Walleye

Perch Family: Walleye, sauger and yellow perch are popular game fish in this family. Darters, which seldom exceed 4 inches, also belong to the perch family.

Walleye Identification

• Two completely separated dorsal fins
• The first fin is spiny, while the second fin has soft rays
• Dark-olive, with an overall golden brown mottling and a white belly
• Black blotch on the lower rear portion of the front dorsal fin

Notes

Walleye prefer sand and gravel bottom areas, habitat commonly found in our large waters.

With large eyes highly adapted for gathering light, walleye are most active during low light periods.

Walleye are highly sought by anglers, especially in the big systems of Lake Sakakawea, Lake Oahe, Missouri River and Devils Lake.

Stocked fish also do well in many of North Dakota’s prairie lakes.

North Dakota walleye can reach lengths in excess of 30 inches and live more than 20 years.