What Does a Walleye Fish Look Like?

April 30, 2025

Walleye can swim rapidly through the water thanks to its long and streamlined body. Moreover, the average grown-up walleye weighs around 1 to 10 pounds and is 14 to 30 inches long.

What does a walleye fish look like? Well, if you haven’t seen a walleye before, then you might have thought about this question. And when it comes to fishing for walleye, we must know how they look.

For starters, their name comes from its special, dark eyes. But why are they special? Well, they have a smooth appearance due to an extra layer with reflective features that enhances their vision in low-light conditions. Due to that, they're extraordinary nighttime hunters.

But that's just the tip of the iceberg. Because we need to consider some other points when it comes to knowing what a walleye looks like.

That's why we're now discussing a bit about what a walleye looks like. Like that, you will be very prepared once you experience a battle against this fish.

The physical characteristics of walleye

Walleye can swim rapidly through the water thanks to its long and streamlined body. Moreover, the average grown-up walleye weighs around 1 to 10 pounds and is 14 to 30 inches long.

Even though the colors of walleye can vary depending on its environment, they usually come with the same chromatic patterns. And they are white for the belly and olive-green, gold, and brown colors with darker tones for the back. As a plus, the way its scales sparkle within the light gives it a glowing look.

Furthermore, the dorsal part of its body is overwhelmed by an enormous, spiked blade, though the second dorsal blade is softer and more adaptable. Other than that, one of its recognizable characteristics is the presence of dark blotches or stripes on its dorsal blade.

Look at the head and eyes!

One of the most exceptional highlights of the walleye is its large, shiny eyes, which reflect light and seem to shine within the dark.

In fact, these surprising eyes empower them to seek for food effectively at dawn, dusk, and night, and they as well allow them to live peacefully in murky waters. As a result, their upgraded vision gives them a lead over prey like insects and smaller fish, such as perch, crawfish, and minnows

Apart from that, they have huge, to some degree deflected mouths with sharp teeth for grasping and holding prey. In this manner, their solid jaws permit them to effectively take up food and swallow it entirely.

Love for walleye

Because of their delicious, flaky white meat, walleye is highly valued. Needless to say, they are among the best-tasting freshwater fish.

To add some more, walleye tends to be a well-known target for anglers who implement methods like casting, trolling, and jigging since they are difficult to capture. For sure, catching a walleye is an amazingly fulfilling experience!

As a result, anglers will not even think twice about going walleye fishing!

So, with all this information, now you have a very good and strong notion about what a walleye fish looks like.

That being said, next time someone asks “what does a walleye fish look like?”, you’ll be able to answer quite accurately without hesitations.

Fishing Report

Save time and find our latest news before arriving. Our fishing guides are constantly on the water on top of the fish. Totem Resorts fishing report contains all the main information updated, so you can know first what's going on at Lake of the Woods.

Fishing Packaging

All inclusive fishing packages which include boats, guides, bates, gas for boats, non-alcoholic beverages, lodging (usage of facilities) to enjoy an entire day in the middle of the Lake of the Woods

Be our Guest

We've got exactly what you are looking for! Schedule your new adventures or inquire more information.