Walleye (Stizostedion vitreum)
Lake Ontario (Fertilized Egg)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
711 Bay of Quinte Pred/Prey Example 9 111
Details
High predation on walleye eggs by white bass was observed in the Bay of
Quinte, Lake Ontario.
Walleye (Stizostedion vitreum)
Lake Erie (Fertilized Egg)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
642 - Temperature Example 473 111
Details
In years of good-to-excellent yearclass success in Lake Erie, the rate
of water warming during the spawning and incubation periods was steady
and rapid (>0.28°C/day) while in years of poorest yearclass success,
the rates of water warming were low.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
710 Pred/Prey Example - 492 111
Details
Stomachs of yellow perch, spottail shiners, stonecats, and white suckers
contained walleye eggs in Lake Erie.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1549 Temperature Optimum 1068 1066
Details
Steady spring warming rates of ³0.28°C/day have been positively correlated
with embryo and fry production.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1550 Temperature Limit 1068 1066
Details
- Poor survival of embryos is associated with cold water temperatures due to
slow, spring warming rates (<0.18°C/day).
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1551 - Temperature Limit 1068 1066
Details
Poor survival of embryos is associated with cold weather fronts.
Walleye (Stizostedion vitreum)
(Fertilized Egg)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
586 Depth Characteristic 111
Details
Walleye eggs are deposited in relatively shallow waters varying in depth from
a few centimeters to several m.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
632 Minnesota Hydrogen Example - 437 111
Sulphide
Oxygen Example
Wood Fiber Example
Phys. Assoc. Example
Details
Oxygen concentrations drop to low levels near the mud and water interface.
Hydrogen sulphide concentrations are high over wood-fiber sludge deposits
and are inimical to walleye eggs.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
635 Minnesota Phys. Assoc. Example 464 111
Details
Survival of eggs was poorest on soft muck detritus bottom, intermediate
on fine sand bottom, and best on gravel rubble bottom.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
636 Temperature Example - 471 111
Details
Incubation periods were: 33 days at 4.5°C, 10 days at 12.8°C and 14.4°C,
8 days at 16.1°C, 8.5 days at 17.8°C, 6 days at 19.4°C, 5 days at 21.7°C,
and 4 days at 23.9°C.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
637 Genoa, Wisconsin Temperature Optimum 17.8°19.5°C 471 111
(Hatchery)
Details
Experiments at the Genoa, Wisconsin, hatchery indicated that at constant
incubation temperatures, the optimum range for survival of walleye eggs is
17.8°19.5°C.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
638 Genoa, Wisconsin Temperature Optimum 1104 111
(Hatchery) 450
Details
Optimum temperatures were 6°12°C for fertilization and 9°15°C for incubation.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
639 Water Level Lethal 487 111
Details
Eggs spawned in shallow marshes often are left stranded above the water
level during times of low water. High winds have also been known to blow
significant numbers of eggs onto shore.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
707 Water Motion Lethal - 111 -
Details
Wave action may cause considerable egg mortality by washing viable eggs
up on shore, or by moving them onto poor substrates where survival is
reduced. Wind is important in generating adequate circulation of oxygenated
waters in and around incubating eggs.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No. 708 Water Level Lethal - 487 111
Details
Rainfall may be a critical survival factor in lakes where spawning beds
are in very shallow water or in shallow marshes. Eggs may be left dry
when water levels recede or stagnation of the water may result in reducing
the oxygen exchange rates to critical levels.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
709 Pred/Prey Example - 111 -
Details
Yellow perch, carp, suckers, minnows, bullheads, and yellow bass have been
known to eat walleye eggs.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
712 Pred/Prey Example 111 -
Details
Northern pike, saugers, bullheads, burbot and yellow bass have been
known to feed on walleye YOY.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1536 Minnesota Phys. Assoc. Optimum 464 1066
Details
Highest embryo production and survival has been observed on clean gravel
or rubble substrate (2.5-15.0 cm diam.).
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1537 Wisconsin Phys. Assoc. Example 487 1066
Details
Survival is good on dense mats of vegetation with adequate water circulation.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1538 Minnesota Phys. Assoc. Lethal - 464 1066
487
Details
The survival percent of embryos is greatly reduced on sand. Survival of eggs
deposited on soft muck and detritus is negligible.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1539 Water Level Optimum 464 1066
1078
Details 475
Years of highest embryo production in lakes are associated with rising
or stable spring water levels that increase the amount of littoral area
available for spawning and prevent stranding of embryos.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1540 Oxygen Requirement ³5 mg/l 1094 1066
Details
DO levels ³5 mg/l are considered necessary for high survival and growth.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1541 Minnesota Oxygen Limit £3.4 mg/l 437 1066
Details
DO levels £3.4 mg/l resulted in delayed hatching and significant
reduction in size at hatching.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1542 Water Motion Optimum 866 1066
462
Details
Positive correlations between spring river discharge and walleye year-class
strength have been reported for several rivers.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1546 Temperature Optimum - 450 1066
Details
- Optimum temperatures are 6°-9°C for fertilization and 9°-15°C for
incubation.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1547 Temperature Lethal ~19°C 1104 1066
Details
Upper lethal (TL50) temperatures for embryos are ~19°C.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1548 Temperature Example 1093 1066
Details
Eggs hatch in 14-21 days at temperatures 8°-15°C.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1552 Temperature Limit 1095 1066
Details
Poor survival of embryos is associated with the release of cold reservoir water
into tailwaters during spawning and incubation.
Walleye (Stizostedion vitreum)
Lake Erie (Juvenile)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
676 Pred/Prey Example 493 111
Details
- YOY walleye at the extreme western end of Lake Erie displayed their size
preference by consuming alewives and gizzard shad during the summer and
changing to rainbow smelt in the autumn (when alewives and shad became
too large).
