Thursday, February 6, 2025

States with Walleye Fishing Seasons and The Top 20 Ranked

Many states allow year-round walleye fishing, but some enforce seasonal closures. The following states have established walleye fishing seasons and regulations:

  • Midwest & Great Lakes: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio
  • Plains & West: North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado
  • Northeast: New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Maine, West Virginia
  • South & Other Regions: Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina

Top 20 Ranked States for Walleye Fishing

This ranking is based on factors like fish populations, trophy potential, angler access, and fishing success rates.

  1. Minnesota – Home to legendary walleye waters like Mille Lacs, Lake of the Woods, and Leech Lake.
  2. South Dakota – Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe, and the Missouri River offer world-class fishing.
  3. North Dakota – Devils Lake and the Missouri River produce consistent big catches.
  4. Wisconsin – Green Bay, Lake Winnebago, and the Wisconsin River are prime spots.
  5. Michigan – Saginaw Bay, Lake Erie, and the Detroit River provide exceptional walleye action.
  6. Ohio – Lake Erie’s Western Basin is one of the best walleye fisheries in the world.
  7. Montana – Fort Peck Reservoir is famous for its trophy walleye.
  8. Iowa – The Mississippi River and Spirit Lake offer great walleye opportunities.
  9. Nebraska – Merritt Reservoir, Lake McConaughy, and the Missouri River hold quality walleye.
  10. New York – Lake Erie and Oneida Lake are top walleye fisheries.
  11. Illinois – The Illinois River and Lake Shelbyville produce strong walleye numbers.
  12. Pennsylvania – Lake Erie, Pymatuning Reservoir, and the Allegheny River offer great fishing.
  13. Indiana – The St. Joseph River and Brookville Lake provide solid walleye populations.
  14. Colorado – Cherry Creek Reservoir, Chatfield Lake, and Pueblo Reservoir.
  15. Wyoming – Boysen Reservoir and Glendo Reservoir are walleye havens.
  16. Missouri – Stockton Lake and Lake of the Ozarks have solid walleye populations.
  17. Kentucky – The Cumberland River tailwaters provide overlooked walleye fishing.
  18. West Virginia – Tygart Lake and Cheat Lake hold decent walleye numbers.
  19. Tennessee – Norris Lake and Dale Hollow Reservoir offer deep-water walleye fishing.
  20. North Carolina – Lake Fontana and Hiwassee Lake have small but healthy walleye populations.

 by WalleyeTelevision.com staff