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Walleye

Walleye

Walleye are Maryland's largest member of the perch family, capable of reaching over 30 inches and 10+ pounds. Named for their distinctive large, opaque eyes with reflective surfaces that give them superior night vision.

Scientific Name: Sander vitreus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Have dark green to olive-green backs, light brownish-yellow sides, white bellies, and five to twelve narrow dark bands across their backs.
  • The first dorsal fin features a dark spot at its posterior base, while the lower caudal fin lobe and anal fin have white tips.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Prefer large, clear, cool waterbodies with gravel and sandy substrates.

Key Locations

  • Good walleye populations exist in Deep Creek Lake, Youghiogheny River Reservoir, Jennings Randolph Lake, Savage River Reservoir, the Potomac River, and Liberty Reservoir, with ongoing efforts to establish populations in other state reservoirs.
  • Maryland's state record walleye was a 34-inch, 14-pound 4-ounce fish caught at Jennings Randolph Lake in 1998.

Specific Spots

  • Target structure including rock piles, underwater humps, points where channels meet lake bottom slopes, and deep edges adjacent to shallow baitfish-holding areas.

Walleye FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Effective lures include jigs fished near bottom over rock piles and weed bed edges, minnow-imitating plugs, and spoons. Live bait options include nightcrawlers and live minnows worked very slowly.

What flies work for Walleye in Maryland?

Productive fly patterns include Clouser minnows in blue/white (matching emerald shiners), fire-tiger colors, and all-black patterns with marabou. Medium lead eyes painted with glow-in-the-dark materials for low-light effectiveness.

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

Most productive during spring (April-June) and fall (September-November) when transitional temperatures trigger increased activity. Focus on deeper water during summer heat.

How do you catch Walleye in Maryland?

Jigs fished near bottom over rock piles and weed bed edges, live bait worked very slowly. In murky water like the upper Potomac inlet areas, fish current seams where inlet water meets lake water, casting into current and letting water move you into breaks.

What do Walleye eat?

As primarily piscivorous predators, they feed on various fish species including yellow perch, gizzard shad, emerald shiners, and smaller fish, plus crayfish, leeches, and insects when fish aren't available.

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