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
683 Movement Example 445 111
Details
Tagging studies indicated that adults and juveniles from the Thames River
(Lake St. Clair) stock moved in opposite directions during periods of
migration. Through late spring and summer, adults moved north from their
spawning grounds on the Thames River in the St. Clair River and southern
Lake Huron, while juveniles moved south through the Detroit River into the
western basin of Lake Erie. Through autumn, winter, and early spring these
migrations were reversed. Similar migration patterns were observed in Lake Erie.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
754 Pred/Prey Example 529 112
Details
0+ walleye fed primarily on 0+ perch in Lake Erie until July when surviving
perch grew out of the length range of fry preferred by walleye. In June,
they made up to 93% of identifiable food in walleye stomachs. By September
or October, they were reaching the size preferred by 1+ walleye.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
756 Pred/Prey Example 73 112
Oxygen Example -
Details
In the case of the central basin of Lake Erie, perch and smelt fry are
protected from walleye predation due to hypolimnial oxygen depletion
which excludes the walleye from their foraging base.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
795 Pred/Prey Example 73 19
Details
Dominant year-classes of yellow perch can exert (three years after hatching)
a predatory pressure on YOY walleye that forces walleye abundance into a
threeyear cycle.
Walleye (Stizostedion vitreum)
Lake Huron (Juvenile)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
683 Movement Example 445 111
Details
Tagging studies indicated that adults and juveniles from the Thames River
(Lake St. Clair) stock moved in opposite directions during periods of
migration. Through late spring and summer, adults moved north from their
spawning grounds on the Thames River in the St. Clair River and southern
Lake Huron, while juveniles moved south through the Detroit River into the
western basin of Lake Erie. Through autumn, winter, and early spring these
migrations were reversed. Similar migration patterns were observed in Lake Erie.
Walleye (Stizostedion vitreum)
(Juvenile)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
588 Movement Characteristic 111 -
Area of Water Characteristic
Details
At 2530 mm long, fry become benthic and move back inshore.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
589 - Movement Characteristic 111 -
Depth Characteristic
Details
As summer progresses all age groups move to deeper waters.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
590 Minnesota Movement Characteristic - 465 111
Area of Water Characteristic - 481
Details
Adults and subadults moved back inshore in early autumn.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
591 Movement Characteristic 111 -
Depth Characteristic
Details
By late autumn and through winter all age groups moved into deeper waters.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
621 Pred/Prey Optimum 111 -
Details
Lakes lacking suitable forage fishes maintain low stocks of walleye.
Highest-standing stocks occur in lakes with abundant small percids,
cyprinids, osmerids, percopsids, or coregonines.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
646 Pred/Prey Characteristic 111 -
Details
A number of fish species feed on walleye fry. These include yellow perch,
white bass, yellow bass, smallmouth bass, rainbow smelt, saugers, bullheads,
burbot, and (most importantly) northern pike.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
650 Temperature Optimum 22°C 1104 111
450
Details 449
- The optimum temperature for growth of juveniles (65.086.5 mm) is 22°C,
but the range may include 1925°C.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
651 Pred/Prey Characteristic 111 -
Details
During adolescence, walleyes change from a predominantly insect and
crustacean diet to one consisting mainly of fishes (unless these are
scarce). During this period, diet and feeding habits are essentially
the same as those of adults.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
654 Minnesota Oxygen Limit <5 ppm 486 111
(Hatchery)
Details
Oxygen concentrations <5 ppm result in poor survival of stocked walleye fry
in Lake Traverse, Minnesota.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
655 Wood Fiber Limit 436 111
Temperature Example
Oxygen Example
Details
Conifer and groundwater fiber at concentrations 50-150 ppm act as a loading
and limiting stress, and reduced the scope for activity of walleye fingerlings.
Under added environmental stresses (high temperature or low DO) these results
suggest that suspended fiber loaded may decrease survival rates or reduce fish
production in natural habitats.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
656 - Hydrogen Tolerate 0.0180.020 ppm 460 111
Sulphide
Details
The 96hour median tolerance limit of H2S was 0.0180.020 ppm.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
670 Pred/Prey Limit 1104 111
Temperature Limit <15°C
Details
- Laboratory studies indicate that walleye fry feed infrequently at water
temperatures <15°C.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
672 Pred/Prey Characteristic 111 -
Details
Adult and juvenile walleye are largely piscivorous and feed on a large
variety of prey fishes. In many lakes, invertebrates form a large part of
the diet in late spring and early summer. Invertebrate food is gradually
displaced by a diet consisting mainly of fish later in the summer when
most of immature insect forms have metamorphosed and YOY prey fish are
pelagic and readily available.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
673 Pred/Prey Example 111 -
Details
In many lakes in the northern and central regions of walleye distribution,
YOY perch (when available) are the predominant prey fish.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
677 Temperature Optimum 19°25°C 461 111
1104
Details
The temperature range for optimum growth of juvenile walleye (84.2
86.5 mm long) is 19°-25°C.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
690 Minnesota Movement Example 465 111
Depth Example
Details
Adults (age 2) were observed in Little Cutfoot Sioux Lake, Minnesota, to
move from depths from 1.23.0 m to 3.74.3 m during midAugust. Juveniles
(age 1 and age 2) moved little during this time suggesting a differential
movement by size or yearclass.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
691 Movement Example 461 111
Depth Example 483
Temperature Avoid
Details
YOY also moved from shore to deeper waters during midsummer to early autumn. These
summer movements may be an avoidance reaction in response to rising temperatures.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
692 Movement Characteristic Schooling 111 -
Details
Yearlings, subadults, and adults are usually closely similar in movement
and schooling.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
693 Movement Characteristic Schooling 439 111
Details
- Yearlings, subadults, and adults have schooled together. Underwater observations
revealed the size of schools may range from 3-4 to several hundred or more fish.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
694 Minnesota Movement Characteristic Schooling 474 111
537
Details 465
YOY walleye show stronger schooling tendencies and are often associated
with schools of YOY perch.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
702 Light Characteristic Phototaxis 439 111
457
Details
At precisely what time walleye become negatively phototaxic is not known.
By age 1, walleyes are negatively phototaxic.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
712 Pred/Prey Example 111 -
Details
Northern pike, saugers, bullheads, burbot, and yellow bass have fed on
walleye YOY.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
713 Pred/Prey Lethal Cannabalism 111 -
Details
Cannabalism is one of the most important sources of predation. In some
situations among fry, it may be the principal mortality factor.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
757 Pred/Prey Example 503 112
498
Details 513
Parallel fluctuations in yearclass strengths of perch and walleye have been
recorded in many American lakes.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
758 - Pred/Prey Example 498 112
Details
- The density of young perch fluctuated the same as growth increments of walleye.
