are solitary fish, but there has been examples of them working in cooperation to capture prey. In clear water walleye will be found resting close to the bottom and searching for prey from the surface to the bottom during the evening. In water that is murky they tend to feed along the bottom throughout the entire day. You can easily identify a walleye (sander viterus) by its colors and color patterns. They are olive and gold in color. The dorsal fin is olive, grading into a gold hue on the flanks. They have five darker saddles that extend to the upper sides that break up the olive/gold pattern and the white color shades on the belly. Walleye have a very large mouth with razor sharp teeth.

Walleye Fishing Tips, Tricks and Techniques

We put these tips together by searching the internet for the most successful tips. Many of the below tips were sent to us by anglers like yourself.

• Use a Light Line – By using a light fishing line such as Berkley’s Trilene Big Game, you’ll get less resistance and drag when using a lure. This lets the walleye suck in the lure more easily and prevents you from getting a short strike. Remember, walleye inhale their prey most of the time and if that flow is prevented you’ll get a short strike.
• Try a Bottom Bouncing Rig – An L-shaped bottom bouncing rig is a great way to fish for walleye. As you retrieve your line the rig will bounce up and down off the bottom. This is a great way to attract walleye and give them an opportunity to do a hard strike— just make sure you go slow and steady.
• Artificial Lures Can Be Effective – Crankbait is the artificial lure of choice for most Walleye fishermen. But not all crankbait is created equally. You want a brand that accurately mimics the look and movement of real baitfish. We recommend Dynamic crankbait.
• Don’t Forget About Minnows – Minnows are one of the best live baits to use to catch walleye, especially when the water is cool and clear. A 2″ to 4″ minnow is sufficient when hooked behind the dorsal fin or through the lips by a #1 to #4 hook. Make sure to add a few split shots to your line and slowly reel in after you cast, only a turn or two per rep. If you don’t have split shots, then check out the Water Gremlin Split Shot Pro Pack.
• Stealth is Vital – When fishing for walleye from a boat you need to remember that walleye can detect when a boat pulls up, especially when it’s gas powered. Instead try coasting into your walleye hotspot from 40′ to 50′ out. You don’t want to give yourself away!
• Scent Matters – The presentation of your bait/lure/jig is very important, but so is the scent. Do your best to avoid getting man made and unnatural scents on your rig as this can easily tip off a walleye that something isn’t right. You can also use scent to your advantage by applying Liquid Mayhem Fishing Attractant to your lure.

Walleye Fishing Records

Do you ever wonder what the current record is for walleye? If you have then you’re in luck, we’ve displayed that information below. The below world record walleye information came from the IGFA (International Game Fish Association) at the time this content was written. It’s amazing how long ago some of these fishing records were set. It’s just more proof that we need to practice more catch and release with walleye and prevent the destruction of their environment.

Mabry Happer caught a walleye in Old Hickory Lake in Tennessess, USA on August 2nd 1960 that weighted 11.34 kg (25 lbs. 0 oz.)

Walleye Facts

If you just need some quick facts about walleye then the section below is perfect for you. We put together these walleye facts to make it easy for you to get the information you need about walleye. We use averages to give you a more realistic expectation when fishing for walleye. Remember, those monster walleye you hear about only make up about 1% of the entire walleye population.

• Scientific Name: Walleye (sander viterus)
• Nickname(s): Colored pike, pickerel, yellow pike and yellow walleye
• Average Lifespan: 10 to 15 years in the wild
• Average Length: 10″ to 15″
• Average Weight: 1 lbs. to 3 lbs.
• Range: North America
• Spawning Water Temperature: 43-50ºF

Additional Resources on Walleye

Hopefully the tips on this page can make you more successful at catching walleye. However if you’d like to do more research then we’ve put together the below resources for you. Don’t forget to share our site with your friends, family, co-workers and other fellow anglers.

• Successful Walleye Fishing – A comprehensive book that covers everything about Walleye. There are some great strategies featured in this book.
• Walleye Discussion Forum – An active forum community of anglers who love to fish for walleye and post fishing reports.