Freshwater Fish of America - Walleye

Walleye are a freshwater fish that live in rivers, natural lakes, and reservoirs. They prefer cooler water temperatures found in both clear and turbid, shallow or deep water. Walleye reproduce at about three to four years of age. They usually spawn in the spring in shallow areas with lots of small gravel and rocks when the water temperature is around 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Their eggs hatch after about 12 to 30 days, depending on water temperature. The newly hatched walleye eat small insects and later switch to leeches, snails, frogs, crayfish, or even small mammals, but mainly eat other fish when they grow older and larger. In areas where fishing is common, they usually live about five to 10 years, where they reach sizes of about 12 to 30 inches long.