| Walleye are
also called walleyed pike, pickerel,
jackfish, dore, and ol' marble eyes. The
sides of the walleye are olive-green with
gold flecks. The spiny dorsal fin lacks
spots, but has a black rear base. The lower
lobe of the tail has a white tip.
Strong
fighters, walleyes stay deep and wage a
determined battle. Walleyes are light
sensitive. They have a layer of pigment in
the retina of the eye called the "Tapetum
lucidum". Because of their light-sensitive
eyes, they bite best around dusk and dawn,
at night, or in cloudy weather. Popular
baits and lures include minnows,
nightcrawlers, leeches, jigs, spinners, and
plugs, especially minnow plugs.
Most numerous
in large, windswept natural lakes of
moderate to low clarity. They can also be
found in smaller lakes, reservoirs, and
rivers and streams with moderate current.
Walleyes prefer clean, hard bottoms and
water temperature from 65 to 75 degrees F.
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Eating Habits
Primarily fish eaters, walleyes also feed on
immature and adult aquatic insects, leeches,
crayfish, snails, and larval salamanders.
Except in waters of low clarity, they feed
most heavily in dim-light periods,
especially when light levels are fading
rapidly. |
