Utah's Game Fish: Walleye

Also called pike-perch, yellow pike and pickerel. It is the largest member of the perch family. The walleye has an elongated body and is best identified by the large, glassy eyes and intimidating canine teeth. The fish has a greenish or brown upper body with a few darker saddlelike markings or splotches on the back, which fade into a yellow or white belly. The tip of the anal fin and tail are sometimes tipped with white. The dorsal fin and anal fin have sharp spines that require careful handling.

Characteristics

The walleye is a very popular game fish in the Great Lakes region but has not gained the same recognition here in Utah, mainly because it is not an easy fish to catch by traditional Utah fishing methods. Best fishing is during the spring spawn or during low lighting conditions, i.e. early mornings and evenings and at night. Because of this characteristic, nature has given them large, glassy eyes that allow them to see better under dark and low-light conditions. They prefer cold-water lakes and rivers and head for deep water during bright daylight hours where they remain dormant but will feed if food is available. First planted in 1951 in Utah in Gunnison, Delta and Yuba reservoirs, and Utah Lake, it has expanded its range, sometimes through illegal planting by individuals. Walleye typically feed on crayfish, other fish, leeches, worms and insects and grow rapidly where forage allows.The world record fish weighed 25 pounds. The Utah record is 19 pounds, 9 ounces, and was pulled from the Provo River in 1991. Most walleye, however, range between 1 and 4 pounds. Many consider the walleye to be the best of the freshwater fish for eating as the flesh is white, flaky and has a mild flavor. When hooked, the walleye puts up a fair fight, but its endurance is short. It is found in most states in the United States except Alaska, Maine, Delaware, California and Florida.

Location