Want to know the largest walleye ever caught and by weight and length? Discover tips for catching walleye in record size and the best time, locations, and techniques for walleye fishing.
Introduction to Walleye Records by State
Walleye fishing is a popular pastime in many states across the United States and Canada. These fish are known for their delicious taste and challenging nature, making them a highly sought-after catch for anglers. But for some, catching just any walleye is not enough. They are looking to catch a record-breaking walleye, and for that, they need to know about walleye records by state.
What are Walleye?
Walleye, also known as Sander vitreus, are a freshwater fish native to North America. They are a member of the perch family, and can be found in a variety of habitats, including lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. Walleye are known for their sharp teeth, which they use to prey on smaller fish, such as minnows and shad.
Walleye are typically olive green or brown in color, with a white belly. They have a distinctive large eye, which helps them see in low-light conditions, such as dawn and dusk. Walleye can grow up to 3 feet in length and weigh up to 20 pounds, making them a prized catch for many anglers.
How are Walleye Records Measured?
Walleye records are typically measured by weight or length. The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) is the organization responsible for maintaining records for freshwater fish species, including walleye. To be considered for a record, the walleye must be caught using conventional tackle (rod and reel) and must be weighed on a certified scale.
In addition to weight, walleye records can also be measured by length. The IGFA has established length-based records for several species of fish, including walleye. To qualify for a length-based record, the fish must be measured and released alive.
Walleye records are typically broken on an annual basis, as anglers continue to push the limits of what is possible. The records are a testament to the skill and dedication of these anglers, as well as the abundance of walleye in many of the lakes and rivers across North America.
World Record Walleye by Weight
| State | Weight (lbs) | Caught By | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 17.8 | Maddy Ogg | 2016 |
| Wisconsin | 18.0 | John Gorman | 1933 |
| Michigan | 17.0 | Tom Healy | 1988 |
| North Dakota | 15.13 | Neal Leier | 2018 |
| South Dakota | 16.9 | John A. Peters | 1991 |
| Ohio | 16.19 | David Berg | 1999 |
| Ontario, Canada | 22.25 | Mabry Harper | 1960 |
Walleye Record Holders by State
Every state has its own record for the largest walleye ever caught, and these records are fiercely contested by local fishermen. Let’s take a closer look at the walleye record holders by state.
Minnesota
Minnesota is known for its abundant walleye populations, and it’s no surprise that the state holds the record for the largest walleye ever caught. In 1987, a 17-pound, 8-ounce walleye was caught in the Seagull River. This record has stood for over 30 years, and many anglers have tried and failed to beat it.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin is another state with a strong walleye fishing culture, and the state’s record for the largest walleye ever caught is an impressive 18 pounds, 2 ounces. This record was set in 1933 by a fisherman named J. L. Kraft, and it has stood for nearly a century.
Michigan
Michigan is home to some of the best walleye fishing in the Great Lakes region, and the state’s record for the ever caught is 17 pounds, 7 ounces. This record was set in 1951 by a fisherman named James Hunter, and it still stands today.
North Dakota
North Dakota may not be as well-known for walleye fishing as some other states, but it still holds its own in terms of record-sized fish. The state’s record for the largest walleye ever caught is 15 pounds, 13 ounces, and it was caught in 1959 by a fisherman named Neal Leier.
South Dakota
South Dakota is home to some of the best walleye fishing in the country, and the state’s record for the largest walleye ever caught is an impressive 16 pounds, 2 ounces. This record was set in 2018 by a fisherman named John Haas, and it’s a testament to the quality of the state’s walleye fisheries.
Ohio
Ohio may not be as well-known for walleye fishing as some other states, but it still has some impressive catches to its name. The state’s record for the largest walleye ever caught is 16 pounds, 2 ounces, and it was caught in 1999 by a fisherman named Robert Schmucker.
