[h2o]

The walleye is the largest member of the perch family, attaining lengths of more than 30 inches and weights of more than 10 pounds. The walleye is named after its large opaque and almost blind-looking eye. The large reflective surface of its eyes give the walleye a sight advantage over other fish, allowing them to find prey during the night. The walleye as a dark green or olive-green back, light brownish yellow sides, and a white belly. The back is crossed with five to twelve narrow dark bands. The walleye has two dorsal fins, the first having adark spot at the psterior base of the fin. The lower lobe of the caudal fin and the anal fin are white at the tip.

Walleye are common in most of Canada and the northern U.S., however they have been introduce throughout the United States as far south as Alabama.

Walleye prefer large, clear, cool waterbodies with gravel and sandy substrate. They rely heavily on stony shoals for spawning. Spawning occurs in the early spring, usually just after ice-out when water temps. are between 38-50 F. The female broadcast her eggs, then two or more males release their milt to fertilize the eggs. The eggs are very adhesive, sticking to the rocks and gravel on the shoal. A single female can produce as many as 495,000 eggs. Incubation is from five days to two weeks. The young then leave the spawning areas and grow to be about five to six inches by fall. Males reach sexual maturity in two to four years, while females reach sexual maturity in three to five years.

Feeding occurs mainly during the dawn and dusk time periods. Walleye prey primarily on spottail shiners, emerald shiners, and yellow perch. Other important prey species include bluegills, crappie, bullheads, and crayfish. Young walleye feed primarily on zooplankton, aquatic invertebrates, and small juvenile fish.

Fishing for walleye is most productive in the evening using minnow type lures or jigs fished near the bottom over rock piles or along the edges of weed beds. Nightcrawlers and live minnows worked very slowly are also good producers. Walleye are considered to be one of the best tasting freshwater fish.

h2o<----says hope you learned something.

 

[muskiebobsr]

H20 The record Walleye is 25 pounds and they do feed during the day. My best is 12 1/2 lbs. A client landed a 14 1/4 behind Buds. That was a very good report you made. No wonder your the top poster. Bob

 

[h2o]

Thank you Mr. Muskie. They sure are catchable during the day. WOW 12 + pounder man what a fish. That also makes you Walleyebobsr.

h2o<-----says hope to see you at the show

 

[muskiebobsr]

I'm setting up at the Silver Dome today about noon. It opens tomorrow at 2 till 9. I hope I get some action. Its going to be cold.

Bob

 

[h2o]

Bob now get some sleep. Maybe you should do the life history of the Muskie. Your way more qualified.

h2o<---says hope to see you at the show and shake your hand.

 

[Mac]

...or the wolly mammoth!!

Happy New Year Mr.Bob!!!