{"id":15682,"date":"2022-03-16T00:01:29","date_gmt":"2022-03-15T23:01:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/?p=15682"},"modified":"2024-03-15T17:10:37","modified_gmt":"2024-03-15T16:10:37","slug":"how-big-do-walleye-get","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/how-big-do-walleye-get\/","title":{"rendered":"How Big Do Walleye Get? (Average and Record Sizes)"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:69.137931034483%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:133.27586206897%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:56.206896551724%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:15px\">Featured image courtesy of Brain Daun<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The walleye is both an extremely popular gamefish and a fascinating predator, and millions of anglers regard catching a trophy-size walleye as a highly respected achievement.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But how big do walleye actually get? And when is a walleye considered a trophy fish?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><strong>While the walleye&rsquo;s average size is between 12 and 20 inches and 1 and 3 pounds, they can reach maximum lengths of around 35 inches and weights of 20 to 23lb.<\/strong><\/strong> <strong>The current world record walleye is a much-debated 25lb giant. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Continue reading to get all the facts on the maximum size and age of walleye, and learn everything there is to know about the biggest walleye ever caught.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-background\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>PRO TIP<\/strong>: Need new gear for the upcoming walleye season? Then check out this quality equipment on Amazon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&rsquo;s very cost-effective, durable, and will get the job done every time!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Ugly-Stik-GX2-Spinning-Rod\/dp\/B00F0KLZ72?th=1&amp;psc=1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=strikeandcatc-20&amp;linkId=3269e2a7818d3e277db6eb58cf7dae7b&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Ugly Stik GX2 Medium 6'6'' Spinning Rod (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"ek-link\">Ugly Stik GX2 Medium 6&rsquo;6&rdquo; Spinning Rod<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Pflueger-PRESSP30X-President-Spinning-Fishing\/dp\/B074WJS5FF?&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=strikeandcatc-20&amp;linkId=447f4c31ccd30883589e5def077f39e9&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"ek-link\">Pflueger President 30 Spinning Reel<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is the Maximum Size of Walleye?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The walleye (<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Walleye\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Sander vitreus<\/em><\/a><em>)&nbsp;<\/em>is the largest member of the North American&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Percidae\" target=\"_blank\">Percidae<\/a>&nbsp;family and outgrows all of its relatives and cousins, such as the perch, sauger, and saugeye.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&rsquo;s also one of North America&rsquo;s top freshwater predators, even though most of the other ones outgrow the walleye.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And even though your garden-variety walleye is usually not that big, this species can reach pretty impressive sizes!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Under the right conditions, fully-grown walleye can reach lengths of 30 to 35 inches and weights of 20 to 23lb.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, such record weights may only be reached by pre-spawn female walleye, as their eggs will add to their overall body weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&rsquo;s also important to remember that not many waters have the capacity to produce such colossal fish!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many factors can play a significant role in the maximum size of walleye:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>lake or river size<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>food abundance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>water temperatures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>oxygen levels<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>walleye population size (competition)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>predation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, one research paper suggests that&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tandfonline.com\/doi\/abs\/10.1577\/1548-8675(2000)020%3C0119%3AVIWAWL%3E2.0.CO%3B2\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">natural walleye populations often reach larger sizes<\/a>&nbsp;than stocked populations.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, it really depends on the lake or river you&rsquo;re targeting. But if your walleye water has what it takes, you can potentially hook up to a real giant!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is the Average Size of Walleye?<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-editorskit-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"580\" height=\"580\" src=\"https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/189788315_516124376194863_8519374954362544853_n-min.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28405\" srcset=\"https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/189788315_516124376194863_8519374954362544853_n-min.jpg 580w, https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/189788315_516124376194863_8519374954362544853_n-min-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/189788315_516124376194863_8519374954362544853_n-min-96x96.jpg 96w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 580px) 100vw, 580px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"eager\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"580\" height=\"580\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20580%20580'%3E%3Crect%20width='580'%20height='580'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28405 eager-load\" sizes=\"(max-width: 580px) 100vw, 580px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/189788315_516124376194863_8519374954362544853_n-min.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/189788315_516124376194863_8519374954362544853_n-min.jpg.webp\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/189788315_516124376194863_8519374954362544853_n-min.jpg.webp 580w, https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/189788315_516124376194863_8519374954362544853_n-min-150x150.jpg.webp 150w, https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/189788315_516124376194863_8519374954362544853_n-min-96x96.jpg.webp 96w\" data-svg=\"1\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Courtesy of Andre Charron<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Of course, most anglers will catch average-sized walleye, as they are commonly the most abundant in any given walleye population.