Therefore, walleye depended on young perch.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1509 Pred/Prey Characteristic - 1096 1066
121
Details 1083
The diet of juvenile and adult walleye consists primarily of fish.
Aquatic invertebrates (particularly mayfly larvae and crayfish) may be
locally or seasonally important.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1510 Pred/Prey Characteristic 1077 1066
857
Details
In northern areas, age O+ and 1+ yellow perch account for a large
portion of the diet in classic large, shallow perchwalleye lakes.
Walleye (Stizostedion vitreum)
Lake Erie (Larva)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
642 Temperature Example 473 111
Details
In years of good-to-excellent yearclass success in Lake Erie, the rate of
water warming during the spawning and incubation periods was steady and
rapid (>0.28°C/day) while in years of poorest yearclass success, the
rates of water warming were low.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
647 Competitors Example 73 111
Details
Rainbow smelt are implicated as serious competitors with walleye fry
for food items in Lake Erie.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1549 Temperature Optimum 1068 1066
Details
Steady spring warming rates ³0.28°C/day have been positively correlated
with embryo and fry production.
Walleye (Stizostedion vitreum)
(Larva)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
587 - Movement Characteristic 111 -
Details
Upon hatching, fry leave spawning beds within a few hours and are carried
by currents into limnetic waters.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
640 Oxygen Limit 3.4 ppm 490 111
Details
Larval size at hatching is reduced at 35% saturation levels of DO 3.4 ppm
or less (flow rate 60 ml/min).
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
641 Oxygen Limit 490 111
Movement Limit
Details
Larvae raised at 20% DO (1.9 ppm) and 25% DO (2.4 ppm) were noticeably
weak swimmers.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
643 Temperature Optimum 15°21°C 1104 111
Details
The optimum temperature range for fry survival was 15°21°C (test range
6°21°C).
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
644 Oxygen Optimum 4.8 ppm 490 111
Temperature Example 17°C
Details
- Optimum oxygen concentrations occur at 50% saturation (4.8 ppm at 17°C, flow
rate 60 ml/min).
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
645 Pred/Prey Example Daphnia 454 111
453
Details
- There is some evidence of a positive correlation between Daphnia
abundance and fry survival.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
646 Pred/Prey Characteristic 111 -
Details
A number of fish species feed on walleye fry. They include yellow perch,
white bass, yellow bass, smallmouth bass, rainbow smelt, saugers, bullheads,
burbot, and (most importantly) northern pike.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
648 Michigan Competitors Example 489 111
Details
Alewife have been implicated as serious competitors with walleye fry for
food items in Lake Michigan.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
649 Pred/Prey Limit Cannabalism 111 -
Details
Cannabalism may be the most important source of fry mortality especially
when food is scarce.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
684 Oneida Lake Movement Characteristic 448 111
Details
When the yolk sac is completely resorbed, fry swim continuously at the
surface.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
685 Movement Characteristic 111 -
Details
Although currents are important in early dispersal from spawning grounds,
young walleye were capable of regulating their distribution within 12 weeks
after hatching.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
686 Oneida Lake Movement Characteristic 446 111
Details
Transition from a pelagic to an inshore, demersal mode by fry at a mean
length of 35 mm was observed.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
687 Movement Characteristic 439 111
Area of Water Example
Details
Walleye fry 2530 m long become benthic and move toward shore into shallow,
sheltered bays.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
688 Minnesota Movement Characteristic 465 111
Depth Example
Details
At 24 mm long walleye fry were observed close to shore in water 0.31.2 m deep.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
701 Oneida Lake Light Characteristic + Phototaxis 448 111
Details
Walleye larvae are positively phototaxic from hatching to the postlarval stage.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
706 Temperature Example 1104 111
Details
Laboratoryreared fry fed poorly at temperatures <15°C, but fed well at 21°C.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
707 Water Motion Lethal 111 -
Details
Wave action may cause considerable egg mortality by washing viable eggs
up on shore, or by moving them onto poor substrates where survival is
reduced. Wind is important in generating adequate circulation of oxygenated
waters in and around incubating eggs.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
752 Pred/Prey Example 528 112
Details
Predation on perch fry by older perch and walleye seldom occurred before
were 1.8 cm long.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
753 Oneida Lake Pred/Prey Example 523 112
Details
Walleye 9 mm long were feeding on 0+ perch. These perch became more important
as a food item when walleye reached 19 mm long.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1508 Pred/Prey Characteristic 1076 1066
1067
Details
Walleye fry eat zooplankton and aquatic insects and start feeding on fish at
1.5-2.5 cm long.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1518 Light Prefer 1093 1066
Details
Walleye fry are photopositive until becoming demersal at lengths of 25-40 mm.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1519 Light Limit 439 1066
457
Details
Demersal fry, juveniles, and adults are very photosensitive. They actively
seek the shelter of dim light during periods of strong light intensities in
clear waters.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1520 Phys. Assoc. Characteristic 439 1066
Details
They are found in deep or turbid water or in contact with the substrate
under cover of boulders, log piles, brush, and dense beds of submerged
vegetation during the day.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1553 Wisconsin Water Motion Requirement 487 1066
Details
Stream velocities in spawning tributaries must be sufficient to transport
fry downstream to lakes within the period of yolksac absorption (3-5 days)
or fry perish from lack of food.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1554 Temperature Limit <15°C 1104 1066
Details
Fry will not begin to feed at temperatures <15°C.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1555 Pred/Prey Optimum 1090 1066
Details
Stocked walleye fry exhibited greater survival when there was a high
availability of newly hatched gizzard shad at stocking time.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1556 Temperature Optimum ~22°C 482 1066
Details
Optimum temperatures for walleye growth are ~22°C.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1557 Temperature Limit £12°C or 482 1066
³29°C 479
Details
No growth occurs at temperatures £12°C or ³29°C.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1558 Temperature Lethal 31°33°C 1104 1066
1107
Details
Upper lethal temperatures for fry are 31°-33°C.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1559 Oxygen Optimum ³5 mg/l 490 1066
Details
Optimum DO concentrations for fry are ³5 mg/l.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1560 Oxygen Lethal <5 mg/l 486 1066
Details
DO levels <5 mg/l resulted in poor survival of stocked fry.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1561 Water Motion Tolerate 854 1066
Details
Fry can withstand only slight current velocities.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1562 Water Motion Lethal 1138 1066
1078
Details
High velocities near a reservoir outlet can result in significant fry
losses, particularly if spawning occurs at the dam face.