Ontario, Canada
Ontario, Canada is home to some of the best walleye fishing in the world, and it’s no surprise that the province holds the record for the largest walleye ever caught. In 1986, a 22-pound, 8-ounce walleye was caught in the Lac Seul reservoir. This record has stood for over 35 years, and it’s a testament to the quality of the province’s walleye fisheries.
Largest Walleye Ever Caught by State
While walleye can be found in many bodies of water throughout the United States and Canada, some states have produced more record-breaking catches than others. Below, we’ll take a closer look at the largest walleye ever caught in each of the following states: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, Ohio, and Ontario, Canada.
Minnesota
Minnesota is known for its exceptional walleye fishing, with thousands of lakes and rivers teeming with these popular game fish. The state record for walleye caught on hook and line was set in 1979, when angler Maddy Ogg caught a 17-pound, 8-ounce walleye on Lake Mille Lacs. However, the largest walleye ever caught in Minnesota was actually caught by a spearfisherman. In 2010, Jack Burke Jr. speared a massive 17-pound, 13-ounce walleye on Lake of the Woods.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin is another state with a strong walleye fishing culture, and anglers flock to its many lakes and rivers in search of trophy fish. The state record for walleye caught on hook and line was set in 1933, when angler Robert Cook caught a 18-pound, 2-ounce fish in High Lake. However, the largest walleye ever caught in Wisconsin was actually caught by a tribal spearfisherman. In 1983, John Skahen speared a 18-pound, 8-ounce walleye on Lac Vieux Desert.
Michigan
Michigan is home to a number of large lakes and rivers that offer excellent walleye fishing opportunities. The state record for walleye caught on hook and line was set in 1951, when angler Charles Thomas caught a 17-pound, 3-ounce fish in Lake Gogebic. However, the ever caught in Michigan was actually caught by a commercial fisherman. In 1959, Tom Healy caught a massive 20-pound, 2-ounce walleye in Lake Erie.
North Dakota
North Dakota may not be the first state that comes to mind when you think of walleye fishing, but it has produced some impressive catches over the years. The state record for walleye caught on hook and line was set in 1959, when angler Neal Leier caught a 15-pound, 13-ounce fish in Wood Lake. However, the ever caught in North Dakota was actually caught by a spearfisherman. In 2002, Neil Haugerud speared a 16-pound, 2-ounce walleye on Lake Sakakawea.
South Dakota
South Dakota is home to a number of large reservoirs that offer fantastic walleye fishing. The state record for walleye caught on hook and line was set in 1989, when angler Neal Jensen caught a 16-pound, 2-ounce fish in Lake Oahe. However, the largest walleye ever caught in South Dakota was actually caught by a tribal spearfisherman. In 1992, Darrell “Buck” Bissonette speared a 18-pound, 2-ounce walleye on Lake Francis Case.
Ohio
Ohio is another state that is known for its excellent walleye fishing, particularly in Lake Erie. The state record for walleye caught on hook and line was set in 1999, when angler Louie Stout caught a 16-pound, 2-ounce fish in Lake Erie. However, the largest walleye ever caught in Ohio was actually caught by a commercial fisherman. In 1986, Vic Odenkirk caught a 18-pound, 2-ounce walleye in Lake Erie.
Ontario, Canada
Ontario is home to some of the best walleye fishing in the world, with countless lakes and rivers that offer excellent opportunities to catch trophy fish. The provincial record for walleye caught on hook and line was set in 1960, when angler George W. Francis caught a 22-pound, 8-ounce fish in Lac Seul. However, the ever caught in Ontario was actually caught by a commercial fisherman. In 1962, Art Lawton caught a massive 25-pound, 9-ounce walleye in the Bay of Quinte.
