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Walleye

The walleye is a freshwater fish in the perch family, native to much of Canada and northern North America.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The walleye is a freshwater fish in the perch family, native to much of Canada and northern North America. It is a popular game and food fish, known for its gold-and-olive body, large reflective eyes, and strong night-vision adaptation.

Description

Walleye are long, slender fish with gold, olive, and white coloration, plus a large mouth and sharp teeth. Their eyes have a reflective layer that improves vision in dim light.

Distribution and habitat

The species is native to much of Canada and the northern United States. It lives in cool rivers, lakes, and reservoirs and is often associated with deeper water during the day.

Behaviour and diet

Walleye are mostly nocturnal and typically feed at night in shallower water. They are predatory fish that eat smaller fish and aquatic organisms.

Fishing and human use

Walleye are widely targeted by recreational anglers and are commonly stocked in some waters. They are also regarded as a popular food fish in many regions.

Key facts

  • Walleye are freshwater fish in the perch family.
  • They have reflective eyes that help them see in low light.
  • They are mostly nocturnal and feed at night in shallower water.
  • They are native to Canada, the Great Lakes region, and northern US river basins.
  • They are valued as both a sport fish and a food fish.
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Canadian context

Walleye are native to Canada and are especially important in Canadian freshwater fisheries, including in Ontario and the Great Lakes region. They are a popular target for recreational fishing and a familiar food fish in many Canadian communities.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of fish is a walleye?
A walleye is a freshwater fish in the perch family, scientifically named Sander vitreus.
Where are walleye native to?
They are native to much of Canada, the Great Lakes region, and major river basins of northern North America.
Why are they called walleye?
The name refers to their large, reflective eyes, which give them a pale or opaque appearance.
When are walleye most active?
They are mostly nocturnal and tend to feed more actively at night.
How big do walleye get?
They are commonly about 0.75 to 0.9 metres long and can weigh about 4.5 to 9 kilograms.

References

  1. National Wildlife Federation — https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Fish/Walleye
    Supports: Species classification, appearance, habitat, range, behaviour, size, and lifespan.
  2. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service — https://www.fws.gov/media/walleye-5
    Supports: Freshwater perch family classification, appearance, dorsal fins, mouth, and low-light vision.
  3. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources — https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fish/walleye/biology.html
    Supports: Night activity, reflective eyes, habitat, native range in Minnesota and broader North America, and introduced populations.