Walleyes, a popular freshwater fish, are found across much of North America, including the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basin. These long, slender fish, typically gold and olive with a white belly, are known for their predatory nature. Understanding their diet provides insight into their role within aquatic ecosystems and highlights the adaptability of this species.
The Walleye’s Main Menu
The primary diet of adult walleyes consists largely of other fish, making them predominantly piscivorous. They frequently consume smaller fish such as yellow perch, minnows, shiners, ciscoes, and smelt. Their sharp teeth and large mouths are well-suited for grasping these slippery prey items. While they are opportunistic feeders, they tend to prefer soft-rayed fish, which are easier to subdue.
Beyond fish, walleyes also incorporate invertebrates into their diet, particularly when fish prey is less available. This includes various aquatic insects, such as mayfly larvae, and crustaceans like crayfish and scuds. Young walleyes especially rely on these invertebrate sources.
Dietary Shifts and Environmental Factors
A walleye’s diet changes significantly throughout its life stages. Newly hatched walleyes initially feed on zooplankton, tiny aquatic animals. As they grow, their diet progresses to larger invertebrates before they become primarily fish-eaters, typically after 40 to 60 days. This shift to consuming fish is energetically beneficial for their growth.
Seasonal changes also influence what walleyes eat, reflecting prey availability. During warmer months, their feeding activity increases. Conversely, in cooler periods like early spring or late fall, they feed less actively, conserving energy. Specific events, such as mayfly hatches, can temporarily shift their focus to abundant insect prey.
The specific aquatic environment a walleye inhabits dictates its food choices. Their diet is influenced by the most abundant and accessible prey in their immediate surroundings, whether in a lake or river. Proximity to diverse habitats like wetlands can also provide a richer variety of prey, supporting better walleye growth.
How Walleyes Find and Catch Food
Walleyes possess specialized adaptations that give them an advantage in hunting, particularly in low-light conditions. Their eyes contain a reflective layer called the tapetum lucidum, which enhances their vision in dim light, turbid waters, or at night. This adaptation allows them to effectively hunt when other fish are less active.
As predators, walleyes employ specific strategies to capture their food. They are often ambush predators, waiting in cover such as submerged structures or aquatic plants for unsuspecting prey to pass by. Their sharp, pointed teeth are designed for grasping and holding onto their catches. Walleyes are most active during twilight hours, including dawn, dusk, and throughout the night. During these times, they often move into shallower waters to feed.