Walleye is one of the most common fish in the US. It occurs natively in the Great Lakes and Mississippi River drainage basins and was also introduced to all other continental states as a sport fish. The little town of Port Clinton, a small town on the shore of Lake Erie, is called the Walleye capital of the world. Each year a lot of fisherman come to the town especially to try and catch that elusive trophy walleye. (The bass, particularly the largemouth bass, is targeted by more U.S. anglers than the walleye or any other freshwater fish. Here’s a look at the 10 largest bass ever caught in the U.S.)
Walleye (Sander vitreus)
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Walleye are long, thin, torpedo-shaped fish. They range in color from dark olive brown to yellowish gold, with a white belly. They also have black mottling (spots) over most of its body. On the back, they have five or more black bands. Walleye sports two dorsal fins, one spiny and one soft-rayed.
The walleye has large pearlescent eyes, which is also where the name “walleye” comes from. These eyes allow the fish to see very well in low-light conditions. They will avoid bright light and feed in low light on other fish. They have a distinct advantage over their prey, as most fish do not see as well as the walleye. Walleye anglers often target the fish at night, during cloudy weather, or when the water is wavy and rough (sometimes known as “walleye chop” among walleye enthusiasts).
Walleye as Table Fare
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The walleye is considered a very palatable fish. It is fished both recreationally and commercially for food. They are best caught at night with lures mimicking small fish. Walleye has a mild and sweet taste with a firm, flaky texture. It is considered a very healthy food. An average walleye serving contains just 0.5% fat. The fish contains very little oil, so there is no off-putting “fishy” smell or taste.
The Largest Walleye Ever Caught in the U.S.
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The following list contains every walleye state record over 15 pounds in the United States. 24/7 Wall St. consulted the official databases of each state’s Department of Natural Resources (or equivalent agency) to compile the list. The world record was corroborated by the International Game Fish Association (IGFA). As sportfishing’s governing body, IGFA verifies and documents fishing world records.
24. Connecticut
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The largest walleye was caught in 2015 and weighed 15 pounds, 4 ounces.
23. Nevada
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The largest walleye was caught in 1998 and weighed 15.4 pounds.
22. Utah
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The largest walleye was caught in 1991 and weighed 15 pounds, 9 ounces.
21. Virginia
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The largest walleye was caught in 2000 and weighed 15 pounds, 15 ounces.
20. Arizona
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The largest walleye was caught in 2002 and weighed 16 pounds, 1.76 ounces.
19. Nebraska
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The largest walleye was caught in 1971 and weighed 16 pounds, 2 ounces
18. Ohio
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The largest walleye was caught in 1999 and weighed 16 pounds, 3.04 ounces.
17. North Dakota
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The largest walleye was caught in 2021 and weighed 16 pounds, 6 ounces.
16. New Mexico
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The largest walleye was caught in 1989 and weighed 16 pounds, 9 ounces.
15. Michigan
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The largest walleye was caught in 1951 and weighed 17.19 pounds.
14. Wyoming
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The largest walleye was caught in 1991 and weighed 17.42 pounds.
13. Minnesota
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The largest walleye was caught in 1979 and weighed 17 pounds, 8 ounces.
12. Idaho
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The largest walleye was caught in 2011 and weighed 17.88 pounds.
11. Wisconsin
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The largest walleye was caught in 1933 and weighed 18 Pounds, 0 Ounces
10. Montana
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The largest walleye was caught in 2021 and weighed 18.02 pounds
9. Pennsylvania
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The largest walleye was caught in 2021 and weighed 18 pounds, 1 ounce.
8. New York
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The largest walleye was caught in 2018 and weighed 18 pounds, 2 ounces.
7. West Virginia
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The largest walleye was caught in 2004 and weighed 18.97 pounds
6. Oregon
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The largest walleye was caught in 1990 and weighed 19 pounds, 15.3 ounces.
5. Washington
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The largest walleye was caught in 2014 and weighed 20.32 pounds.
4. Missouri
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The largest walleye was caught in 1988 and weighed 21 pounds, 1 ounce
3. Kentucky
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The largest walleye was caught in 1958 and weighed 21.5 pounds
2. Arkansas
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The largest walleye was caught in 1982 and weighed 22 pounds, 11 ounces.
1. Tennessee
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The largest walleye was caught in 1960 and weighed 25 pounds, 0 ounces.
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