Walleye (Stizostedion vitreum)
Lake Erie (Non-spawning Adult)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
607 Depth Characteristic 73 111
Light Example
Water Color Example
Details
Fish are found in moderately shallow waters where sufficient shelter,
turbidity or color occurs to shield eyes from ambient daytime light
intensities.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
614 Dissolved Optimum 4080 mg/l 73 111
Solids
Details
Optimum range for dissolved solids is ~4080 mg/l.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
647 Competitors Example 73 111
Details
Rainbow smelt are serious competitors with walleye fry for food items
in Lake Erie.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
683 Movement Example 445 111
Details
Tagging studies indicated that adults and juveniles from the Thames River
(Lake St. Clair) stock moved in opposite directions during periods of
migration. Through late spring and summer, adults moved north from their
spawning grounds on the Thames River in the St. Clair River and southern
Lake Huron, while juveniles moved south through the Detroit River into the
western basin of Lake Erie. Through autumn, winter, and early spring, these
migrations were reversed. Similar migration patterns were observed in
Lake Erie.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
710 Pred/Prey Example 492 111
Details
Stomachs of yellow perch, spottail shiners, stonecats, and white suckers
contained walleye eggs in Lake Erie.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
756 Pred/Prey Example 73 112
Oxygen Example
Details
In the central basin of Lake Erie, perch and smelt fry are protected
from walleye predation because of hypolimnial oxygen depletion which
excludes the walleye from their foraging base.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
793 Pred/Prey Lethal Overfishing 73 19
Pred/Prey Limit Benthos 426
Oxygen Limit
Siltation Limit Spawning Area
Details
Severe declines of walleye in Lake Erie was from overfishing and degradation of
the environment via siltation of spawning areas, destruction of oxygen regimes
in the western and central basins, and major changes in the benthos in these basins.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
794 Competitors Example 73 19
Details
Pressure from the rapidly increasing smelt population placed significant
additional stress (especially in the central basin) on the walleye
population, in addition to exploitation and eutrophication.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
795 Pred/Prey Example - 73 19
Details
Dominant year-classes of yellow perch can exert (three years after hatching)
a predatory pressure on YOY walleye that forces walleye abundance into a
threeyear cycle.
Walleye (Stizostedion vitreum)
Lake Huron (Non-spawning Adult)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
663 Georgian Bay Pred/Prey Lethal Lamprey 491 111
Details
Lamprey scars have been observed in <1% in Lake Huron.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
683 Movement Example 445 111
Details
Tagging studies indicated that adults and juveniles from the Thames River
(Lake St. Clair) stock moved in opposite directions during periods of
migration. Through late spring and summer, adults moved north from their
spawning grounds on the Thames River in the St. Clair River and southern Lake
Huron, while juveniles moved south through the Detroit River into the
western basin of Lake Erie. Through autumn, winter, and early spring,
these migrations were reversed. Similar migration patterns were observed
in Lake Erie.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
689 Movement Example 462 111
Area of Water Example
Details
The movement of walleye from large tributaries into Lake Huron was observed
during periods at high water temperature in late summer.
Walleye (Stizostedion vitreum)
Lake Michigan (Non-spawning Adult)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
662 Pred/Prey Lethal Lamprey 459 111
Details
Lamprey scars have been observed in <1% in Lake Michigan.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
675 Pred/Prey Example 121 111
Details
Lake Michigan walleye fed mainly on alewives and rainbow smelt although
yellow perch were abundant and available.
Walleye (Stizostedion vitreum)
Lake Superior (Non-spawning Adult)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
664 Nipigon Bay Pred/Prey Lethal Lamprey 438 111
Details
Lamprey scars have been observed in <1% in Lake Superior.
Walleye (Stizostedion vitreum)
(Non-spawning Adult)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
468 Competitors Example 206 110
Details
Although smallmouth bass eat many of the same items as walleyes, the
bass's major use of crayfish made competition minimal.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
585 Area of Water Prefer 111 -
Turbidity Prefer
Clarity Prefer
Depth Prefer
Details
Walleye prefer large, semiturbid waters. Suitable lakes are >400 h although
smaller waters may contain natural populations (particularly if they form part
of a larger contiguous system). Clearwater lakes (if sufficiently large and deep)
may also be inhabitated by walleye.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
589 Movement Characteristic 111 -
Depth Characteristic
Details
- As summer progresses, all age groups move to deeper waters.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
590 Minnesota Movement Characteristic - 465 111
Area of Water Characteristic 481
Details
Adults and subadults moved back inshore in early autumn.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
591 Movement Characteristic 111 -
Depth Characteristic
Details
By late autumn and through winter, all age groups moved into deeper waters.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
592 Depth Characteristic 111 -
Phys. Assoc. Characteristic - Light Example
Details
- Adult walleye generally occur in moderately-shallow waters near boulder
shoals or rock outcrops during the daytime.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
593 Depth Characteristic 111 -
Phys. Assoc. Characteristic
Light Example
Pred/Prey Characteristic
Movement Characteristic
Details
Diurnal feeding migrations occur in the morning and evening into shoal areas
or toward the surface as light intensity reaches relatively low levels of
illumination.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
594 Depth Characteristic 439 111
Phys. Assoc. Characteristic
Light Example
Movement Characteristic
Details
A large number of daylight hours may be spent in contact with the substrate
or concealed under boulders, log piles, or brush shelters.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
595 Temperature Characteristic 111 -
Clarity Characteristic
Movement Characteristic
Pred/Prey Characteristic
Light Example
Details
They are usually found above the thermocline in thermally-stratified lakes.
