Walleye and sauger

News & notices

Walleye limit reduction

Comment now through Friday, Aug. 15, on a proposal to reduce the statewide walleye limit from six to four fish. View the factors that prompted DNR to offer this proposal.

Walleye or sauger?

One is bigger. The other is smaller. One has spots where the other one doesn't. Use our quick guide or the buttons that link to Wisconsin SeaGrant Fish ID to learn the differences.

Catch a walleye

Use our walleye fishing guide to help land Minnesota's state fish. We can't guarantee success but these tips will improve your chances. If you're a beginner, try our getting started guide first.

Walleye

A walleye

The average walleye caught and kept is about 14 inches long and weighs slightly more than 1 pound. The walleye is named for its pearlescent eye, which is caused by a reflective layer of pigment, called the tapetum lucidum, that helps it see and feed at night or in murky water.

Fish ID

The walleye is the most sought-after fish in Minnesota. Its thick, white fillets, handsome shape and coloring, and elusive nature make it the ultimate prize among anglers.

Sauger

A sauger

Sauger have a more limited distribution than walleyes, and they don't grow as large. The two species look similar, but you can tell them apart by looking at the tip of the lower part of the tail. That part of the tail is white on a walleye but not on a sauger.