One of the best ways to get better at catching your target species of fish, is to know more about them. Here is some information you probably didn't know about them that I think you will like.
What is a Walleye?
Walleye (Sander vitreus) is a freshwater fish species native to North America. It is a member of the perch family and is highly prized by anglers for its delicious, flaky white meat.
Walleye typically have a golden-olive color on the upper body and a white belly, with dark blotches on the sides. In Lake Winnipeg of Manitoba, Canada they are known to be a emerald green (aka. Manitoba Green Backs). They have a large mouth with sharp teeth and distinctive, reflective eyes that give them their name. The eyes are situated on the front of the head and have a layer of pigment called the tapetum lucidum, which helps the fish see in low light conditions and makes their eyes appear to glow.
Walleye are primarily found in clear, cool lakes and rivers with sandy or rocky bottoms, and they are known to be most active during low light conditions such as early morning and late evening. They are also popular game fish, sought after by many anglers for their fighting ability, the challenge of catching them and for their Taste.
The flavor of walleye is often described as sweet, mild, and slightly nutty, with a tender, flaky texture that is moist and succulent when cooked properly.
Are Walleyes and Saugers Related?
Yes, saugers (Sander Canadensis) and Walleyes (Sander Vitreus) are closely related fish species and are members of the genus, Sander. They are both members of the perch family (Percidae) and share many similar physical characteristics and habits.
Saugers are often mistaken for Walleyes because they look very similar in appearance, with the same golden-olive color on the upper body and white belly, along with dark blotches on the sides. However, there are a few key differences that can help distinguish the two species. Saugers Typically have more pronounced pattern of dark spots on their dorsal fin (the fin on the top or their backs), a slightly larger eye and a more slender body shape compared to Walleyes.
Saugers are also often found in the same habitats as Walleyes, such as clear, cool lakes and rivers with sandy or rocky bottoms, and are generally not as large as Walleyes.
Where do Walleyes like to hide?
Walleyes are known to be ambush predators and often like to hide in structures or areas where then can easily ambush their prey. Here are a few good places where you may be able to find Walleye hiding.
- Weed Edges: Walleye often hide in the edges of weed beds where they can ambush bait fish.
- Dropp-Offs: Walleye often hang out near drop-offs or ledges where they can quickly move from deep to shallow water to feed.
- Underwater Structures: As a predator, Walleye often hide in or near underwater structures such as rocks, logs, and submerged trees. These structures provide cover and a place to ambush prey.
- Points: Walleye often hang out near points or areas where the shoreline steps out into the water. These areas provide access to deeper water and often great places to find bait fish.
- Currents: Walleye often like to hang out in areas with a current, such as near a river or mouth of a creek. The current can bring in bait fish and other prey, making it a good place for Walleye to feed.
What are some of the Best techniques to catching Walleye?
Walleye can be a challenging fish to catch, but there are a few techniques that are often successful:
- Jigging: Walleye are often caught by jigging, which involves using a jig (a type of fishing lure primarily made with a lead head and now the popular, Tungsten) to bounce it up and down in the water column. Try using a jig with a minnow or leech as bait, and experiment with different jigging rhythms and depths until you find what works.
- Trolling: If you have a boat, trolling can also be an effective way to catching Walleye. Covering more area of water compared to being anchored in one spot. Try using a crankbait or spinner with a slow, steady retrieve, or a worm harness with a nightcrawler or leech.
- Drifting: Drifting can be effective in deeper water. Use a jig or a bottom bouncer with a worm, leech, or minnow as bait and let it drift along the bottom.
- Casting: Casting can be effective around rocky structures or weed beds. Try using a jig or a spinner with a slow, steady retrieve, or a soft plastic bait such as a worm or minnow type.
- Night fishing: Walleye are often more active at night. Just before sunrise and sundown, so consider fishing during low light conditions. Use a lighted bobber to help you see when you get a bite.
As with any fishing technique, it's important to experiment with different lures, baits, and techniques until you find what works best for the specific conditions and location you're fishing in.
What are the best colors to use to catch Walleye?
