The walleye is a highly sought-after freshwater sport fish, typically associated with the Great Lakes region and the upper Mississippi River basin. Walleye are not native to Maine, and their presence is extremely limited, primarily due to unauthorized introductions. This absence reflects Maine’s focus on conserving its naturally occurring coldwater fisheries.
The Status of Walleye in Maine Waters
Walleye are classified as a cool-water species, thriving in temperatures warmer than native trout but cooler than bass and panfish. Their native distribution covers the Midwest and Canada, historically stopping short of New England’s natural waterways. Walleye prefer large, shallow lakes with high turbidity and deep rivers, utilizing their low-light vision to hunt smaller prey like yellow perch and minnows.
Maine’s inland fisheries are characterized by cold, clear, oligotrophic lakes and rivers, better suited for native salmonids like brook trout and landlocked salmon. The state’s natural barriers and cooler water systems prevented the walleye’s natural eastward migration and establishment. Any existing populations in Maine are the direct result of human intervention, often through illegal introductions by individuals hoping to establish a new sport fishery.
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) does not manage walleye as a sport fish. Instead, MDIFW concentrates its resources on protecting the state’s wild and native coldwater resources. The few known occurrences of walleye are considered a threat to the established ecosystem. Their predatory nature and competition for forage fish can negatively impact native species populations.
Documented Walleye Populations and Locations
Because walleye are not native, they are not a widespread or reliable target species in Maine. Historical reports of a self-sustaining walleye population point to the Belgrade Lakes region near Augusta, where illegal introductions have been documented. This area, known for its mix of warm and coldwater species, has occasionally yielded catches, but the fishery remains marginal and unmanaged.
The Androscoggin River drainage is sometimes mentioned due to its warmer, lower sections, which also host non-native northern pike. Walleye could potentially survive in the reservoir systems along this river, but their presence is not officially confirmed or tracked by the MDIFW. The state focuses on managing the Androscoggin for smallmouth bass and northern pike, suggesting any walleye present are sparse and do not form a significant fishery.
Anglers seeking walleye in Maine waters will likely be disappointed, as the few localized populations are unstable and scattered. Maine’s primary fishing opportunities center on its native brook trout, lake trout (togue), and landlocked salmon fisheries. The lack of specific, officially recognized walleye waters underscores the state’s successful conservation of its aquatic biodiversity.
Fishing Regulations and Conservation Focus
Walleye do not have specific size or bag limits listed in the general Maine Inland Fishing Laws, reflecting their non-native and unmanaged status. If an angler catches a walleye, the general fishing law applies: the fish must be immediately released alive or killed at once. Any fish killed counts toward the angler’s general daily bag limit.
For non-native, warm-water fish deemed detrimental to native trout and salmon, the MDIFW often implements regulations designed to encourage harvest. This includes “no size or bag limit” on species like bass in certain coldwater lakes. This regulatory framework is an active measure to protect the state’s native species from competition.
Anglers are strongly discouraged from moving or transporting any live fish between water bodies. This prevents the illegal spread of non-native species, which can devastate native fish populations.