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Scientific Name
Sander vitreus
Other Names
Yellow pickerel, Marble eye, Glass eye, and Jack fish
Description
The name reflects its large, glossy eyes. Walleye have a slender body and a mouth full of sharp teeth. These fish are golden yellow or greenish brown with dark blotches and a white belly. A white area on the lower lobe of the tail distinguishes it from its smaller cousin, the sauger. Walleye are usually between 14 and 28 inches long but can reach lengths of over 30 inches. Females grow larger than males. Walleye can reach weights of up to 10 pounds but can grow to 25 pounds. Walleye usually live 5 to 8 years but can live up to 10 or even 20 years.
Habits and Habitat
Walleye typically feed and spawn at night. These fish feed on insects and crayfish in rocky areas. However, the walleye’s most common source of food is fish, primarily gizzard and threadfin shad. In Mississippi, these fish are found mainly in the Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway and its tributaries. Walleye spawn in shallow water with rocky substrate when water temperatures are between 48ºF and 56ºF. This occurs in March. The Southern Walleye (Gulf Coast Walleye) is unique to the Mobile River Basin. It is genetically different from the northern strain of walleye. Southern Walleye are a “Species of Concern” because of habitat alterations.
State Record
The Mississippi Rod and Reel record for walleye is 9.66 pounds, caught by Clayton E. Hobbs in the Tennessee River (Iuka) in 1985.
Fishing Fact
Walleye are excellent sport fish and are sought after for their white, flaky meat. Walleye are best caught at night during the winter and in early spring. Many are caught on trot lines. Effective baits to use when fishing for walleye are nightcrawlers, minnows, plugs, spinner combos, and jigs.