FishableWaters

Species

Walleye

On record in 599 waters across 13 states

Walleye are Minnesota and Ohio's favorite fish for a reason — they're excellent on the table and they reward anglers who understand light and structure better than almost any other species. Their large, reflective eyes are built for low light, which explains almost everything about how and when to catch them.

Walleye are on record in 599 waters across 13 states, most heavily in Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, Indiana and New York. FishableWaters tracks every walleye stocking from state agency reports — use the state links and most-stocked list below to find waters near you.

Walleye
Duane Raver / USFWS

By state

Most-stocked waters

How to catch them

Walleye feed most actively at dawn, dusk, and after dark, or in stained water where low light persists all day. Trolling crankbaits or spinner rigs along breaklines, and jigging near bottom structure, are the two dominant techniques across most walleye water.

Nightcrawler harnesses and jig-and-minnow combos are the classic walleye setup. Crankbaits trolled at controlled depths and blade baits jigged near structure also produce, especially in the cooler months.

Know your fish

Olive-gold to brassy body, a white tip on the lower lobe of the tail, and large glassy eyes that give them their name and their low-light advantage. That eye shine is the same structure that makes deer eyes glow in headlights.

Spring, right after ice-out or during the spawn, puts walleye shallow and accessible. Fall turnover is the other major window, when walleye feed heavily before winter and move onto structure that holds baitfish.

Freshest walleye stockings

Jul 17, 2026Scofield ReservoirUT2,192
Jul 16, 2026Calamus ReservoirNE4,198
Jul 16, 2026Moon LakeUT1,125
Jul 16, 2026Big Sand Wash ReservoirUT425
Jul 15, 2026Deerfield LakeSD24,737
Jul 15, 2026Red Fleet ReservoirUT10,001
Jul 14, 2026Adams ReservoirUT400
Jul 14, 2026Carbon CanalUT50
Jul 14, 2026Scofield ReservoirUT200
Jul 9, 2026Pontiac LakeMI15,163
Jul 9, 2026Lake CharlevoixMI40,381
Jul 8, 2026Pontiac LakeMI25,968
Jul 8, 2026Portage LakeMI42,857
Jul 8, 2026Lake CharlevoixMI51,558
Jul 7, 2026Indian LakeMI9,231

Walleye — FAQ

Where can I catch walleye?+

Walleye are stocked across 13 states, led by Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, Indiana and New York. Pick a state below to see every water stocked with walleye.

What's the best bait for walleye?+

Nightcrawler harnesses and jig-and-minnow combos are the classic walleye setup. Crankbaits trolled at controlled depths and blade baits jigged near structure also produce, especially in the cooler months.

When is the best time to catch walleye?+

Spring, right after ice-out or during the spawn, puts walleye shallow and accessible. Fall turnover is the other major window, when walleye feed heavily before winter and move onto structure that holds baitfish.

How many waters are stocked with walleye?+

599 waters across 13 states hold walleye on record, updated daily from agency stocking reports.