The hypolimnion may be penetrated for feeding forays or to seek shelter in
extremely clear lakes.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
597 Depth Characteristic 111 -
Water Motion Characteristic
Details
Walleye occupy a wider depth range during winter months although fast
currents and turbulent areas are avoided.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
598 Temperature Prefer 20°23°C 215 111
Details
The preferred temperature is ~20°23°C.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
599 Temperature Tolerate 0°30°C, 111 -
20°23°C
Details
- A wide range of water temperatures from 0°30°C is tolerated.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
601 Temperature Lethal 33°34°C 479 111
Details
Total population mortality occurred when minimum temperatures >33°34°C.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
602 Light Characteristic Phototaxis 458 111
Details
The adult walleye is negatively phototatic.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
603 Light Characteristic 470 111
Pred/Prey Characteristic Nocturnal 439
Details
The adult walleye is crepuscular or nocturnal in its feeding habits.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
604 Light Characteristic 457 111
Oxygen Limit
Details
Where DO levels are too low to satisfy respiratory requirements, the
reaction to light levels diminishes.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
605 Turbidity Characteristic 439 111
Light Example
Movement Example
Details
Walleye are tolerant of a wide range in turbidity, and are more active
in the daytime in extremely turbid lakes.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
606 Water Colour Characteristic 111 -
Light Example -
Movement Example
Details
Walleye frequently occurs in humic acidstained lakes where the dark color
facilitates daytime activity. They apparently tolerate a broad range of true
water color.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
608 Oxygen Characteristic >3 ppm 224 111
Details
Walleyes in natural conditions generally achieve greatest abundance at DO
concentrations >3 ppm.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
609 Oxygen Limit 2 ppm 457 111
Details
- Walleye may tolerate DO concentrations in the laboratory as low as 2 ppm.
Oxygen levels 1.01.5 ppm cause walleye to rise to the surface. At 0.6 ppm,
a loss of coordination and equilibrium occurs.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
610 CO2 Avoid 457 111
Details
Increases in CO2 tension 3-10 mm Hg caused walleye to move upward into
surface waters.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
611 pH Tolerate 69 457 111
Details
A pH range 6-9 probably has no significant effect.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
613 Dissolved Tolerate 456 111
Solids
Details
Walleye tolerate a wide range in dissolved solids up to 15,000 mg/l.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
615 Organics Tolerate 111 -
Details
Walleye are tolerant of relatively large amounts of suspended and dissolved
organic compounds if they do not create an oxygen deficit below preferred
levels.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
616 Pollution Tolerate 434 111
435
Details 436
Walleye are reasonably tolerant of moderate levels of domestic pollution. 437
Generally intolerant of industrial effluents releasing toxic ions or 438
creating sedimentation on the substrates from Kraft mills (sulphate) may
inhibit spawning and alter migration routes.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
617 Phys. Assoc. Characteristic 111 -
Light Example
Depth Example
Details
Preference is for a clean, hard substratum where daylight hours are
spent with the walleye resting in contact with the bottom: Deep, organic
substrate is usually avoided.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
618 Phys. Assoc. Characteristic Vegetation 111 -
Details
- Walleye tend to avoid dense submergent vegetation. Sparse vegetation offers
favorable feeding or resting areas. Isoetes (a small submergent plant
forming dense bottom growths 15 cm high) form suitable resting areas.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
619 Phys. Assoc. Characteristic 439 111
Light Example
Details
Large boulder shoals, sunken trees, or brush shelters are sought for
daytime shelter from high light intensities. Resting walleyes obscure
themselves from ambient illumination levels in the daytime by seeking
shelter.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
620 Ice Example 111 -
Details
Ice is not a limiting factor unless winter kill conditions are created.
Walleye thrive in lakes at the northern end of their range >2 m of ice.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
621 Pred/Prey Optimum 111 -
Details
Lakes lacking suitable forage fishes maintain low stocks of walleye.
Highest-standing stocks occur in lakes with abundant small percids,
cyprinids, osmerids, percopsids, or coregonines.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
623 Pred/Prey Characteristic 111 -
Water Motion Characteristic
Light Characteristic
Details
Feeding is restricted by ambient light conditions. Most active feeding
periods occur during the greatest percentage changes in subsurface
illumination (usually at dusk and dawn or prior to rainstorms). Nocturnal
feeding is common, particularly in clearwater lakes.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
624 General Characteristic 111 -
Light Characteristic
Details
The walleye is eurybiotic and tolerant of a wide range of natural abiotic
and biotic conditions. Extreme light sensitivity limits most of its active
period to dimlight conditions.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
646 Pred/Prey Characteristic 111 -
Details
A number of fish species feed on walleye fry. These include yellow perch,
white bass, yellow bass, smallmouth bass, rainbow smelt, saugers, bullheads,
burbot, and (most importantly) northern pike.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
648 Michigan Competitors Example 489 111
Details
Alewife have been implicated as serious competitors with walleye fry for
food items in Lake Michigan.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
652 Oxygen Limit 1.6 ppm 447 111
Details
Mortalities during experiments of oxygen drawdown occurred <1.6 ppm
160-250 min. after oxygen drawdown began.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
653 Oxygen Tolerate 1 ppm 457 111
Details
Walleye in aquaria were able to survive oxygen drawdown to 1 ppm (150
200 min. after drawdown) without mortality. Loss of coordination
and equilibrium first occurred at 0.6 ppm.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
657 Movement Characteristic 111 -
Light Characteristic
Pred/Prey Characteristic
Details
Diurnal vertical migrations of fish at dawn and dusk reflect periods of
optimum illumination levels for feeding. Above and below these levels,
feeding is reduced or nonexistent.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
658 Competitors Example 63 -
Details
Walleye compete with such piscivorous fish as northern pike, yellow perch,
sauger, and smallmouth bass. Northern pike is the most important.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
659 Minnesota Competitors Example 480 111
Details
After smallmouth were introduced into some northeastern Minnesota walleye
