DEC has conducted an angler survey on Lake Erie to estimate fishing quality and fish harvest annually since 1988. In recent years, walleye fishing quality has been generally increasing. Survey results for 2017 revealed record-high walleye catch rates that are nearly three times greater than the 30-year average. DEC estimates anglers harvested more than 70,000 walleyes in 2017, a level not achieved since 1989.
This exceptional fishing was due in large part to contributions of strong walleye reproductive success in 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2015. Recent evidence also suggests walleye reproduction was strong again in 2016.
Walleye are one of the most popular gamefish in New York, as they put up an exciting fight during the catch and make for tasty meal on the table. Walleye are aptly named because of their unique eyes that have a reflective layer of pigment called the tapetum lucidum, which allows them to see very well at night and during other low-light periods. This layer also gives walleye their "glassy-eyed" or "wall-eyed" appearance.
Lake Erie is continually ranked among the world's top walleye fishing destinations by angler publications, with an abundance of trophy-size walleye ranging from 8-10 pounds, and local tournament winners often scoring fish exceeding 11 pounds.
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