Wisconsin Walleyes
Facts and Fishing for Walleyes
Wisconsin’s lakes and rivers are a haven for walleye enthusiasts, offering both rich angling opportunities and a deep cultural connection to this prized fish.
Walleye (Sander vitreus) are native to Wisconsin and thrive in cool, clear waters. Their distinctive glassy eyes, adapted for low-light vision, make them formidable nocturnal predators. Typically, they inhabit deeper waters during the day and move to shallower areas at night to feed on minnows and other small fish. (units.fisheries.org, National Wildlife Federation, Wisconsin DNR)
Spawning occurs in spring, usually between mid-April and early May, when water temperatures reach 38–50°F. If you had to pick one spawning temperature, 44°F would be the one. Walleye lay their eggs over gravel or rocky substrates in areas with sufficient current to aerate the eggs and prevent sediment accumulation. (Wisconsin DNR, units.fisheries.org)
To support walleye populations, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) initiated the Wisconsin Walleye Initiative, significantly increasing the production and stocking of large fingerling walleye. From 2013 to 2022, the DNR stocked hundreds of thousands of fingerlings annually to bolster natural populations. (Wisconsin DNR)
Despite these efforts, walleye populations have been declining in some Wisconsin lakes over the past two decades. Factors such as climate change, habitat loss, and competition from species like largemouth bass contribute to this trend. Warmer water temperatures and altered lake ecosystems have impacted walleye recruitment and survival rates. (spectrumnews1.com, WPR)
Anglers can find excellent walleye fishing in various Wisconsin waters, including the Lake Winnebago system, which is renowned for its walleye population. The general inland walleye season runs from the first Saturday in May to the first Sunday in March of the following year, with specific regulations varying by location. (Wikipedia, Wisconsin DNR) The Lake Winnebago waters have an open walleye season year round!
Lake Winnebago is a shallow water walleye factory. Although you often won’t catch huge numbers of walleyes on any given outing, you can often catch your limit if you’re out with a guide like Captain Kirk – https://www.fishingguidewisconsin.com/
Walleye fishing is more than a pastime in Wisconsin; it’s a tradition that supports local economies and connects communities to their natural heritage. Whether you’re casting a line in spring or ice fishing in winter, pursuing walleye offers both challenge and reward.