WaLLEYE

Walleye have a large horizontal mouth with large pointed teeth. The body color is olive to brassy yellow with extensive mottling along the sides and a white or light cream venter. The six to seven saddles on the back are diffuse and ill-defined. The soft dorsal fin and caudal fin rays are pigmented, producing a somewhat mottled yet banded pattern. Spots on the spiny dorsal fin are small with no definite pattern or banding.

The common name, "walleye," comes from the fact that their eyes, like those of cats, reflect light. This is the result of a light-gathering layer in the eyes called the tapetum lucidum which allows the fish to see well in low-light conditions. The unique eyes also allow them to see well in turbid waters (stained or rough, breaking waters) which gives them an advantage over their prey. This excellent vision also allows the fish to populate the deeper regions in a lake and can often be found in deeper water.

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TipMasters: All 'Eyes
Here's a handy virtual tacklebox filled with secerts, tactics and techniques on how you can be a more successful walleye angler. From drifting and trolling to casting and more, you'll find the baits and strategies in this special Tipmasters section.

Walleye on the Edge
Lindner logic proves that edges, breaklines and abrupt changes in the bottom contour equate to prime holding areas for walleye. Here's the rundown in a quick lesson on how to break down edges and how to keep baits in the strike zone of such fluctuating depth ranges.

Slow Death
Not the title of the latest blockbuster movie, but a killer of a techniqued honed on the walleye tournament trail. Here's a proven tactic that works for the pros when the bite is slow and the fish are heavily pressured by other anglers, all after the same fish.

Where to Start?
Let's say you're taking summer vacation and the trip includes a stop at a strange lake. Where to begin? This tip gives you a systematic approach to put you on the fastrack of success, with a checklist of baits, seasonal conditions and more.

Triple Tactic
Here are three tactics you can use when a baseball-style change-up is required to trick wary walleye into biting. Each has it's own application, yet the end result is to put you in the strike zone for the biggest and most walleye live in the lake.

Mustard Walleye
If your taste buds are craving walleye with a different flavor beside the bread batter that spills from a box, then this chef has a recipe for you. Here's the step-by-step recipe for mustard walleye.