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Walleye

Walleye

Walleye in Pennsylvania are a highly sought-after gamefish ranking fourth among targeted species by licensed anglers.

Originally native only to the Ohio and Lake Erie drainages (including the Ohio, Allegheny, and Monongahela Rivers), walleye have been extensively stocked throughout the state since 1975 and now occur statewide.

Physical Characteristics:
  • These nocturnal predators have photosensitive, reflective eyes that allow excellent night vision but make them light-sensitive during bright conditions.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Originally native only to the Ohio and Lake Erie drainages (including the Ohio, Allegheny, and Monongahela Rivers), walleye have been extensively stocked throughout the state since 1975 and now occur statewide.
  • Modest, naturalized self-sustaining populations exist in the Susquehanna and Delaware River drainages.

Key Locations

  • Top Pennsylvania walleye destinations include Lake Erie (world-class fishing with 6-fish limits), Pymatuning Reservoir (year-round season), Allegheny Reservoir, Lake Wallenpaupack, Raystown Lake, and major rivers including the Allegheny, Susquehanna, Youghiogheny, Delaware, and Juniata.

Specific Spots

  • Target rocky points, rocky humps, weed edges, drop-offs, submerged structures, and current breaks.
  • In deep holes and pools during winter.

Walleye FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Use jigs tipped with minnows or nightcrawlers, worm harnesses with spinners, or artificial baits including crankbaits, spoons, and spinners. Live shiners, hellgrammites, or curlytail grubs. Deep-diving crankbaits.

What flies work for Walleye in Pennsylvania?

Effective patterns include Woolly Buggers, Clouser Minnows, sculpin patterns in brown/black/olive, balanced leeches, and crawfish flies in tan/brown/olive/orange.

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

Peak walleye fishing in Pennsylvania occurs from May through September, with the highest catch rates during spring and fall on large reservoirs and rivers. During closed season from mid-March through the first Saturday in May, fishing for walleye is prohibited to protect spawning fish.

How do you catch Walleye in Pennsylvania?

On rivers like the Allegheny and Susquehanna, drift live shiners, hellgrammites, or curlytail grubs below river bars into deep pools. On Lake Erie, troll deep-diving crankbaits at 1.5 mph in 40-70 feet of water during summer.

What do Walleye eat?

Walleye are opportunistic feeders that consume insects, leeches, crayfish, and various fish species - particularly yellow perch, minnows, and freshwater drum.

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