Not only is Walleye a great fresh water fish to eat, it is a fascinating game fish with some unique characteristics.  Here are some little known fun facts about this delicious fish. 

Where did the fish get its name?

• The walleye's eyes are adapted to low-light conditions. They have a reflective layer behind their retina called the tapetum lucidum, which helps them see better in murky waters or at night. This gives them superior vision in low light compared to other fish and is why they are often found hunting at dawn or dusk.

• Their name comes from their large, milky, and slightly opaque eyes, which resemble the appearance of a "wall" (as in the eye looking like a wall or "walled" off). In French, they are sometimes called "doré," meaning golden, referring to their golden-yellow coloration.

• Walleye have been known to "stare down" their prey. They approach their food slowly and cautiously, using their superior vision and patience to ambush smaller fish.

What do they eat?

• Walleye are nocturnal hunters. Their exceptional vision allows them to hunt in low light, making dusk and dawn the best times to catch them. This is why walleye fishing is especially popular during the evening hours.

• Walleye are predators and primarily feed on smaller fish, such as perch, minnows, and young game fish. They are also known to consume insects and crustaceans when fish are scarce.

Where do they live?

• Walleye are native to North America, primarily found in the northern U.S. and Canada, especially in the Great Lakes, the Mississippi River system, and other large lakes. They thrive in clear, cool, and deep freshwater.

• While walleye are found in many types of freshwater habitats, they prefer deep, cool waters with clear visibility. They often stay in deeper water during the day and move into shallower water at night to feed.

• Walleye is an iconic fish in many northern U.S. states and Canadian provinces. It is the state fish of Minnesota, South Dakota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. It also holds cultural importance among Indigenous peoples, who have relied on it for sustenance for centuries.

• Walleye are quite sensitive to water temperature, which can affect their feeding behavior. When the water temperature is too warm (above 70°F or 21°C), walleye become lethargic and may avoid feeding.

What makes them a great sport fish?

• Walleye are known for their fast growth in the first few years of life. In ideal conditions, they can grow up to 1 inch per month for the first two years, eventually reaching 18 to 24 inches in length.

• Despite their somewhat sluggish appearance, walleye are strong swimmers, capable of quickly darting after prey or evading predators.

What are the best methods for cooking Walleye?

• Walleye is considered one of the most delicious freshwater fish due to its mild flavor and flaky texture. It’s often compared to perch or bass in terms of taste and is a prized catch for anglers and chefs alike. Many people prefer walleye pan-fried or grilled, but it can also be baked, broiled, or made into fish tacos.

What do they look like?

• The sauger is a closely related species to the walleye, and they are often confused with one another. They look similar but differ in color, with saugers having a darker, more mottled appearance and more pronounced dark vertical bands on their bodies. Walleye have more golden or yellowish tones and a clearer, more defined lateral line.