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The average length of walleye is somewhere between 12 and 20 inches, and their average weight is between 1 and 3lb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Naturally, though, these numbers will also vary based on the walleye&rsquo;s respective habitat and its conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, in lakes with a fairly significant walleye population, the fish tend to stay somewhat smaller due to the increased competition by other walleye.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In such waters, the average size of walleye is perhaps only 10 to 15 inches and 0.5 to 1.5lb (even though there will probably also be larger fish around).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the contrary, in lakes or rivers with a smaller walleye population and a rich abundance of baitfish and other food sources, and with few or no other top predators, the average walleye may measure 20 to 25 inches and weigh between 3 and 6lb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the latter example, you&rsquo;ll probably also find quite a few trophy-sized fish, as habitat conditions are favorable for big specimens. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But how big does a walleye have to be called a trophy fish? Head over to the next section of this article and find out!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is a Trophy-Size Walleye?<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-editorskit-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"580\" height=\"580\" src=\"https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Mark-Oostra-min.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-27224\" srcset=\"https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Mark-Oostra-min.jpg 580w, https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Mark-Oostra-min-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Mark-Oostra-min-96x96.jpg 96w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 580px) 100vw, 580px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"580\" height=\"580\" src=\"https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Mark-Oostra-min.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-27224 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Mark-Oostra-min.jpg.webp 580w, https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Mark-Oostra-min-150x150.jpg.webp 150w, https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Mark-Oostra-min-96x96.jpg.webp 96w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 580px) 100vw, 580px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Mark-Oostra-min.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-2\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Courtesy of Mark Oostra<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>You&rsquo;ve probably heard anglers talk about trophy walleye. Maybe you&rsquo;ve even been lucky enough to catch one or two yourself! But how big is a trophy-size walleye anyway?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Well, once again, the answer depends on the water you&rsquo;re fishing on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some people will argue that there&rsquo;s a general size for trophy eyes, no matter where you fish. But I tend to disagree with that argument!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not all waters produce the same size of walleye, but every one of them will contain fish that are simply bigger than the rest of the population in that habitat. In my opinion, those can be called trophy walleye!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, once again, if you catch a 10lb walleye in a lake where 95% of the anglers catch fish of perhaps 3 or 4lb, you&rsquo;ve caught yourself a trophy eye in that water!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Similarly, if the lake you&rsquo;re targeting contains plenty of big walleye between 20 and 30 inches, but you manage to catch a 30+ incher, well, then that would surely be considered a trophy catch!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I think it&rsquo;s always better and more fun to compare your record catches to the average size of fish in the water you&rsquo;re fishing, rather than to compare your walleye to fish that have been caught in entirely different environments!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&rsquo;s just not fair! Neither to you nor the awesome fish you&rsquo;ve managed to catch!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is the Biggest Walleye Ever Caught?<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-editorskit-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"580\" height=\"401\" src=\"https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/default-min.jpg\" alt=\"an old image of the 1960 world record walleye from Old Hickory Lake\" class=\"wp-image-15764\" srcset=\"https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/default-min.jpg 580w, https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/default-min-335x232.jpg 335w, https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/default-min-347x240.jpg 347w, https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/default-min-520x360.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 580px) 100vw, 580px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"580\" height=\"401\" src=\"https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/default-min.jpg.webp\" alt=\"an old image of the 1960 world record walleye from Old Hickory Lake\" class=\"wp-image-15764 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/default-min.jpg.webp 580w, https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/default-min-335x232.jpg.webp 335w, https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/default-min-347x240.jpg.webp 347w, https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/default-min-520x360.jpg.webp 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 580px) 100vw, 580px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/default-min.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-3\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Courtesy of <a aria-label=\"Tennessee State Library and Archives (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/teva.contentdm.oclc.org\/digital\/collection\/p15138coll28\/id\/2035\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"ek-link\">Tennessee State Library and Archives<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>While a few walleye of 35 or more inches and around 25 pounds have reportedly been caught, almost all of those monstrous fish were caught with nets, not with a rod and reel!