The walleye is a popular freshwater game fish, known for its elusive nature and delectable taste. Anglers often wonder about the potential size these fish can attain. Understanding the typical dimensions and the factors influencing their growth provides insight into what constitutes a truly large specimen.
Typical Walleye Dimensions
Walleye commonly caught by anglers typically measure between 10 to 20 inches in length and weigh 1 to 5 pounds. A 20-inch walleye is considered a good catch.
Walleye growth varies with age and sex. Males mature earlier, at two to three years old and 12 to 13.5 inches. Females mature later, at four to five years old and 15 to 17 inches, generally growing larger and living longer. The average lifespan is around 7 years, but walleye can live up to 29 years, with older, larger fish predominantly being female.
Factors Influencing Walleye Growth
Walleye growth is influenced by environmental and biological factors, including habitat quality, food availability, genetics, and age.
Habitat Quality
Habitat quality plays a role in growth rates. Walleye thrive in cool water environments, with optimal growth occurring when water temperatures are between 64°F and 75°F (18°C and 24°C) during spring through fall. They prefer habitats with rocky substrates and submerged vegetation, which provide shelter and food. Adequate oxygen levels are also important for their health and growth.
Food Availability
Food availability directly impacts a walleye’s ability to grow. Walleye are opportunistic predators, requiring a consistent supply of prey fish. Their diet shifts as they mature; newly hatched walleye consume zooplankton, transitioning to insects and small aquatic invertebrates, and eventually to other fish like yellow perch and minnows. Abundant prey, especially larger fish, supports faster growth.
Genetics and Age
Genetics also contribute to an individual walleye’s growth potential. An inherited predisposition for size can influence how quickly and large a walleye grows. Walleye continue to grow throughout their lives, though at a slower rate as they age. Older fish naturally tend to be larger, particularly females.
Fishing Pressure
Fishing pressure and harvest rates can affect the average size of walleye in a given body of water. Heavy fishing pressure targeting larger, older fish can reduce trophy-sized specimens, leading to a smaller average size. Regulations encouraging the release of larger fish can help maintain a population of bigger walleye.
Record-Breaking Walleye
While typical walleye sizes are substantial, some specimens have achieved remarkable dimensions, setting state and world records.
The world record for the heaviest walleye is held by Mabry Harper, who caught a 25-pound walleye from Old Hickory Lake, Tennessee, on August 2, 1960. This fish reportedly measured 41 inches in length. Although this record faced scrutiny, the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame reinstated it based on additional documentation. Another notable catch was Al Nelson’s 22-pound, 11-ounce walleye from Greers Ferry Lake, Arkansas, in 1982, which measured 36 inches in length.
Catching such large walleye is uncommon. Only five states have walleye state records exceeding 20 pounds, highlighting the rarity of these massive fish. These trophy walleye are often found in large, productive lake systems or reservoirs known for abundant forage and suitable habitat.
Estimating Walleye Size
Anglers often estimate walleye size using length and, less frequently, weight measurements. The most common method involves measuring the total length of the fish from the tip of its snout to the end of its tail. A measuring board is frequently used to ensure accuracy.
For quick estimations of weight without a scale, formulas can be used that rely on length and sometimes girth. One common formula for walleye weight is (length x length x length) / 2700, where length is in inches and the result is in pounds. A more accurate estimation can be achieved by including girth, using the formula (length x girth x girth) / 800. A walleye weighing over 10 pounds is considered a trophy-sized catch.