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Walleye

Sander vitreus

A low-light North American freshwater predator with glassy eyes, sharp teeth, and gold-olive sides.

Freshwater
Walleye side profile
USFWS Mountain Prairie, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Identification points

  • Large reflective eyes adapted for low light.
  • Gold to olive body with darker saddle markings.
  • White tip on the lower tail fin and sharp teeth.

Habitat

Large lakes, reservoirs, rivers, rocky points, reefs, weed edges, and current breaks.

Bait notes

Jigs, minnows, leeches, nightcrawlers, crankbaits, and spinner rigs are common.

Behavior

Often feeds at dawn, dusk, night, and in stained water.

Caution

Harvest limits are commonly strict and waterbody-specific.

Fishing notes

Depth control and slow presentations are often important.