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Walleye

Walleye

Walleye are not native to South Carolina - they were stocked as fry from 1962-1972 in lakes Greenwood, Hartwell, Murray, and Thurmond by SCDNR. However, only Lake Hartwell has maintained a viable, naturally reproducing population.

Scientific Name: Sander vitreus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Walleye are large, elongated members of the perch family with distinctive cloudy, silvery eyes that reflect light - giving them their name.
  • They feature large canine teeth, two separated dorsal fins with a black spot at the base of the spiny dorsal, and a yellow-olive to bronze body with 6-7 faint saddles on the back.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Walleye in South Carolina primarily inhabit clear, cool pools, runs and backwaters of large rivers and reservoirs.
  • In Lake Hartwell, they're found in deeper, clearer waters of the main lake.

Key Locations

  • Lake Hartwell, Lake Tugalo, lakes Greenwood, Murray, and Thurmond.

Specific Spots

  • In Lake Hartwell, target the main lake's deeper, clearer waters and focus on areas with blueback herring concentrations.
  • Use sonar to locate baitfish schools and fish the edges.
  • At Lake Tugalo, concentrate efforts in the Tallulah River arm from March to mid-April, particularly near the headwater areas and around the hot water discharge.
  • Fish structure like submerged trees, rock piles, and steep drop-offs in 15-30 feet of water.
  • When walleye move shallow in winter for feeding, work depths of 5-15 feet around points and creek channels.

Walleye FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Walleye in South Carolina?

1/4 to 3/8 ounce jigs tipped with nightcrawlers, minnows, or soft plastic trailers - chartreuse, white, and glow colors are most effective; Small crankbaits in crayfish and shad patterns; Spoons and blade baits worked vertically or cast-and-retrieved slowly; Balanced leeches fished under indicators.

What flies work for Walleye in South Carolina?

Clouser Minnows and other baitfish imitations in blue/white or herring patterns.

When is the best time to fish for Walleye in South Carolina?

The best walleye fishing in South Carolina occurs from October through May, with peak periods in late fall through early spring when water temperatures are in the optimal 60-70°F range.

How do you catch Walleye in South Carolina?

Presentation is critical - walleye have a light bite, so use sensitive tackle and watch for subtle line movements. Slow, steady retrieves work best, bouncing jigs along the bottom or swimming baits through the water column. In current areas, cast upstream and let lures drift naturally with the flow.

What do Walleye eat?

As visual predators, walleye are primarily piscivorous, feeding on threadfin shad, yellow perch, small bass, and other baitfish. They also consume crayfish, aquatic insects, leeches, and small crustaceans when fish are scarce. In Lake Hartwell, they feed heavily on the abundant blueback herring population.

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