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Those ancient creatures must be very intelligent beings, and it&rsquo;s probably very difficult, or even impossible, to catch them with a lure or bait!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But a few highly skilled anglers have managed to catch some huge eyes over the years!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The current world record fish is an example of that, even though it must be said that this record catch is a much-debated one. For decades, doubts have been voiced over its size, and in the mid-90s, the International Game Fish Association even disqualified the fish. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That made Al Nelson&rsquo;s 1982 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walleyeheaven.com\/world-record-walleye.htm\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"22lb 11oz walleye (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"ek-link\">22lb 11oz walleye<\/a> from Greer&rsquo;s Ferry Lake (Arkansas) the official world record.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, in 2019, the IGFA decided to <a aria-label=\"reinstate the record (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wideopenspaces.com\/world-record-walleye\/#:~:text=The%20Hall%20of%20Fame%20ultimately,ever%20caught%20in%20their%20books.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"ek-link\">reinstate the record<\/a> based on newly found <a aria-label=\"photographic evidence (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.freshwater-fishing.org\/the-facts-supporting-the-harper-walleye-reinstatement\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"ek-link\">photographic evidence<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, whether true or not, for now, that fish is the officially approved world record walleye.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/igfa.org\/igfa-world-records-search\/?search_type=CommonNameSummary&amp;search_term_1=Walleye\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"ek-link\">The biggest walleye ever caught<\/a>&nbsp;is a gigantic fish of 25lb. That&rsquo;s incredibly big for a walleye!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That phenomenal fish measured an insane 41 inches, which is pretty much unheard of when it comes to this fish species.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It was caught back in 1960 by angler Mabry Harper on Old Hickory Lake (Tennessee, USA).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The fact that this record hasn&rsquo;t been broken in over 60 years shows you how difficult it must be to catch such large-sized walleye.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&rsquo;s perhaps also the reason that so many anglers and experts out there doubt the size of the mythical Mabry Harper walleye. Who really knows, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do Female Walleye Grow Bigger Than Male Walleye?<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-editorskit-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"580\" height=\"773\" src=\"https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Jake-Hammer2-min.jpg\" alt=\"a happy angler on a boat holding a super fat pre-spawn walleye\" class=\"wp-image-15795\" srcset=\"https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Jake-Hammer2-min.jpg 580w, https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Jake-Hammer2-min-576x768.jpg 576w, https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Jake-Hammer2-min-540x720.jpg 540w, https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Jake-Hammer2-min-360x480.jpg 360w, https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Jake-Hammer2-min-240x320.jpg 240w, https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Jake-Hammer2-min-251x335.jpg 251w, https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Jake-Hammer2-min-260x347.jpg 260w, https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Jake-Hammer2-min-390x520.jpg 390w, https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Jake-Hammer2-min-480x640.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 580px) 100vw, 580px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"580\" height=\"773\" src=\"https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Jake-Hammer2-min.jpg.webp\" alt=\"a happy angler on a boat holding a super fat pre-spawn walleye\" class=\"wp-image-15795 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Jake-Hammer2-min.jpg.webp 580w, https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Jake-Hammer2-min-576x768.jpg.webp 576w, https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Jake-Hammer2-min-540x720.jpg.webp 540w, https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Jake-Hammer2-min-360x480.jpg.webp 360w, https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Jake-Hammer2-min-240x320.jpg.webp 240w, https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Jake-Hammer2-min-251x335.jpg.webp 251w, https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Jake-Hammer2-min-260x347.jpg.webp 260w, https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Jake-Hammer2-min-390x520.jpg.webp 390w, https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Jake-Hammer2-min-480x640.jpg.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 580px) 100vw, 580px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Jake-Hammer2-min.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-4\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Courtesy of Jake Hammer<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Studies have shown that in over 80% of fish species, the&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.seaaroundus.org\/most-female-fish-grow-bigger-than-the-males-deal-with-it\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">females grow bigger than the males<\/a>, and the walleye is no exception to this rule!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Male walleye only reach a maximum length of about 25 inches, which means that every walleye that is larger than 25 inches (which also means most trophy fish) is, in fact, female!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, there are always a few exceptions to that rule, although really massive male walleye of more than 25 inches are extremely rare.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>PRO TIP: During the spawning season, it&rsquo;s very easy to tell the difference between female and male walleye. The females will be both bigger and fatter, and, of course, full of eggs!&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Why are female walleye larger than male ones, you ask? Well, the answer is actually pretty simple!