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of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    All About Walleye

    Species overview, identification, habitat and life history from the Pennsylvania Fishes Reference Book

    Walleye Life Cycle

    Learn the cycle of how over 14 million Walleye are raised to be stocked into Pennsylvania's waterways. From harvesting adults, to spawning, raising, and stocking to give you the thrill of that tug on a line.
     

    Walleye Harvesting for Spawning

    The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission stocks over 14 million of Walleye as Fry and Fingerling across the state. But how does this cycle begin? Check out our series of five videos, where you'll get a sneak peek into the life cycle of Walleye and how they go from our hatcheries to tugging on your fishing line! The first step in the cycle is harvesting Walleye from Pymatuning Sanctuary in Linesville, PA. These adult Walleye are harvested to spawn the next generation and start the cycle to stock millions of fish in Pennsylvania's waterways.

    Walleye Spawning

    Every spring, adult Walleye are harvested from Pymatuning Sanctuary, a water specific to raising Walleye. They are taken to the Linesville State Fish Hatchery where they are prepped to spawn the next generation, which prompts the second step in the Walleye life cycle: spawning. PFBC staff complete the thorough process and incubate eggs for weeks to the fry stage (less than 1 inch), leading to the third step in the cycle - fry. Check out our series to learn more.

    Diagram of Pennsylvania highlighting which counties where Walleye fingerling and fry are stocked.

    Walleye Fishing Tips

    Where

    Habitat -- Deep, clear lakes and large rivers with a rocky or gravel bottom

    How

    Bait -- Minnows, leeches, night crawlers fished on a jig head or a slip ring on or near the bottom
    Lures -- Jigs, crankbaits, twisters, and spinners
    Lure Color -- Bright green, yellow, gold, silver, black and purple
    Line -- 6-12 lb. test
    Hook Size -- 3/0-4
    Lure Size -- 1/8 to 1 oz.

    When

    Spring -- Morning, Late day
    Summer -- Night

    Interactive Maps