In New York, stocking and regulations are the primary tools for managing the state's walleye populations. Walleye that are 25 inches or larger are generally considered "trophies" in New York. Spawning success can vary greatly year to year, which often results in one to a few year classes making up the majority of the population. Adult fish tend to congregate in large numbers and spawn over cobble, gravel, or sand in rivers or windswept shallows in lakes. Walleye spawn in early spring when water temperatures reach 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit. Walleye may suspend over deep water or move inshore or to other shallow water habitats depending on the availability of preferred prey species at certain times of the year. This gives them excellent vision at night and in turbid water, which enables them to feed (primarily on fish) in low light conditions, particularly at dawn and dusk. Walleye are named for their unique eyes that have a highly reflective layer of tissue. Walleye are a "coolwater" species, preferring cooler water than bass and sunfish, but warmer water than trout. They thrive in large shallow lakes with gravel shoals and accessible tributaries, and in large, productive river systems. Today, primarily due to stocking and other DEC management efforts, walleye occur in more than 140 waters from all of the major watersheds of the state. Lawrence River, and Allegheny River watersheds in New York. Historically, walleye only inhabited waters in the Great Lakes, St. Walleye are found across the state and provide phenomenal fishing opportunities in select waters. As the largest member of the perch family, adult walleye typically weigh 1-3 lbs., but they can get much larger. Walleye are challenging to catch and delicious to eat, making them one of the most prized sportfish in New York. You don't have to look far to find exciting walleye fishing opportunities in New York Proudly holds a walleye she caught from Oneida Lake in Women HuntFishNY photo contest entrant Kristyn Hanna
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