How fast can a walleye swim?

How fast can a walleye swim? Well, that’s a question that has popped up in various instances among many fish enthusiasts.

As a matter of fact, when new anglers start learning about the fundamentals of fishing for walleye, they might ask this question.

And since Lake of the Woods is home of the popular walleye, learning about how fast they swim can be an advantage when going fishing there.

Because of that, we’ll now discuss a little about the walleye's swimming capabilities. Like that, the question “how fast can a walleye swim?” will be answered. And also, you’ll be able to plan your approach quite nicely when going fishing for walleye in Lake of the Woods.

Factors involved in the swimming speed of walleyes

A walleye's swimming speed is established by a complex combination of environmental, physical, and genetic factors. For example, the fish body, water flow and temperature can influence the walleye's swimming speed. So, the walleye’s swimming speed can vary depending on these factors.

First of all, the walleye's smooth, long body makes it conceivable for it to float through the water effortlessly. Therefore, walleye's body shape is an important factor when talking about their swimming speed.

Furthermore, the temperature and stream of the water have an effect on walleye’s swimming speed. This is because walleye's metabolic rate rises in warmer waters, making them more dynamic. Moreover, they must swim more quickly in turbulent waters in order to track prey or remain in one spot.

Their swimming speed and more!

The walleye swimming speed can vary between 1 and 5 miles per hour, which is quite impressive considering their size. Without a doubt, this allows walleye to ambush its prey quite effectively, especially in its natural environment of lakes and rivers.

Nevertheless, walleyes’ agility and ability to change direction quickly are also features of great importance rather than pure speed. And if that wasn’t enough, they have excellent vision and low-light sensitivity to hunt their prey.

Therefore, walleyes are ambush predators that succeed with more than just their swimming speed.

Young age and small size

Younger and smaller walleye typically swim more quickly than larger and older ones. The longer ones already know that they need to conserve energy so that they can ambush their victim at the appropriate moment.

Furthermore, when attempting to flee from predators, walleye can accelerate their swimming speed.

In a few words, the younger and smaller walleye are faster, but the older and larger ones are stronger and more powerful.

With all that in mind, you must remember the walleye swimming speed varies according to various factors. But in general, its speed is adapted to its hunting style and its aquatic environment.

So, how fast can a walleye swim? Well, you already have the answer to the question. Just don’t forget that although walleye isn’t one of the fastest fish in terms of speed, it’s efficient in the way it moves and hunts in its natural habitat.