lakes, bass became the dominant species (over walleye) in the boulder/
rubblelined lakes with high shoreline development factors and low
populations of minnows and small fish. In lakes with little shoreline
irregularity, moderate to extensive shoreline, shoal areas of gravel, sand
and muck, and sizeable populations of forage fish, walleyes remained
dominant.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
660 Pred/Prey Example 63 -
Details
Large carnivore, the adult walleye is not usually preyed upon by
other fish species. Northern pike is the most important predator on
adult walleye over much of its range. Muskellunge prey on walleye in
more restricted areas.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
661 Pred/Prey Lethal Lamprey 111 -
Details
Sea lamprey predation on adult walleye is of little importance in
most waters.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
665 Water Motion Example * 111
Light Example
Pred/Prey Example
Phys. Assoc. Example
Details
- Wind action on shallow reefs and the approach of storms decrease light
intensities and stimulate daytime feeding activity of walleye.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
666 Iowa Phys. Assoc. Characteristic Bottom 441 111
Depth Characteristic
Pred/Prey Example
Details
Feeding usually occurs near or at the bottom. During feeding periods,
walleye may move into shallower waters to feed.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
667 Pred/Prey Example 443 111
Light Characteristic
Details
Walleye rely primarily upon vision instead of tactile modes to obtain food.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
668 Shebowandon Light Optimum 1500 lux 439 111
Lake, Ontario Pred/Prey Example -
Details
In Shebowandon Lake, Ontario, optimum light conditions for feeding occurred
at surface intensity of 1500 lux. Winter feeding under ice and snow cover
occurs at the same surface light intensities. The rate of change of
illumination stimulates the initiation of feeding, when suitably low levels
are reached. Adaptation to the lower winter light regime occurs and the
optimum level of illumination required for efficient feeding may be an order
of magnitude or more lower than during icefree periods.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
669 Pred/Prey Characteristic 477 111
478
Details
Most feeding occurs during the summer and autumn and is reduced during the
winter, perhaps due to nonavailability of forage species in areas frequented
by walleyes.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
671 Pred/Prey Limit 482 111
Temperature Limit <15°C
Details
Laboratory studies on adult walleye indicate that fish held at 12°C fed only
at maintenance levels.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
672 Pred/Prey Characteristic 111 -
Details
Adult and juvenile walleye are largely piscivorous, feeding on a great
variety of prey fishes. In many lakes, invertebrates form a large part of
the diet in late spring and early summer. Invertebrate food is gradually
displaced by a diet consisting mainly of fish later in the summer when
most of the immature insect forms have metamorphosed and YOY prey fish
are pelagic and readily available.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
673 Pred/Prey Example 111 -
Details
In many lakes in the northern and central regions of walleye distribution,
YOY perch (when available) are the predominant prey fish.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
674 Pred/Prey Example 111 -
Details
When yellow perch are not available or abundant, other species (emerald
shiners, troutperch, nine spine sticklebacks, suckers, cyprinids, white
perch, alewives, rainbow smelt, lake herring, and centrarchids exist.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
678 Movement Characteristic 111 -
Details
Mature members of all selfpropogating walleye populations (streamspawning
or lakespawning) migrate from overwintering grounds to spawning grounds
in spring and continue to their summer feeding grounds shortly after
spawning. Walleye were observed to disperse throughout available habitat
shortly after spawning.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
690 Minnesota Movement Example 465 111
Depth Example
Adults (age 2) were observed in Little Cutfoot Sioux Lake, Minnesota, to move
from depths from 1.23.0 m to 3.74.3 m during midAugust. Juveniles (age 1
and age 2) moved little during this time suggesting a differential movement
by size or yearclass.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
692 Movement Characteristic Schooling 111 -
Details
Yearling, subadults, and adults are closely associated in movement and
schooling.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
693 Movement Characteristic Schooling 439 111
Details
Yearling, subadults, and adults have schooled together. Underwater
observations revealed the size of schools may range from 3-4 to several
hundred or more fish.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
698 Oxygen Limit 6 ppm 485 111
Movement Example
Details
Adult walleyes are inactive at an oxygen concentration of 6 ppm. As levels
were reduced, the walleye became more active and came to the surface.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
699 Saskatchewan Temperature Optimum 13°18°C 488 111
Movement Example
Details
Net catches were greatest at depths where temperatures were 13°-18°C in
Lac La Ronge, Saskatchewan.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
700 Temperature Optimum 20.6°C 63 111
Movement Example
Details
Net catches were greatest at 20°C in Wisconsin.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
703 Light Characteristic Phototaxis 111 -
Temperature Example
Oxygen Example
Details
Light is a stronger directive factor than emperature and oxygen.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
704 Light Characteristic Phototaxis 63 111
Temperature Example
Phys. Assoc. Example
Details
Walleye remained at a depth where the temperature was above that usually
selected but where there was better shelter from light.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
709 Pred/Prey Example 111 -
Details
Yellow perch, carp, suckers, minnows, bullheads, and yellow bass have been
known to eat walleye eggs.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
714 Eutrophication Example 475 111
1088
Details
Walleye populations persist throughout cultural eutrophication. Progressive
eutrophication first expands and then constricts optimum habitat.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
716 Phys. Assoc. Example Shelter 484 111
Details
Walleye congregated under oak log cribs (2.4 x 2.4 x 1.5 m) constructed with
galvanized wire and staples securing the corners, small poles placed across
the bottom tier of logs, and oak brush packed loosely inside the log
framework.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
723 Depth Characteristic <9.2 m 63 112
Details
Perch are not normally found <9.2 m.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
752 Pred/Prey Example 528 112
Details
- Predation on perch fry by older perch and walleye seldom occurred before
the fry were 1.8 cm long.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
770 Pred/Prey Example 63 -
112
Details
Almost all warm- to cold-water predatory fish eat perch (including basses
