Walleye

Sander vitreus

Michigan's most sought-after coolwater game fish, prized for its table fare and found in countless inland lakes, rivers, and all of the Great Lakes. Saginaw Bay, Lake Erie, and the Detroit River produce some of the best walleye fishing in North America.

Seasonal Activity

Jan

Good

Feb

Good

Mar

Slow

Apr

Off season

May

Prime

Jun

Prime

Jul

Good

Aug

Good

Sep

Prime

Oct

Prime

Nov

Good

Dec

Good

Best Techniques

trolling crankbaits
jigging
crawler harness drifting
casting stickbaits at night

Top Baits

minnows
leeches
nightcrawlers
jig-and-minnow
crawler harnesses

Michigan state record: 17.19 lbs, Pine River (Manistee Co.), 1951