WORLD RECORD

STATE RECORD

PREFERRED WATER TEMP

HABITAT PREFERRED

The walleye prefers moderately deep lakes with gravel, rock or sandy bottoms. It is found primarily in cold water lakes but has proven to survive in some warmer water impoundments. It is prized for its great tasting white, flaky flesh.

Walleye Fishing Lakes In New York

Walleye anglers in NY have plenty of options. Major lakes with populations of walleye include Allegheny Reservoir, Ashokan Reservoir, Black Lake, Carry Falls Reservoir, Chautauqua Lake, Conesus Lake, Great Sacandaga Lake, Lake Champlain, Lake Erie, Lake George, Lake Ontario, Oneida Lake, Owasco Lake, the St. Lawrence River, Saratoga Lake, Tupper Lake, Union Falls Pond and Upper Saranac Lake.  Many of the rivers and streams flowing into and out of these lakes also contain walleye.

The New York state record walleye came from Kinzua Reservoir

New York walleye spawn in spring and when they have the option will choose to migrate from the lake up into feeder streams to spawn. If this option is not available they seek out shallow bars or shoals with clean bottom surfaces near deep water.

This toothy fish will eat virtually anything it can catch and get in its mouth. They prefer small fish and will eat crustaceans, worms and insects. They tend to be somewhat wary and prefer the safety of deeper darker water. Try fishing for walleye from sundown to midnight, particularly during the heat of summer.

Fish for New York walleye with live bait, crankbaits, spoons, small spinner baits as well as plastic worms and grubs.

How To Fish For Walleye

SPRING

Top Baits: Small crankbaits, small jigs and plastic worms. Fish shallow to moderate depths as the walleye move into the shallows to spawn. Gravel ledges, points and submerged humps in protected areas are prime holding areas.

SUMMER

Top Baits: Crankbaits, Jigs and plastic worms. Fish shallow in the mornings and evenings and move deeper as the sun rises. Use lures that mimic crawfish as this is a favorite food of the walleye. Follow points and rocky or gravel structure deeper until you establish the proper depth.

FALL

Top Baits: Jigs, crankbaits and spoons. Fish shallow to moderate depths in the mornings and evenings. As the sun rises move deeper toward outside structure and use small spoons or jigs.

WINTER

Top Baits: Jigs, spoons and plastic worms. Try moderately shallow depths in the mornings then move deeper as the sun rises. Walleyes are less active in cold water, so move your bait in a slow, easy to catch manner and fish deep structure.

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