Walleye
Also known as: Pickerel, Picks, Walleyed Pike, Dore, Glass eye or ‘Ol Marble-eyes
Tasty Shore Lunch
The commercial Walleye industry in Manitoba is the second largest and economically significant inland fishery in Canada. It is no surprise that this tasty fish is often the choice for lakeside shore lunches.
This fish has large, whitish glossy eyes and strong, sharp canine teeth. The caudal fin has a silver or milk-white tip on the lower lobe. There are no distinct bars or mottling on the sides. There are no spots on the anterior dorsal fin but one large dark spot or blotch is present near the base on the last two to three spines of the back dorsal fin.
Walleyes vary in colour depending on where it hails from. In tea stained bog fed rivers they are almost black. In larger lakes with moderate clarity they have an olive green buff with a white underside. Those from Lake Winnipeg are a unique turquoise.
The fall run “Green Backs” of the Red and Winnipeg Rivers have prompted arguments in fishing journals about whether these fish are a subspecies of the Walleye because of their iridescent green (at times almost silver) when photographed. This is uncommon to Walleyes in other parts of the continent.
Manitoba Fish King
Manitoba waters produce one of the most consistent populations of Walleye in North America, thus positioning it as the fish king in the province.
Sun Up, Sun Down
Walleye are common throughout the majority of the province. Anglers will commonly look for days and locations where there is a good “walleye chop” (rough water). The Walleye has excellent vision which allows the fish to populate the deeper regions in a lake. They can often be found in large lakes and rivers throughout the province and in deeper water, particularly during the warmest part of the summer.
The Walleye is the largest member of the Perch family, attaining weights of over 20 lbs. Its size, sporting qualities and delicious flesh make it the most important game species in Manitoba, if not one of the most important in North America.
Expert’s Tip: Minnows are one of the best baits for Walleye, as adult Walleyes (the ones you want to catch/eat) primarily feed on minnows. Dusk and dawn are when this species is on the lookout for this prey, so take advantage of their activity in those periods of low light. Back trolling contour lines using crank baits can also provide sizzling Walleye action.
For more great tips on Walleye fishing in Manitoba, check out our Walleye Tips & Tricks page.
Manitoba Record: Caught in the Red River the largest Walleye was 99.06 cm (39”) and released.
Get the all time record records information from our Master Angler records.