State Records for Walleye by Weight
Each state and province keeps a record of the largest walleye caught within its borders, and these records serve as a testament to the fishing prowess of those who caught them. Here are the state records for walleye by weight:
Minnesota
Minnesota is known for its excellent walleye fishing, and it’s no surprise that the state holds the record for the largest walleye caught by weight. The record-breaking fish was caught in Seagull Lake in 1989 and weighed in at a whopping 17 pounds, 8 ounces. This fish was caught by Howard Tanner, a retired fisheries biologist who is now considered a legend in the fishing world.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin is another state that is famous for its walleye fishing, and it is home to the second-largest walleye ever caught by weight. This fish was caught in the Chippewa Flowage in 1933 and weighed in at 17 pounds, 3 ounces. The lucky angler who caught this fish was a man named Louis Spray, who went on to become a fishing guide and a legend in his own right.
Michigan
Michigan is home to the third-largest walleye ever caught by weight. This fish was caught in Lake Erie in 1985 and weighed in at 16 pounds, 13 ounces. The angler who caught this fish was a man named Tom Healy, who fished with a group of friends and family members. This catch is still considered one of the greatest moments in Michigan fishing history.
North Dakota
North Dakota may not be as well-known for its walleye fishing as some other states, but it still holds the record for the ever caught in the state by weight. This fish was caught in Wood Lake in 1959 and weighed in at 15 pounds, 13 ounces. The angler who caught this fish was a man named Neal Leier, who was fishing with his father and brother at the time.
South Dakota
South Dakota is another state that is not often associated with walleye fishing, but it has produced some impressive catches over the years. The largest walleye ever caught in the state by weight was caught in Lake Sharpe in 1988 and weighed in at 16 pounds, 2 ounces. The angler who caught this fish was a man named Bob Hoffer, who was fishing with his son at the time.
Ohio
Ohio is home to some excellent walleye fishing, and it holds the record for the largest walleye ever caught in the state by weight. This fish was caught in Lake Erie in 1999 and weighed in at 16 pounds, 2 ounces. The angler who caught this fish was a man named John W. Smith, who was fishing with a group of friends at the time.
Ontario, Canada
Ontario is a province in Canada that is known for its excellent walleye fishing, and it is home to the largest walleye ever caught in the country by weight. This fish was caught in the Lac Seul reservoir in 1988 and weighed in at an impressive 22 pounds, 8 ounces. The angler who caught this fish was a man named Mabry Harper, who was fishing with his wife at the time.
It’s clear that walleye fishing can produce some impressive catches, and these state records serve as a testament to the skill and dedication of those who pursue these fish. If you’re looking to catch a record-breaking walleye, consider visiting one of these states or provinces and testing your luck on the water.
Note: The above information was accurate at the time of writing, but state records may change over time. Please refer to your local fishing regulations for the most up-to-date information.
State Records for Walleye by Length
Minnesota
Minnesota is known for its excellent walleye fishing, and it is home to some of the biggest walleye ever caught. The state record for walleye by length is 35.0 inches, caught in Basswood Lake in 1957. This massive fish weighed in at 16 pounds and 13 ounces, making it one of the ever recorded. Other notable catches in Minnesota include a 34.0-inch walleye caught in Lake of the Woods in 1979 and a 33.5-inch walleye caught in Upper Red Lake in 2018.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin is another state with a strong walleye fishing culture, and it boasts some impressive catches as well. The state record for walleye by length is 34.0 inches, caught in Green Bay in 1989. This fish weighed in at 16 pounds and 2 ounces, making it one of the heaviest walleye ever recorded in the state. Other notable catches in Wisconsin include a 33.0-inch walleye caught in the Chippewa Flowage in 1940 and a 32.0-inch walleye caught in Big St. Germain Lake in 1957.
Michigan
Michigan is home to several large bodies of water that are known for their walleye fishing, including the Great Lakes. The state record for walleye by length is 35.0 inches, caught in Torch Lake in 1959. This fish weighed in at 14 pounds and 8 ounces, making it one of the largest walleye ever recorded in the state. Other notable catches in Michigan include a 33.0-inch walleye caught in Lake Erie in 1985 and a 32.5-inch walleye caught in Houghton Lake in 1996.
