Walleye Sander viterus
> Walleye are highly prized by anglers for their powerful fighting ability and good taste.
> The maximum size of Walleye is 42 in (107 cm) in length and 29 lb (13 kg) in weight.
> They are apex predators in their aquatic habitats, feeding on a variety of prey species including fish, insects, and crustaceans.
> Walleye exhibit seasonal movements, often migrating to shallow waters for spawning in spring and retreating to deeper areas in summer and winter.
> Walleye are a significant predator of juvenile salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River.
Identification Tips
> Walleye have a sleek, torpedo-shaped body with a distinctive dorsal fin that is deeply notched between two separate sections.
> Most distinguishing feature of Walleye is their large, glassy eyes, which have a reflective layer called the tapetum lucidum that enhances their vision in low-light conditions.
> This species has a large mouth, which extends beyond the middle of the eye. It also has large canine-like teeth.
> Walleye typically display a mottled or blotchy coloration, ranging from olive-green to golden-brown on the back, and a pale belly. They have dusky saddles that extend down the sides as bars.
> The gill covers have scales but the cheeks do not.
> They often have a large white patch on the bottom lobe of the caudal (tail) and anal fins.
Natural History
> Walleye prefer clear, cool waters with ample cover such as submerged vegetation, rocky structures, and fallen trees.
> Prior to spawning they migrate into river tributaries and in lakes they seek out gravelly coastal areas.
> Spawning typically occurs in early spring when water temperatures reach 6-10°C (43-50°F), with females depositing adhesive eggs on submerged rocks or vegetation.
> During spawning, 1-2 females and 2-6 males will form a group. The whole group will spawn at once, with females and males releasing eggs and sperm at the same time.
> The eggs settle into spaces in the substrate and incubate for 10-20 days. Young Walleye remain in the gravel for an additional 10-14 days while absorbing the yolk sac. Once they emerge, they migrate to the surface for feeding.
> Young Walleye larvae are highly vulnerable to predation and require sheltered areas with abundant food sources to survive.
Distribution
> Walleye are native to North America, with populations distributed across the continent from the Great Lakes region and the Mississippi River basin to the northern reaches of Canada.
> They have also been introduced to other regions for recreational fishing, including Oregon, as well as Europe and Asia.
> In the Willamette River, Walleye have been found in the lower and middle reaches in low numbers.
Size
> Adults commonly grow to lengths between 30 and 80 centimeters (12 to 31 inches) and weigh 2 to 3 pounds. Individuals over 90 centimeters (35 inches) and weighing up to 10 pounds have been recorded.
Habitat
> Walleye prefer cold-water areas in a variety of habitats, including lakes or impoundments, rivers and large streams. They live in both clear and turbid water and are bottom-associated.
> Adult Walleye avoid shallow and bright areas during the day but move into those areas to feed at night.
Diet
> Juveniles eat small aquatic invertebrates while adult Walleye are mainly piscivorous (eat fish).
Management Considerations
> Because Walleye is an invasive species, removal by angling has been encouraged in the mainstem Columbia and Sanke rivers. No other management actions have been considered in Oregon.
References
For more information, see references.