Walleye Behavior in the Great Lakes

In the ‘70s and ‘80s, the biggest growth in walleye fishing occurred as walleyes were stocked into reservoirs, greatly expanding their range. Non-native species introduced into conducive environments often grow big—and they did. State records tumbled on waters where walleyes hadn’t existed ten years prior.

In the last 15 years, however, a similar yet familiar phenomenon has occurred on the Great Lakes. Similar because clearing water due to the filtration of zebra mussels, reduced pollution, less gill netting, and restocking in traditional fisheries has triggered a boom in walleye growth and population. The new environment—actually a sudden improvement in the old one—created boom-like conditions suitable to fantastic walleye growth, similar to those created in a new reservoir or by introducing a non-native species into a favorable environmental niche.

Yet, in this instance, it’s also a familiar scenario, because unlike many reservoirs, walleyes once were native to most Great Lakes areas, although the populations had by midcentury fallen on hard times. Memorable might be a better word, recalling those glorious days of yesteryear when big walleyes prowled coastal waters of Great Lakes harbors and river mouths.

The biggest difference is that today, the fishery is better that at any time in history, with larger populations of bigger fish. State records are definitely in jeopardy, as indicated by a recent succession of new Ohio records from Lake Erie, perhaps the greatest walleye fishery on earth. Even the venerable world record may soon be breached as fish grow to mammoth proportions.

The Great Escapade

Most walleye populations in the Great Lakes originate in rocky rivers flowing into the big water. Annual spring runs draw fish from many miles to swim upstream and spawn on current-swept rock. Anglers intercepting the run cast big crankbaits from shore at night, or jig deep river holes from a boat during the day. Once spawning is complete, most of the larger fish swiftly drift downstream and begin schooling outside the river mouth, suspending and roaming the open basin in relatively shallow water (less than 50 feet). Schools continue forming, following local baitfish opportunities. Once the water becomes too warm or the food supply dwindles, however, the fish move.

In some areas, such as along the Ohio shoreline of Lake Erie, significant numbers of fish also spawn on shallow inshore reefs, where they’re caught on traditional jigs, bladebaits, and jigging spoons. In most cases, however, natural populations are sustained by river spawners. Where spawning is limited or unsuccessful, populations are supported by stocking.

Once walleyes conclude spawning and reenter the main lake, they predominantly live a suspended lifestyle. Schools of fish make infrequent contact with structural elements like points and humps, and can be caught there, chiefly during periods of low light or at night. They even can be caught from shore at night, especially in spring and fall. But with the clearing water common in most Great Lakes areas, offshore suspension is common.

In many cases, Great Lakes walleyes don’t go deep. Anglers trolling the Lake Michigan shoreline of southern Michigan are learning to catch walleyes by trolling planer boards with either crankbaits or spoons in less than 40 feet of water—and sometimes right up along shore. In cool Lake Superior near Duluth, walleyes frequently are caught within 25 feet of the surface; the fish remain within the warmer surface layer over cold, deep water. Here, surface-riding steelhead tactics excel.