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Walleye

Walleye

Walleye are non-native to Colorado, first introduced in 1949 and now established in most large warm- and cool-water reservoirs throughout the state. They're considered one of Colorado's finest eating fish.

The species thrives in Colorado's cooler waters and are most comfortable in large reservoirs with adequate forage fish populations.

Scientific Name: Sander vitreus

Physical Characteristics:
  • These silver to golden-olive fish are distinguished by their two separate dorsal fins, white-tipped tail, and sharp canine teeth.
  • Colorado walleye can reach impressive sizes, with fish exceeding 18 pounds caught in state waters.
  • Their eyes have a distinctive cloudy appearance due to the tapetum lucidum.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Established in most large warm- and cool-water reservoirs throughout the state.

Key Locations

  • Colorado's premier walleye waters include Pueblo Reservoir (ranked #1 for abundance), Horsetooth Reservoir, Cherry Creek Reservoir, Chatfield Reservoir, Carter Lake, McIntosh Reservoir, Boyd Lake, and Jumbo Reservoir.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on rocky shorelines, riprap around dams, points, drop-offs, ledges, and hard structure transition areas.
  • For fly fishing, focus on rocky areas, drop-offs, and structure edges.

Walleye FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Walleye in Colorado?

Top lures include 2-4 inch grubs and swimbaits in white, chartreuse, purple, orange, or pink; 3-5 inch lipped crankbaits in similar colors; jerkbaits; and spinner rigs with Colorado blades.

What flies work for Walleye in Colorado?

Clouser Minnows, Woolly Buggers, sculpin patterns, leech patterns, and crayfish flies in various colors.

When is the best time to fish for Walleye in Colorado?

Prime walleye fishing in Colorado runs from April through July, with August being the slowest month before action picks up again in September and continues through fall. Walleye spawn in early spring when water temperatures reach 45-50°F, typically March through April, making this period unsuitable for targeting them.

How do you catch Walleye in Colorado?

Effective techniques include trolling with deep-diving crankbaits along shoreline drop-offs, vertical jigging with jigs tipped with minnows or soft plastics, and bottom bouncing with spinner rigs.

What do Walleye eat?

Adults are entirely piscivorous, feeding on small fish, yellow perch, gizzard shad, and other available forage species.

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