Northern Walleye: Facts, Records, and How to Catch Them | FishyAF
What is a Northern Walleye?
The Northern Walleye is one of freshwater’s most iconic predators — sharp teeth, marble eyes, and the most famous nighttime strike in the game. Loved for both its challenge and its incredible table quality, Walleye rule the northern lakes, rivers, and reservoirs from the Dakotas to Canada. They’re moody, picky, and masters of low-light ambush.
The first FishyAF Walleye was landed by @mjhofma09, proving once again that when the sun goes down and the wind picks up, real anglers get to work.
This FishyAF guide covers the best Walleye tactics, when they feed heaviest, and why those glowing eyes make them the kings of the night. Click here to see what Walleye hunters are wearing.
🐟 Northern Walleye Quick Facts
| Fact | Info |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sander vitreus |
| Average Size | 1–5 lbs common; 8–12 lbs trophy |
| World Record | 25 lbs — Old Hickory Lake, Tennessee (1960) |
| Habitat | Deep lakes, rivers, rocky points, weedlines, drop-offs |
| Edible? | Elite — flaky, mild, legendary for a reason |
❓ FAQs About Northern Walleye
Where can you catch Northern Walleye?
Throughout the upper Midwest, Great Lakes, and Canada. Key Walleye zones include wind-blown shorelines, rocky points, weed edges, and nighttime shallows.
How big do Northern Walleye get?
Most are 1–5 lbs, but double-digit Walleye are the dream. Anything over 10 lbs is considered a legit trophy.
Are Walleye good to eat?
Yes — arguably the best-tasting freshwater fish in North America. Light, white, flaky, perfect for frying or blackening.
How do you catch Northern Walleye?
Jigs, crankbaits, slip bobbers, and live bait rigs all work. Slow and controlled presentations are key — Walleye love subtle movement.
What’s the best bait for Walleye?
Nightcrawlers, minnows, leeches, paddle-tail jigs, and crankbaits. Glow colors and rattles shine in low light.
When is the best time to catch Walleye?
Low light is peak time — dawn, dusk, and nighttime. In summer, deep-structure jigging is unbeatable.
😂 FishyAF Walleye Joke
Walleye — the only fish that eats best when you can barely see what you’re doing.
🚨 WE NEED YOUR HELP…
Our goal is to photograph 1,000 species with the FishyAF Brand. Got a Walleye pic? Join the FishyAF Ambassador Awards Program.
🧢 Gear Up with FishyAF
Night missions and windy lakes call for our Switchback Hats and Performance Hoodies built for cool-water predators.