(Morone spp. and Micropterus spp.)), sunfish, crappies, walleye, sauger,
pike, muskellunge, and lake trout.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
798 Ontario Turbidity Characteristic 1.22.6 ppm 73 -
Alkalinity Characteristic 2260 ppm
Dissolved Characteristic 4783 ppm
Solids
Details
In ten lakes considered good walleye, lake whitefish, and northern pike
lakes, turbidity ranged from 1.2 to 2.6 ppm (JTU), total alkalinity ranged
from 22 to 60 ppm, and total dissolved solids from 47 to 83 ppm.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
799 Minnesota Phosphorous Characteristic 0.04 ppm 73 -
Nitrogen Characteristic 0.4 ppm
Chloride Characteristic 1.0 ppm
Sulphate Characteristic 2.1 ppm
Details
Walleye habitats in Minnesota, although exhibiting a considerable range in
total dissolved solids (with carbonates predominating) were generally
associated with the following chemical characteristics: 0.04 ppm total
phosphorous, 0.4 ppm total nitrogen, 1 ppm chloride ion, and, 2.1 ppm
sulphate ion.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
800 Minnesota General Optimum 73 -
Details
In Minnesota, good walleye waters are in areas of conifer forest.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
801 Eutrophication Optimum Mesotrophy 73 -
Turbidity Characteristic 13 ppm
Depth Characteristic 1.23.1 m
Temperature Characteristic 15.5°26.5°C
Phys. Assoc. Characteristic
Details
Walleye is most successful in mesotrophic waters and not very tolerant of
either oligitrophic or advanced eutrophic conditions. Walleye (at least
in summer) are expected in waters with a turbidity ~1-3 ppm (Secchi-disk
reading ~1.2-3.1 m), a depth of at least 9.2 m (if the water is fairly
transparent), a temperature 15.5°-26.5°C, and a bottom that contains
areas of clean rock and sand.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1509 Pred/Prey Characteristic 1096 1066
121
1083
Details
The diet of juvenile and adult walleye consists primarily of fish, but
aquatic invertebrates (particularly mayfly larvae and crayfish) may be
locally or seasonally important.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1510 Pred/Prey Characteristic 1077 1066
857
Details
In northern areas, age 0+ and 1+ yellow perch account for a large portion
of the diet in classic large, shallow perchwalleye lakes.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1511 Pred/Prey Characteristic 1089 1066
1090
Details 1075
In the southern parts of the walleye range, clupeids and centrarchids are
often most important.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1516 Area of Water Optimum 858 1066
Phys. Assoc. Optimum 1088
Turbidity Optimum
Details
Walleye are most abundant in moderatetolarge lacustrine (>100 ha)
or riverine systems characterized by cool temperatures, shallow to moderate
depths, extensive littoral areas, moderate turbidities, extensive areas of
clean, rocky substrate, and mesotrophic conditions.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1517 Clarity Optimum 12 m Secchi- 439 1066
disk Depth
Details
- Peak feeding occurs at water transparencies of ~1-2 m Secchi-disk depths,
with a great decrease in activity at <1 or >5 m Secchi-disk depths.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1521 Eutrophication Characteristic 73 1066
858
Details 1088
Walleye are most abundant in lakes or lake sections classified as 1101
mesotrophic.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1522 pH Characteristic 69 457 1066
Details
Walleye are found in lakes with a pH ranging of 6-9. Behavioral changes
were exhibited when exposed to varying pH levels within this range.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1524 Depth Characteristic <15 m 1083 1066
Light Characteristic 439
Movement Characteristic
Details
Adult walleye are found under cover in moderately shallow (<15 m) waters
during the day and move inshore at night to feed.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1525 Water Motion Characteristic 439 1066
Details
Adults are often found in areas with slight currents.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1526 Water Motion Avoid 111 1066
Details
During the winter, walleye avoid turbulent areas.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1527 Temperature Optimum 10°24°C 224 1066
215
Details 482
Preferred optimum temperatures for growth of adults are 10°-24°C. 449
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1528 Tennessee Temperature Avoid >24°C 1075 1066
Details
Adults avoid temperatures >24°C, if possible.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1529 Temperature Limit <12°C 482 1066
Details
Growth in adults ceases at temperatures <12°C.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1530 Temperature Lethal 29°32°C 479 1066
Details
- Upper lethal temperatures are 29°-32°C.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1531 Temperature Lethal 34°35°C 1107 1066
Details
Upper lethal temperatures are 34°-35°C.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1532 Temperature Optimum <24°C 1090 1066
Oxygen Optimum >5 mg/l
Details
Low survival and poor growth of age-4+ fish in a eutrophic central Ohio
reservoir was attributed to absence of areas of summer habitat with cool
(<24°C) water and adequate (>5 mg/l) DO.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1533 Oxygen Tolerate 2 mg/l 457 1066
Details
Adult walleye can tolerate DO levels of 2 mg/l for a short time.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1534 Oxygen Optimum >35 mg/l 224 1066
Details
The greatest abundance of walleye occurs where minimum DO levels are
>3 -5 mg/l.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1535 Oxygen Lethal <1 mg/l 457 1066
Details
DO Levels of <1 mg/l are lethal.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1543 Great Lakes Water Motion Lethal 1066 -
Details
- In the Great Lakes, the littoral substrate of exposed shoreline areas may be
unsuitable for spawning because strong wave action.
Walleye (Stizostedion vitreum)
Lake Erie (Spawning Adult)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
629 Depth Characteristic 1.834.57 m 452 111
442
Details
Spawning depth was 1.834.57 m in Lake Erie.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
793 Pred/Prey Lethal Overfishing 73 19
Pred/Prey Limit Benthos 426
Oxygen Limit
Siltation Limit Spawning Area
Details
Severe declines of walleye in Lake Erie was from overfishing and
degradation of the environment via siltation of spawning areas,
destruction of oxygen regimes in the western and central basins,
and major changes in the benthos in these basins.
Walleye (Stizostedion vitreum)
Lake Huron (Spawning Adult)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
680 Georgian Bay Movement Characteristic 494 111
Details
A large majority of spawners move <5 km from their spawning grounds after
spawning.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
696 Many General 462 111
73
Details
There may be more than one spawning stock in Lake Huron. Each stock spawns
in a distinctly different area with little straying of individuals from one
ground to another.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
697 (Many) Area of Water Example 462 111
Details
Discrete populations of walleye are associated with larger tributaries in
Lake Huron. These remained within 10 km of the river mouths.
