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Walleye
Sander vitreus
14–22 inches
Typical Length
1–4 lbs
Typical Weight
Mid-May (Saturday closest to May 15)
Season Opens
20%
% of MN Lakes
Minnesota's most popular gamefish, the walleye is prized for its excellent table fare and challenging fight. Found in lakes and rivers across the state, walleye are most active during low-light conditions at dawn and dusk.
Habitat
Walleye prefer clean, cool lakes with gravel or sand bottoms. They relate to structure like points, reefs, and drop-offs during the day, moving shallow to feed at night. Wind-blown shorelines and current areas concentrate feeding fish.
When to Fish
Best months: May, June, September, October
Season opens: Mid-May (Saturday closest to May 15)
Opener weekend is a state tradition. Fall bite can be exceptional as walleye feed heavily before winter. Ice fishing for walleye is also hugely popular.
Did You Know?
- Their eyes contain a reflective layer called the tapetum lucidum, giving them excellent night vision and that signature glassy-eyed look.
- Minnesota stocks over 200 million walleye fry annually, more than any other state.
- The state record walleye has stood since 1979 — one of the longest-standing records in Minnesota.
Minnesota State Record
17 lbs 8 oz (Sea Gull River, 1979)
Lakes with Walleye near you
706 Minnesota lakes have Walleye on record. Find the closest ones to you.
Walleye (Sander vitreus) is a gamefish species found in Minnesota lakes and rivers. DNR surveys have documented walleye in 706 Minnesota lakes. The Minnesota state record is 17 lbs 8 oz (Sea Gull River, 1979).