WALLEYE (Sander vitreus)
ALIAS: Walleyed pike, walleyed pickerel
IDENTIFICATION: Elongate, slightly compressed; olive-brown to brassy greenish-yellow above with dusk to black mottlings, belly whitish with yellow-green tinge. Mouth extends to eye, has canine teeth; preopercle serrate. Dorsal fins separate; first dorsal fin dusky with black edge, black blotch on membranes of last 2-3 spines; caudal fin forked, tip of lower lobe white. Lateral line complete, 82-92 scales.
DIET: Mainly small fish such as juvenile Yellow Perch, White Suckers, Rainbow Smelt and various minnows, depending on forage base and opportunity; also eats insects, crayfish, leeches, and other small prey.
HABITAT: Deep waters of large streams, lakes, and reservoirs over firm sand, gravel, or rocks.
SPAWNING: March to April when water temperatures are 40-50̊ F. Unfortunately, due to the absence of running water and a properly sized aggregate, walleye usually do not spawn in ponds.
FISHING TIPS: Jigs tipped with fathead minnows or night-crawlers are ideal lures for walleye. They are often caught in the pre-dawn and dusk on cloudy days.
USE: Available East Slope (East of Continental Divide); West Slope – CPW Authorization Required; Call to Confirm Pricing & Availability
Walleye not suggested for ponds reaching 80+ degrees in summertime.