Despite the fish being known to inhabit northern lakes in colder climates, walleye hold solid populations in Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Some refer to the fish as a yellow pike or yellow pickerel; however, it does not belong to the pike family but rather the perch family. Anglers highly target them for a multitude of reasons. Just what is a walleye. 

Why Are Walleye Called Walleye

First, it is essential to identify the fish. To understand what is a walleye, A walleye is a brilliant gold color with dark spots throughout and black bands extending from the two dorsal fins on the top down to the body’s centerline.

Watch your hands when removing hooks and handling the fish due to the small but razor-sharp teeth in their mouth. Of course, keeping a set of pliers in the tackle box is helpful.

A fish holds its name as a result of the eyes. When it comes to a walleye face, the eyes help the fish see in low light conditions and, as a result, appear reflective and opaque. Furthermore, the eyes are large.  

Are Walleye Bottom Feeders

The question is often asked, are walleye bottom feeders? Yes, walleye primarily feed on the bottom but will travel closer to the surface depending on the position of the sun and the season.

When fishing for walleye, they primarily reside on the bottom. Despite the fish mainly spending time on the lake’s floor, anglers catch them with suspended baits in addition to the shoreline. The fish head near the shoreline as the sun begins to set. Fishermen catch them at dusk while casting from the banks as they move in to feed.

What Is A Walleyes Favorite Food

The appetite of the fish is large. However, the fish most often feeds on minnows and their fellow family member, the perch.

Understanding what the fish feeds on is essential when presenting baits to catch these for sport or dinner.

Despite worms not being present in lakes, nightcrawlers are comparable to fillet mignon for the fish. Tip a jighead or worm harness with a nightcrawler for best results over hard and rocky bottoms.

What Is The Best Time To Fish For Walleye

When fishing for walleye, both the time of day and the season come into play. Anglers who plan when to fish and present baits based on the time of year will undoubtedly have more success. 

The perch family prefers cold water. As a result, the migration of the fish is easy to determine based on the time of the year. 

One of the best walleye fishing tips is to understand during the colder months, target areas close to shore and higher in the water column where the water does not fall below their comfort zone. 

Unlike the winter, during the summer, the fish head deep for cool water. The walleye bottom feeder will be on the bed of the lake, scouring food while staying away from the sun’s rays. 

Much like seasons, the daylight and nighttime hours impact the movement of the fish. Expect the fish to remain well below the surface, away from the ultraviolet rays during peak sunlight. 

In comparison, the night is substantially different. These fish venture to the surface and along the shore in search of the next meal that they can ambush. Look for the glow of the eyes while fishing for walleye in South Carolina, North Carolina, or Georgia with a flashlight shined on the water.

The patterns of the highly sought-after fish, without a doubt, appear confusing. However, paying close attention to the time of day and water temperature will lead you to more fish. Remember that the water temperatures remain warmer in the southern states like Georgia compared to North Carolina walleye fishing. In North Carolina, the fish will remain close to shore for a longer period of time as it takes the water a longer time period to heat up during the summer months.

What Lure Is Best For Walleye

Lures are in comparison to seasons. While the type of lure or bait remains constant, you should pay close attention to the depth of the presentation. 

Anglers who prefer to troll most often crankbaits, these types of lures are run directly from the rod and reel or beneath a downrigger or planner. Remember, during the winter fish near the surface and the summer target deep waters. Depending on the season anglers adjust focusing on a walleye bottom feeder or top water feeder.

In addition to crankbaits, worm harnesses are also effective. Worm harnesses are equally as effective when fished under a downrigger or bounced off a bottom with a lead weight it should be noted to pay close attention to the soft bite. 

Is Walleye A Good Fish To Eat

Yes, walleye is a great fish to eat. The fillets are sweet with small white flakey meat when cooked. 

One of the most popular cooking methods is creating a fish fry in a deep fryer and other methods such as broiling. Avoid overcooking the tender fillets or they will become dry and lack the sweet flavor they are notorious for.

Are You Ready To Head Out Walleye Fishing

A Pros Guide To Catching Walley

The next time you are headed out fishing in cold water lakes for walleye fishing in North Carolina, walleye fishing Georgia, walleye fishing South Carolina, or North Carolina, make sure to pay close attention to the fishery and pick up the Pro Tactics Walleye Fishing Guide. Now that you understand what is walleye, you know these fish are aggressive eaters and, most importantly, make a delicious meal. Get out on the water for your shot at these fish.Â