Walleye – Canada’s Golden Gamefish
Walleye (Sander vitreus) are among Canada’s most iconic and pursued freshwater fish, celebrated for their exceptional table quality, cautious strikes, and subtle but thrilling fights. Their name comes from their characteristic opaque, milky eyes, adapted for low-light vision. These golden-green predators are most active at dawn, dusk, and in stained or turbulent waters — conditions that give them the edge as top predators in many Canadian lakes and rivers.
Biology & Habitat
Walleye prefer large, cool, and moderately turbid lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, especially those with gravel or sandy bottoms and ample forage fish. Their excellent low-light vision allows them to hunt in murky water or under ice conditions that challenge other species.
- Average size: 0.5–2.5 kg (1–5 lbs)
- Trophy class: Over 4.5 kg (10+ lbs), occasionally exceeding 6.8 kg (15 lbs)
- Spawning occurs in spring when water temperatures reach 6–10°C (43–50°F), typically over rocky shoals or gravel runs in rivers.
Fishing Techniques
Walleye are known for their light bite, making them both challenging and rewarding to catch. Anglers use subtle presentation and patience to land these prized fish:
- Jigging: Live bait or soft plastics fished near the bottom are top producers.
- Trolling: Bottom bouncers, crankbaits, and worm harnesses are effective across all seasons.
- Slip bobbers: A favourite for targeting suspended or shallow walleye with live bait.
- Ice fishing: Jigging spoons or dead-sticking minnows on tip-ups are productive in winter.
Use fluorocarbon leaders in clear water, and be ready for soft strikes — a “tap” rather than a slam.
Seasonal Patterns
- Spring: Peak season as walleye gather to spawn in rivers and shoals; jigging near current seams is productive.
- Summer: Fish move deeper; trolling and bottom bouncing become key.
- Fall: Feeding intensifies before winter, especially on windblown points and drop-offs.
- Winter: Excellent ice fishing opportunities on reservoirs and inland lakes.
Identifying Walleye
- Golden-olive colour with a white belly
- Large, opaque "marble" eyes
- Two dorsal fins (first spiny, second soft-rayed)
- Sharp teeth and a long, streamlined body
- Distinctive white tip on the lower caudal fin
Regional Differences
Prairie Provinces
These provinces are walleye powerhouses, home to some of the best fisheries in North America.
Alberta
- Walleye are found in rivers like the North Saskatchewan and lakes including Pigeon, Lac La Biche, and Lesser Slave.
- Size restrictions and slot limits help rebuild populations in some waters.
Saskatchewan
- Lakes such as Tobin, Last Mountain, and Lake Diefenbaker produce giants over 10 kg (22 lbs).
- Extensive stocking programs and vast northern waters offer outstanding angling.
Manitoba
- Home to Lake Winnipeg’s world-famous “greenback” walleye, known for their vibrant emerald coloration.
- Trophy fisheries are also found in Lake Manitoba, the Winnipeg River, and the Red River.
- Ice fishing draws anglers from across the continent.
Ontario
Ontario offers vast and varied walleye fisheries, from wilderness lakes to southern reservoirs.
- Lake of the Woods, Rainy Lake, and the Bay of Quinte are famous for trophy walleye.
- Great Lakes (especially Erie and Huron) support large commercial and recreational fisheries.
- Remote northern lakes and rivers (e.g., Albany, Attawapiskat) offer pristine angling.
- Slot sizes and conservation policies manage healthy populations.
Quebec
Walleye (known as doré) are widespread in southern and western Quebec, especially in the Outaouais, Abitibi, and Mauricie regions.
- Lakes such as Abitibi, Baskatong, and Gouin Reservoir are top destinations.
- Valued for both sport and harvest, with a strong presence in local cuisine.
- Quebec maintains detailed seasonal zones and harvest limits to support sustainability.
Atlantic Provinces
New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland & Labrador, Prince Edward Island
Walleye are not native to Atlantic Canada and are absent from most regional waters. They are not commonly stocked or fished east of Quebec.
Northern Territories
Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut
Walleye are native to parts of the Northwest Territories, particularly in the Mackenzie River watershed.
- Present in rivers and large lakes, including the Liard River system.
- Population density decreases with latitude.
- Valued as both subsistence and sport species in some northern communities.
They are generally absent from Nunavut and most of the Yukon, though some limited populations exist near borders.
Canada’s Favourite Catch
Walleye blend sport, challenge, and culinary appeal like no other freshwater fish in Canada. Whether you're jigging for golden beauties on a northern lake or pulling a “greenback” through the ice, walleye fishing is deeply embedded in Canadian angling culture.