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Walleye

Walleye

Walleye in New Hampshire are non-native fish introduced from Lake Champlain stock that have established themselves primarily in the Connecticut River system from Monroe to Hinsdale, with occasional catches in the lower Contoocook and Merrimack Rivers.

Physical Characteristics:
  • These torpedo-shaped predatory fish feature large, pearlescent eyes with reflective pupils that give them their name, sharp canine teeth, and olive to dark brown coloration with yellowish-brown to brassy green sides.
  • Their reflective eyes are specially adapted for feeding in low-light conditions.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Walleye are classified as a 'cool water' species, preferring temperatures between bass and trout habitats.
  • They prefer firm bottoms of sand, gravel, or rock.

Key Locations

  • Connecticut River system from Monroe to Hinsdale, with occasional catches in the lower Contoocook and Merrimack Rivers.
  • Connecticut River tailraces below dams and tributary stream mouths.

Specific Spots

  • Focus fishing efforts around structure like boulders, sunken trees, vegetation, rock piles, sand flats, weed lines, transition areas, underwater humps, and current seams.

Walleye FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Walleye in New Hampshire?

Curly tail grubs or soft plastics tipped with live shiners, crawler harnesses with nightcrawlers, crankbaits.

What flies work for Walleye in New Hampshire?

Woolly Buggers, Clouser Minnows, deceivers, and half/half patterns in colors like white, brown, black, purple, olive, orange/chartreuse, chartreuse/yellow, black/red, chartreuse/pink, red/white, red/black, and all black. Sculpin patterns in brown, black, and olive. Crawfish patterns in tan, brown, olive, or orange.

When is the best time to fish for Walleye in New Hampshire?

Most productive during spring and early summer (April-July). Spring fishing in the Connecticut River tailraces below dams and tributary stream mouths is highly effective. Target depths vary seasonally, with walleye found in shallow water during spring and moving to deeper, cooler water during summer heat.

How do you catch Walleye in New Hampshire?

Spring fishing using jig heads with soft plastics drifted along the bottom to bounce naturally with the current. Summer trolling becomes the most popular method, using crawler harnesses with nightcrawlers attached to bottom bouncers, or trolling/casting crankbaits. Balanced leeches work well under indicators.

What do Walleye eat?

Fish are their primary forage, followed by invertebrates, with yellow perch being a preferred prey species. In New Hampshire waters, walleye feed on threadfin shad, various minnows, crayfish, leeches, worms, and insects.

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