Reference Guide > Montana Fish Field Guide > Perches > Walleye
Walleye - Sander vitreus
Exotic Species (not native to Montana)
Global Rank: G5
State Rank: SNA
Agency Status
USFWS: none
USFS: none
BLM: none
CFWCS Tier: 4
General Description
There are conflicting ideas among experts as to whether the walleye is native to Montana or not. Regardless, it is one of the most important sport fishes in Montana's eastern drainage and elsewhere in the U.S. and in Canada, where the walleye is a much sought-after commercial fish as well. Its flesh is of the highest quality. In recent years some sportsmen's groups in Montana have aggressively pursued the increased planting of walleye and promoted walleye fishing tournaments. Sometimes walleye hybridize with sauger, producing sterile saugeye. Adult walleye largely eat fish and for the most part are lake and reservoir dwellers. Walleye are so named because of their large, reflective eyes which are very light-sensitive. They are very active at night.
Diagnostic Characteristics
Jaws and roof of mouth have large canine teeth. Anal fin has 2 spines and 11 to 14 (usually 12 or 13) soft rays. Body often has a golden hue.
Distribution
Montana Range
Migration
Usually some spawning migration upstream, or to suitable rocky areas in lakes. Commonly moves into tributary streams.
Habitat
Primarily found in larger lakes and reservoirs, to a lesser extent in rivers. Spawns over gravelly riffles and rocky areas in shallow water.
Food Habits
Adults feed heavily on small fish when available. All age groups feed on various aquatic invertebrates.
Ecology
Good walleye spawning sites are limited in Ft. Peck reservoir. Large population in Big Dry Arm of reservoir. Largely dependant on Big Dry Creek for sucessful spawning.
Reproductive Characteristics
Spawns April - early May with peak around late April at water temperatures from 40 - 50 degrees F. Sexually mature in 2-4 years. Spawn in small groups and eggs are broadcast over bottom Incubation:12-18 days.
Citations & Sources
Holton, G. D. 2003. A field guide to Montana fishes. Mont. Dept. Fish, Wildl. Parks, 95 pp.
Citation for data on this website:
Walleye — Sander vitreus. Montana Field Guide. Retrieved on February 2, 2009, from http://FieldGuide.mt.gov/detail_AFCQC05020.aspx
|
|
Sign Up for our Newsletter
*Includes current store specials/coupons and
Fish Tails stories
|
Enter Your Story to
Fish Tails and earn yourself a $20 gift certificate
Want to share your favorite fish story with other anglers?
Email me your picture and story (the fish that got away stories, funny stories, bragging rite stories, extreme stories).
If selected we will give you a $20 gift certificate and your story in our quarterly newsletter, and feature it on our website.
|
|
