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Walleye

Walleye

Walleye are not native to Louisiana waters, with their natural range extending from the Great Lakes and Mississippi River drainage basins in the north down to Alabama and Arkansas.

However, they have been introduced to Louisiana waters since 1974 and can be found in the Red River system.

Scientific Name: Sander vitreus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Have excellent night vision, which gives their eyes a characteristic milky appearance.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Can be found in the Red River system in Louisiana.
  • Prefer areas with rocky substrates, current breaks, and structural complexity.

Key Locations

  • Red River system, focusing on areas around the five locks and dams between Shreveport and Marksville.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on structural elements like wing dams, current seams, boulder fields, points, and areas where fast and slow water meet.
  • Target the upstream sides of wing dams, current breaks around islands and points, and areas with rocky bottoms.
  • Work along drop-offs between 18-35 feet.

Walleye FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Jigs tipped with minnows, leeches, or nightcrawlers, soft plastic minnows in 3-5 inch sizes, crankbaits, spinners, spoons, swimbaits on jigs, lipless crankbaits, shallow-diving crankbaits, metal lures like blade baits and jigging spoons.

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

Spring and fall provide the most productive fishing, with walleye becoming more active as water temperatures moderate. Spawning period should be avoided for fishing to protect reproducing populations.

How do you catch Walleye in Louisiana?

Vertical jigging with the line directly below the boat provides excellent control in current. Trolling techniques work well along breaklines and structure. Casting tactics include swimbaits on jigs, lipless crankbaits in dirty water, and shallow-diving crankbaits over sparse vegetation.

What do Walleye eat?

Opportunistic feeders with a diet that changes throughout their lifespan - juveniles eat zooplankton and insects, while adults primarily consume other fish including yellow perch, minnows, and freshwater drum, along with crayfish, leeches, snails, frogs, and small mammals when available.

Where do Walleye live in Louisiana?

Can be found in the Red River system in Louisiana. Prefer areas with rocky substrates, current breaks, and structural complexity.

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