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Walleye

Walleye

Walleye are Vermont's official state warmwater fish and the largest member of the perch family.

Scientific Name: Sander vitreus

Physical Characteristics:
  • They're characterized by large, silvery eyes with a reflective tapetum lucidum that gives them excellent low-light vision, olive-brown to golden-yellow flanks, and a milky belly.
  • Their first dorsal fin is dusky colored and spotless, distinguishing them from the similar sauger.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Though not as widespread as other Vermont species, walleye populations exist in specific waters throughout Vermont.

Key Locations

  • Lake Champlain and its tributaries (Missisquoi, Lamoille, and Winooski rivers, plus Otter Creek), Lake Carmi, Chittenden Reservoir, Connecticut River, Island Pond, and Salem Lake.

Specific Spots

  • Target sand, gravel, or rocky bottom areas, submerged weed edges, and sunken trees or logs where they ambush prey.
  • On Lake Champlain, fish the extensive reef systems and dropoffs.
  • In rivers, focus on current seams and deeper pools.
  • They spawn in shallow rocky areas and tributaries.

Walleye FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Nightcrawler harnesses with rotating blades, jigheads tipped with nightcrawlers, minnows, or leeches, minnow-shaped crankbaits. Popular colors are white, brown, black, purple, olive, chartreuse/yellow, and red/black combinations.

What flies work for Walleye in Vermont?

Productive patterns include Woolly Buggers, Clouser Minnows, sculpin patterns (brown, black, olive), balanced leeches under indicators, and crawfish flies in tan, brown, or orange.

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

Walleye season in Vermont runs from the first Saturday in May through March 15. Prime fishing happens in spring and early summer shortly after season opener, and again in fall when they move back to shallow areas. Fish deeper areas during summer heat when walleye retreat to cooler water.

How do you catch Walleye in Vermont?

Effective techniques include: trolling nightcrawler harnesses near bottom with rotating blades for flash and vibration; jigging with jigheads tipped with nightcrawlers, minnows, or leeches; and casting/retrieving minnow-shaped crankbaits.

What do Walleye eat?

Walleye are primarily piscivorous, feeding heavily on yellow perch, ciscoes, crayfish, minnows, and leeches. Larger walleye target larger prey for better energy return.

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