Skip to main content

Walleye

Walleye

Walleye are not native to West Virginia, having been first introduced to the state in 1984 through intentional stocking efforts by fisheries managers.

These predatory freshwater fish are opportunistic predators that are most active during low-light conditions due to their light-sensitive eyes and prefer cool water temperatures between 60-75°F.

Scientific Name: Sander vitreus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Characterized by their torpedo-shaped olive brown to yellowish gold bodies with brassy flecks, distinctive glassy eyes with a reflective layer (tapetum lucidum) that allows excellent low-light vision, and sharp teeth adapted for predation.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Key West Virginia waters include lakes and river systems throughout the state.

Key Locations

  • Cheat Lake, Jennings Randolph Lake, Summersville Lake, Stonecoal Lake, Tygart Lake, and Stephens Lake, plus river systems including the New River, Elk River, and Lower Gauley River.
  • On the New River system, productive areas include Foster Falls, Ivanhoe, Route 100, Fries Dam, Allisonia, and below Claytor Dam.

Specific Spots

  • Target rocky areas, points, breaklines, wing dams on rivers, and areas with current breaks or structure.
  • Focus on depths of 10-30 feet depending on season.
  • Walleye often suspend in the water column rather than holding tight to bottom structure.

Walleye FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Walleye in West Virginia?

Jigs tipped with minnows or nightcrawlers, blade baits, small flukes (2-3 inch), crankbaits, spoons, and nightcrawler harnesses.

What flies work for Walleye in West Virginia?

Clouser minnows in blue/white (mimicking emerald shiners), purple/black combinations, leech patterns in black marabou, Woolly buggers, half/half patterns, and sculpin flies in brown, black, and olive, with glow-in-the-dark materials particularly effective for low-light fishing.

When is the best time to fish for Walleye in West Virginia?

Spring (March-May) and fall when water temperatures are in their preferred 60-75°F range. Winter can also be productive, especially through ice fishing where available.

How do you catch Walleye in West Virginia?

Jigs worked slowly with subtle twitches near bottom structure. Spring walleye respond well to jig-and-minnow combinations worked slowly in current. As seasons progress, transition to deeper presentations. Focus on depths of 10-30 feet depending on season.

What do Walleye eat?

Feed heavily on small fish (particularly yellow perch, minnows, and drum), crayfish, insects like mayflies, leeches, snails, frogs, and mudpuppies.

Fish smarter with real-time insights

Whether you're en route and conditions shift or you're looking for the best spot based on current flows, we enable you to make informed decisions on the fly.

See it in the app

Most maps show you water.
onWater shows you Walleye.

  1. 01 · Species map filter

    Map every Walleye water

    Pick Walleye and the map zeroes in on the waters they call home. No more guessing which lake holds them.

  2. 02 · Waterbody species

    Tap any water. See what lives there.

    Species, behavior and seasonal patterns for every lake, river and pond, before you leave the driveway.

  3. 03 · Angler Intelligence

    Ask how to catch Walleye

    Tactics, gear and timing from onWater's AI fishing guide, tuned to the species and the water you're on.

Stop guessing where Walleye are.

Open the map, filter by Walleye, and head to water that holds them. Download onWater and plan your next trip in minutes.

  • Species map filter
  • Angler Intelligence
  • Fishing journal
Try onWater+ for free

Explore other species

Trout, bass, salmon, panfish and everything in between. Each guide unpacks the behavior, seasons, and tactics that put fish in the net.

No species information available.

West Virginia licenses and regulations

Explore nearby waters

Explore West Virginia waters

Top fishing waters

Popular Cities

Loading popular cities...

Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.

onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.