Walleye

Sander vitreus

Species Overview

Physical Characteristics

Walleyes display a robust, slightly compressed body built for efficient swimming in open water and near bottom areas. Their olive, gold, or bronze coloration features darker mottling or brassy flecks creating a marbled appearance along the back and sides. Five to nine dark saddle-like bands extend down the sides, becoming less distinct in larger fish. The reflective layer in their eyes (tapetum lucidum) provides superior low-light vision, creating the characteristic glowing appearance. Their sharp, conical teeth are positioned for grasping rather than cutting.

The first dorsal fin displays prominent dark spotting, while the lower tail fin lobe shows the signature white tip that helps distinguish walleyes from similar species like sauger.

Fishing Information

Size Range

14-18 inches (length)

Best Lakes

Central Chain

Peak Season

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter (Ice Fishing)

Best Baits

jigs, live bait, crankbaits, blades,

Fishing Guide

Best Fishing Times:

Dawn, Night
Peak Fishing Seasons:

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter (Ice Fishing)
Recommended Lures:

jigs, live bait, crankbaits, blades,
Abundance in Chain:

Rare
Fighting Quality:

Excellent Fighter

Habitat & Behavior

Walleyes are schooling fish that prefer cooler, deeper waters with moderate current and rocky or gravel bottom structure. They are primarily crepuscular and nocturnal feeders, most active during low-light conditions (dawn, dusk, night, and overcast days). During bright sunlight, walleyes move to deeper water or seek shade under structures. They are highly migratory, moving seasonally between deep and shallow water based on temperature, spawning cycles, and prey availability. Walleyes are roaming predators that actively cruise for food rather than ambush hunting like pike.

Spawning Season & Behavior

Primary Spawn: March-April (immediately after ice-out or when water temperatures reach 42-50°F); typically 1-2 weeks after northern pike spawn; one of the earliest spring spawners

Spawning Habitat: Shallow rocky areas, gravel bars, and reefs in 2-12 feet of water; tributary streams with gravel/rubble bottom and moderate current; windswept rocky shorelines; prefer areas with clean, hard bottom free of silt; may use rocky riprap, dam spillways, and man-made structures

Reproductive Behavior: No nest building or territorial defense; walleyes move from deep winter holding areas to shallow spawning sites in large aggregations; spawning typically occurs at night; females move onto spawning sites accompanied by multiple smaller males (2-6 males per female); female broadcasts eggs while swimming over rocky substrate; males simultaneously release milt to fertilize eggs; eggs are adhesive and settle into rock crevices; single female produces 35,000-500,000 eggs depending on size and age; no parental care after spawning; eggs hatch in 12-18 days depending on water temperature (faster in warmer water); fry initially drift and feed on microscopic zooplankton; at 1/2 inch begin feeding on insect larvae; transition to fish diet at 2-3 inches; females reach sexual maturity at 3-4 years (15-17 inches); males mature earlier at 2-3 years (12-14 inches)

Conservation Status

Stable with active management; population maintained through stocking programs and regulated harvest

Management Efforts: Annual or biennial stocking of fingerlings and advanced fingerlings in Fox Chain O’Lakes; habitat improvement projects focusing on rocky spawning areas; water quality monitoring and improvement initiatives; creel surveys to monitor harvest and population trends; adaptive management adjusting stocking rates based on survival and growth data

Threats: Limited natural spawning habitat in Fox Chain system (few suitable rocky areas and tributary streams); water quality fluctuations affecting survival; competition with abundant predator species (pike, bass) for forage; siltation of rocky spawning areas from erosion; overharvest potential without active management; invasive species competing for food resources

Protection Measures: Minimum size limit (14 inches) protects juvenile fish allowing growth before harvest; daily bag limit (6 fish) prevents overharvest; continued stocking programs supplement natural reproduction; spawning habitat protection and potential enhancement projects; angler education promoting selective harvest (releasing larger females); water quality improvement initiatives; monitoring programs tracking population health and recruitment success

Best Practices for Anglers: Use appropriate tackle to land fish quickly reducing stress; circle hooks for live bait reduce deep hooking; landing nets prevent injury; support fish horizontally never by jaw only; minimize air exposure (under 30 seconds); revive exhausted fish before release; consider releasing fish over 18 inches as prime spawners; photograph quickly with fish in water when possible; report tagged fish to IDNR for population research

Fishing Techniques

Jig and Minnow/Live Bait: Most productive walleye technique; cast or vertical jig with 1/4-3/8 oz jig tipped with minnow, leech, or crawler; lift-drop motion with pauses; maintain bottom contact; feel for subtle bites

Trolling Crankbaits: Cover large areas to locate schools; use planer boards for spread; follow contour lines at 1.5-2.5 mph; vary depths until finding active fish; parallel weed edges and drop-offs

Slip Bobber Rigging: Position live bait at specific depths over structure; excellent for fishing rocky reefs and humps; allows precise depth control; effective when fish are suspended; 8-15 feet depths most productive

Bottom Bouncing/Spinner Rigs: Drag bottom bouncer with spinner rig and live bait; slow trolling presentation (0.8-1.2 mph); covers water methodically; effective in deeper water 15-30 feet

Vertical Jigging: Position boat over structure and drop jig directly below; lift and drop motion; effective on humps, drop-offs, and suspended fish; blade baits and jigging spoons excel; maintain feel for subtle strikes

Casting and Retrieving: Cast crankbaits or swimbaits to structure; vary retrieve speed from slow-steady to stop-and-go; work points, weed edges, and rocky areas; early morning and evening prime times

Night Fishing: Shallow water casting (8-15 feet) with jigs or crankbaits; focus on rocky points and shallow reefs; walleyes move up to feed; use dark-colored jigs; slow presentations; headlamp with red light preserves night vision

Ice Fishing: Jigging spoons or jigs with minnow heads in 25-40 feet; stationary tip-ups with live minnows; low-light periods best; move frequently to locate schools; Electronics essential for finding fish and depth

Current Regulations

Daily Limit:

6 fish per day
Minimum Length:

14 inches (Illinois statewide)
Special Rules:

Size Compliance: All walleyes under 14 inches must be immediately released; measure carefully before retention

Night Fishing Allowed: No restrictions on fishing hours; night fishing highly productive for walleyes

Live Bait Regulations: Check current regulations for baitfish collection and transport; some species restricted

Selective Harvest Recommended: Consider releasing larger females (over 20 inches) as prime spawners for population sustainability

Proper Handling: Use landing nets; minimize handling time; support fish horizontally; quick photos for releases

Ice Fishing: Standard limits apply year-round; tip-ups must be attended or clearly marked with owner information

Tournament Regulations: Special permits may be required for organized events; check with IDNR