Walleye (Stizostedion vitreum)
Lake Superior (Spawning Adult)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
679 Chequamegon Movement Characteristic 455 111
Bay
Details
A large majority of spawners move <5 km from their
spawning grounds after spawning.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
682 Nipigon Bay Movement Example 438 111
Details
Lake Superior waters provide an ecological barrier to walleye movement.
Walleye moved extensively in Nipigon Bay and contiguous inland waters
(~0.8 km/day).
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
695 Nipigon Bay General 438 111
(Many)
Details
There may be more than one spawning stock in Lake Superior. Each stock
spawns in a distinctly different area with little straying of individuals
from one ground to another.
Walleye (Stizostedion vitreum)
(Spawning Adult)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
596 Ice Characteristic 111 -
Phys. Assoc. Characteristic
Area of Water Characteristic
Details
Shallow boulder reefs in lakes or rapids and waterfalls in streams are
frequented following ice breakup in springtime where spawning takes place.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
600 Temperature Characteristic 8°C 537 110
Details
Spawning occurs at ~8°C.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
612 Lake Nipissing pH Limit 4 440 110
Details
Walleye ceased to spawn in Duchesney Creek, Lake Nipissing, Ontario, when
the pH dropped below 4 but returned when the pH rose to 7.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
622 Phys. Assoc. Characteristic 111 -
Details
Spawning is restricted to clean, hard substrate (especially coarse gravel
or small boulders). Submergent vegetation is rarely used for spawning.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
625 Michigan Movement Characteristic 537 111
Phys. Assoc. Characteristic
Depth Example
Area of Water Example
Details
Spawning behavior consisted first of a grouping of walleyes, then a move-
ment of the female, followed by approaches by males. This led to group
movement over the shoals, in water <0.9 m deep, with vigorous splashing
and milling about. Except when specific spawning acts were in progress,
the majority of fish were close to shore, on or near the bottom in water
>0.6 m deep. Most fish showed little activity, either laying motionless,
in pairs or singly, or in loosely aggregated groups of 315 or more.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
626 General Example 63 -
Details
Northern populations do not spawn some years if temperatures are not
favorable.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
627 Temperature Example - 63 111
Details
Spawning normally begins shortly after ice breaks up in a lake at water
temperatures 6.7°8.9°C. Spawning has been known to take place over a range
5.6°11.1°C.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
628 Movement Characteristic Homing 111 -
Details
Homing has been reported.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
630 Michigan Phys. Assoc. Example 537 111
Details
A large number of spawning substrates have been reported for walleye.
Spawning substrates include mouths of rivers and creeks, sandy bars in
shallow water, near shore on gravel bottom, shallow bars or flats at
the edge of deep water, on sticks and stones in running water at the
foot of waterfalls, up tributary streams in riffles, or on gravel reefs
in shallow waters of the lake.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
631 Minnesota Phys. Assoc. Example 472 111
Area of Water Characteristic 469
Details
Walleye spawn in lakes if they are prevented by weather (or other factors)
from entering streams.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
633 Minnesota Water Motion Example 464 111
Depth Example 537
Phys. Assoc. Example
Details
In lakes, walleye avoided sandy shorelines and utilized isolated catches
of gravel and rubble. Some areas used were <1 m in diameter. Unused
areas had steeper depth gradients and were less often wavewashed.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
634 Phys. Assoc. Example 111
Details
Where rock or gravel is not available, walleye spawn over sand or silt
bottoms.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
678 Movement Characteristic 111
Details
Mature members of all selfpropagating walleye populations (streamspawning
or lakespawning) migrate from overwintering grounds to spawning grounds in
spring and continue to their summer feeding grounds shortly after spawning.
Walleye were observed to disperse throughout available habitat shortly
after spawning.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
681 Movement Characteristic 111 -
Details
Evidence shows mature walleye return to the same spawning grounds year
after year.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
705 Temperature Limit 111 -
Details
Cold fronts occurring just prior to or shortly after the onset of spawning
season may delay, interrupt, or prevent spawning.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
715 Phys. Assoc. Example Spawning Beds 467 111
464
Details 463
Artificial spawning beds have been constructed in a number of midwestern 466
states (at least six) and generally consist of coarse gravel and rubble
deposits in shallow waters. They support, at least in some cases,
substantially increased production of walleye.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
717 Saskatchewan Salinity Limit 15,000 ppm 456 111
Hatchery
Details
Three years after fry were introduced into saline (15,000 ppm) Redberry
Lake, Saskatchewan, nettings revealed that survivors of the plant were
thriving, although no reproduction occurred.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1512 - Temperature Limit 7°9°C 63 1066
Details
Spawning is usually initiated at water temperatures 7°-9°C. Most spawning
occurred from 6°-11°C.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1513 Area of Water Prefer 537 1066
Phys. Assoc. Prefer 464
Water Motion Prefer 111
Details
Preferred spawning habitats are: shallow shoreline areas, shoals, riffles,
and dam faces with rocky substrate and good water circulation from wave
action or currents.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1514 Wisconsin Movement Characteristic 487 1066
Details
Lacustrine populations often migrate up rivers to spawn.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1515 Light Requirement 439 1066
Details
- Walleye spawning activity occurs at night and is often concentrated within
a few days.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1523 Lake Nipissing, pH Limit <6.0 440 1066
Ontario
Details
Lower pH levels (<6.0) are associated with failures in reproduction and
recruitment.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1544 Temperature Requirement <10°C 479 1066
Details
Proper maturation of gonads in female walleyes requires minimum winter water
temperatures of <10°C.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1545 California Temperature Limit 10°12.5°C 1089 1066
Details
Walleyes failed to reproduce in a reservoir with minimum winter temperatures
10°-12.5°C.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1552 Temperature Limit 1095 1066
Details
Poor survival of embryos is associated with release of cold reservoir water
into tailwaters during spawning and incubation.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1563 Phys. Assoc. Prefer 537 1066
487
Details 866
Gravel and rubble are preferred for spawning when available.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1564 Phys. Assoc. Characteristic 475 1066
Details
Walleye eggs are most abundant on beaches with gravel, rubble, or shingle
rock.