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Walleye

Walleye

Walleye in Indiana are members of the perch family that have been successfully introduced and are now found in several lakes, reservoirs, and rivers throughout the state.

Scientific Name: Sander vitreus

Also known as hybrid walleye (saugeye)

Physical Characteristics:
  • Typically olive or gold in color with large, opaque eyes that efficiently gather light for low-light vision.
  • In Indiana, walleye typically live 5-10 years and range from 12-30 inches in length, though they can grow larger.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They're not native to Indiana waters but have been successfully introduced and are now found in several lakes, reservoirs, and rivers throughout the state.

Key Locations

  • Productive Indiana waters include Bass Lake, Brookville Lake, Monroe Lake, Mississinewa Reservoir, Lake Freeman, Lake Shafer, Patoka Lake, and the St.
  • Joseph River, plus tailwaters below major dams.

Specific Spots

  • They prefer rock or gravel bottoms, drop-off areas, points, and standing timber in reservoirs.
  • During daylight, they retreat to deeper, darker waters and move to shallower areas (5-10 feet) to feed at night.
  • Look for structure like rock piles, weed edges, and drop-offs where walleye concentrate during feeding periods.

Walleye FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Shad imitation or chartreuse colored crankbaits, lead-head jigs (1/8 to 3/16-ounce) tipped with 3-4 inch soft plastic minnows, crankbaits and jigs with twister tails, nightcrawlers or minnows suspended below floats.

What flies work for Walleye in Indiana?

Clouser minnows, woolly buggers, leech patterns, sculpin flies, and insect imitations during mayfly hatches.

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

Spring (March through May) offers excellent fishing in tailwaters. They spawn in early spring when water temperatures reach around 45°F (typically late March through early April) - during this spawning period, anglers should avoid targeting them.

How do you catch Walleye in Indiana?

For lake and reservoir fishing, use crankbaits along shorelines and points during low-light hours. Trolling crankbaits is highly effective for covering water and locating schools. Cast lead-head jigs to drop-offs and vegetation edges in 6-14 feet of water.

What do Walleye eat?

Walleye are primarily fish-eaters, feeding on yellow perch, minnows, crayfish, leeches, frogs, and various insects including mayflies.

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