WALLEYE (Stizostedion vitreum)

The Walleye is sometimes incorrectly called a "pickerel". A true pickerel is a member of the pike family and is found only in the waters of eastern Canada. Now you know !

Description: The Walleye is an attractive fish that has a yellow-green back, brassy-silver sides, and white on the bottom. The Walleye can also be identified by a white edge on the lower part of the tail, and the two distinct fins on it’s back. Watch out for the fin closest to it’s head, it has extremely sharp spikes that can easily penetrate your hands. The Walleye may also have dusky vertical bars on it’s body and you can’t help but notice a full mouth of razor sharp teeth..

Size: Walleye can grow to a whopping 16 pounds in Alberta although the average size is in the 3 to 6 pound range. Recent studies on Southern Alberta reservoirs have indicated that Walleye mature at different rates in different bodies of water. For instance, a Walleye in Crawling Valley reservoir may mature at 6 years of age while a Walleye in Lake Newell may mature at 7 or 8 years of age. It is very important to obey all restrictions on Walleye harvest in order to ensure the longevity of this fantastic game fish.

Habitat: Walleye can be found in most bodies of water in Alberta except in the foothills and mountains. Walleye prefer to inhabit deeper waters, but will come into the shallows to spawn and to feed. Walleye are drawn to structure and will often be found at break lines and drop-off. Walleye are a migratory fish so just because you find them in a hot spot one day doesn’t guarantee they’ll be there the next. Good Hunting !

Diet: Walleye feed mainly on other fish like Perch, Lake Whitefish, and minnows. When other fish are scarce the Walleye has no problem eating insects, snails, frogs, and small mammals.

Angling Techniques: There are hundreds of books and instructional videos dedicated to the art of Walleye fishing. Some of the more common techniques are to use a slow moving jig along the bottom tipped with a leech or minnow, bottom bouncers and slip bobbers tipped with bait, and pickerel rigs with minnows, worms or leeches. The best bet is to talk to the nearest Walleye fisherman and see what’s working the best !

Walleye Hot Spots: Crawling Valley Reservoir, Rattlesnake/Sauder Reservoir, South Saskatchewan River, 100 Mile Coulee.