When it comes to fishing for walleye, the best colors to use can vary depending on the time of day, weather conditions, water clarity, and other factors. However, here are some general guidelines for choosing colors that can be effective for catching walleye:
- Natural colors: Walleye are often attracted to natural colors that mimic the appearance of their prey. Colors like silver, gold, white, black, and brown can be effective, particularly in clear water.
- Bright colors: In murky or stained water, brighter colors like chartreuse, fluorescent orange, and bright pink can be effective in attracting walleye. These colors can help the lure stand out and be more visible to the fish.
- Contrasting colors: Some anglers find that using lures with contrasting colors can be effective for catching walleye. For example, a jig with a white body and a black tail, or a crankbait with a silver body and a gold belly can be effective.
- Glow-in-the-dark colors: Walleye are often more active during low light conditions, so using lures that glow in the dark can be effective for night fishing. Green, blue, and chartreuse are popular colors for glow-in-the-dark lures.
Remember to experiment with different colors and techniques to find what works best for the specific location and conditions where you are fishing.
What do walleyes taste like?
Walleyes are highly regarded by anglers and seafood lovers for their delicious taste and delicate texture. The flavor of walleye is often described as sweet, mild, and slightly nutty, with a tender, flaky texture that is moist and succulent when cooked properly. The flesh of the fish is white and has a low-fat content, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a healthy source of protein.
Walleye is a versatile fish that can be cooked in many different ways, including grilling, baking, frying, or even raw as sushi or sashimi. Some popular preparations include breaded or batter and fried walleye fillets, grilled walleye with lemon and herbs, or baked walleye with butter and spices. Many people enjoy walleye served with a side of potatoes, rice, or other vegetables, as well as with a variety of sauces or marinades.
Overall, walleye is a delicious and highly sought-after fish that is beloved by many for its delicate flavor and versatile cooking options.
What are some great ways to cook Walleye?
Walleye is a versatile fish that can be cooked in many different ways depending on your personal preference. Here are a few popular ways to cook Walleye:
- Pan-fried: One of the most popular ways to cook Walleye is to pan-fry it. Coat the Walleye fillets in seasoned flour or breadcrumbs and fry them in a skillet with a small amount of oil until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside and cooked through and flakey on the inside.
- Grilled: Grilled Walleye is another popular preparation method that brings out the natural flavor of the fish. Brush the fillets with olive oil or melted butter and season with herbs and spices, then grill over medium-high heat for a few minutes on each side until the fish is cooked through and has grill marks.
- Baked: Baked walleye is a simple and delicious way to prepare this fish. Place the seasoned walleye fillets in a baking dish, drizzle with melted butter or olive oil, and bake in the oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Poached: Poaching is a gentle cooking method that helps keep the fish moist and tender. Simmer the seasoned walleye fillets in a mixture of water or broth and herbs until the fish is cooked through and opaque, then serve with a sauce or vegetables.
- Deep Fried: Battered or breaded and deep fried with a side of fries is another popular way to enjoy this fish. For battered, preheat canola or peanut oil in a large pot to 350°F, pat your Walleye filets dry with a paper towel and dump it in your favorite batter mixture until fully coated, gently place the battered fillet in your hot pot of oil. Cook for 5 minutes until batter is a golden brown and fully cooked. For Breaded, preheat canola or peanut oil in a large pot to 350°F, prep the fillets and coat them with a little water or milk or egg mixture, toss fillets in a plate or bag of seasoned premixed breadcrumbs, and gently place in your pot of hot oil. Cook for roughly 5 minutes until golden brown and cooked thoroughly.
Overall, the best way to cook walleye is to choose a method that you enjoy and that brings out the natural flavor of the fish. Experiment with different recipes and techniques to find your favorite way to cook Walleye.
I hope that this information was helpful and made you a better angler than you were before. Use these tips and techniques change your hunting game and catch more Walleye on your next fishing adventure.
Reminder - Be mindfull about the amount of fish you catch and keep. Try your best to quickly and safely release your Walleye back into the water to reduce their stress and increase their chances of survival, especially the big ones. With more bigger Walleyes in our waters, it gives an opportunity for our future anglers (our kids) to catch them with the same excitement we get when catching that big one.
Clean Water and Shores = Greater Fishing Future