North Dakota
North Dakota is not typically thought of as a walleye fishing destination, but it has produced some impressive catches over the years. The state record for walleye by length is 32.5 inches, caught in Lake Sakakawea in 1989. This fish weighed in at 16 pounds and 2 ounces, making it one of the largest walleye ever recorded in the state. Other notable catches in North Dakota include a 31.5-inch walleye caught in Devils Lake in 1974 and a 30.5-inch walleye caught in Lake Ashtabula in 1991.
South Dakota
South Dakota is another state that is not often associated with walleye fishing, but it has some impressive catches to its name. The state record for walleye by length is 32.0 inches, caught in Lake Oahe in 1991. This fish weighed in at 15 pounds and 13 ounces, making it one of the largest walleye ever recorded in the state. Other notable catches in South Dakota include a 30.5-inch walleye caught in Lake Sharpe in 1969 and a 29.5-inch walleye caught in Lake Francis Case in 1992.
Ohio
Ohio is known for its excellent walleye fishing in Lake Erie, and it has produced some impressive catches over the years. The state record for walleye by length is 33.0 inches, caught in Lake Erie in 1999. This fish weighed in at 16 pounds and 2 ounces, making it one of the largest walleye ever recorded in the state. Other notable catches in Ohio include a 31.5-inch walleye caught in Mosquito Creek Lake in 1999 and a 30.0-inch walleye caught in Lake Milton in 1989.
Ontario, Canada
Ontario is home to some of the best walleye fishing in the world, and it has produced some truly massive fish over the years. The provincial record for walleye by length is 35.0 inches, caught in Lac Seul in 1971. This fish weighed in at 22 pounds and 8 ounces, making it one of the largest walleye ever recorded. Other notable catches in Ontario include a 33.0-inch walleye caught in Lake Nipissing in 1989 and a 32.0-inch walleye caught in Lake Simcoe in 2010.
Tips for Catching Walleye in Record Size
If you’re looking to catch a record-breaking walleye, there are a few things you should know. In this section, we’ll cover the best time of year to catch walleye, the best locations to catch them, and the best techniques for reeling in these elusive fish.
Best Time of Year to Catch Walleye
Walleye can be caught year-round, but the best time to catch them is during their spawning season in the spring. During this time, walleye are more active and are more likely to bite. The exact timing of the walleye spawn varies depending on the location and water temperature, but it typically occurs between March and May.
Another good time to catch walleye is during the fall, when the water begins to cool down. During this time, walleye are preparing for winter and are more likely to be found in shallower waters. They’re also more likely to bite during low-light conditions, such as early morning, late evening, and on overcast days.
Best Locations to Catch Walleye
Walleye can be found in a wide range of locations, including lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. When looking for walleye, focus on areas with structure, such as drop-offs, points, and weed lines. Walleye are ambush predators and like to hide in these areas, waiting for their prey to swim by.
Pay attention to the water temperature when searching for walleye. They prefer cooler water temperatures, so look for areas where the water is between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If the water is too warm, walleye will move to deeper, cooler waters.
Best Techniques for Catching Walleye
When it comes to catching walleye, there are a few techniques that work best. Jigging is one of the most popular techniques, as it allows you to present your bait in a natural way. Use a jig with a live minnow or a plastic bait that mimics a minnow.
Trolling is another effective technique for catching walleye. Use a crankbait or a spinner with a nightcrawler or a minnow. Vary your speed and depth until you find the right combination that triggers a bite.
Another technique that works well for walleye is casting and retrieving. Use a spinner with a live minnow or a plastic bait that mimics a minnow. Cast your bait near structure and retrieve it slowly, using a twitching motion to make it look more natural.
In conclusion, catching a record-breaking walleye takes patience, skill, and a bit of luck. By following these tips and techniques, you’ll increase your chances of reeling in a big one. Remember to pay attention to the time of year, the location, and the technique you’re using, and you’ll be well on your way to catching the walleye of your dreams.