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For one thing, female fish tend to be somewhat less aggressive and less active, meaning they can store much more energy, which they can use to grow bigger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, evolution has made female fish bigger to carry more eggs to keep the population strong and abundant.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>RELATED ARTICLE: <a href=\"https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/walleye-vs-sauger\/\" class=\"ek-link\">Walleye vs. Sauger (How to Tell Them Apart?)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Fast Do Walleye Grow?<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-editorskit-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"580\" height=\"326\" src=\"https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Jeff-Burdick-min.jpg\" alt=\"a predator angler on a lake with a really big male walleye\" class=\"wp-image-15796\" srcset=\"https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Jeff-Burdick-min.jpg 580w, https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Jeff-Burdick-min-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Jeff-Burdick-min-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Jeff-Burdick-min-335x188.jpg 335w, https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Jeff-Burdick-min-347x195.jpg 347w, https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Jeff-Burdick-min-520x292.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 580px) 100vw, 580px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"580\" height=\"326\" src=\"https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Jeff-Burdick-min.jpg.webp\" alt=\"a predator angler on a lake with a really big male walleye\" class=\"wp-image-15796 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Jeff-Burdick-min.jpg.webp 580w, https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Jeff-Burdick-min-480x270.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Jeff-Burdick-min-320x180.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Jeff-Burdick-min-335x188.jpg.webp 335w, https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Jeff-Burdick-min-347x195.jpg.webp 347w, https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Jeff-Burdick-min-520x292.jpg.webp 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 580px) 100vw, 580px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Jeff-Burdick-min.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-5\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Courtesy of Jeff Burdick<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Both male and female walleye will grow&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.howtoaquaponic.com\/fish\/walleye-aquaponics\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">3-5 inches during their first 5 to 6 years<\/a>. Once they reach maturity, their growth rate slows down to about 1 to 3 inches per year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once again, several external and internal factors will determine their average annual growth, and growth rates between different populations and habitats can vary greatly.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This means that, on average, a 10-inch walleye is about 2 years old, while a 20-inch walleye can be aged 8 to 10.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&rsquo;s also important to remember that female walleye grow faster than their male counterparts, which means that the 20 incher mentioned above would be an 8-year-old female and a 10-year-old male walleye.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A study from 1999 further supports this fact, as the researchers sampled and studied&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dnr.state.mn.us\/areas\/fisheries\/baudette\/low_walleye.html?__cf_chl_tk=DvIl7kD7yRd22dEBjUsnmWOMfFb89ZwkNEJKpVAvAZs-1647378817-0-gaNycGzNCKU\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">two 16-year-old walleye<\/a>; one male and one female.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While the male fish had a length of 23.5 inches, the same-aged female walleye had a total length of 28.1 inches.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, female walleye grow both bigger and faster than males!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Old Can Walleye Get?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Male walleye have an average life span of 10 to 15 years, while that of female walleye is 15 to 20 years.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, even older specimens have been reported!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the Minnesota DNR, the&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dnr.state.mn.us\/areas\/fisheries\/baudette\/low_walleye.html?__cf_chl_tk=DvIl7kD7yRd22dEBjUsnmWOMfFb89ZwkNEJKpVAvAZs-1647378817-0-gaNycGzNCKU\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">oldest Lake of the Woods walleye<\/a>&nbsp;was 23 years old and measured 30.3 inches.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Walleye\" target=\"_blank\">oldest walleye ever recorded<\/a>&nbsp;has had an incredible age of 29 years, which is really, really old for this species.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And I bet there are even older walleye somewhere out there! Somebody just has to catch them!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-background\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Essential Gear Tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&rsquo;re looking for solid and reliable walleye fishing gear, these tips might be useful for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This gear and tackle is of top quality and sells at a very decent price on Amazon:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a aria-label=\"Ugly Stik GX2 Medium 6'6'' Spinning Rod (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Ugly-Stik-GX2-Spinning-Rod\/dp\/B00F0KLZ72?th=1&amp;psc=1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=strikeandcatc-20&amp;linkId=3269e2a7818d3e277db6eb58cf7dae7b&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"ek-link\">Ugly Stik GX2 Medium 6&rsquo;6&rdquo; Spinning Rod<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A solid and popular all-round spinning rod! The Ulgy Stick is lightweight, has great sensitivity, and phenomenal action. Fits both beginners and seasoned anglers. A 6&rsquo;6&rdquo; or 7&prime; Medium rod is your best pick for walleyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Pflueger-PRESSP30X-President-Spinning-Fishing\/dp\/B074WJS5FF?&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=strikeandcatc-20&amp;linkId=447f4c31ccd30883589e5def077f39e9&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"ek-link\">Pflueger President 30 Spinning Reel<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An affordable high-performance spinning reel that&rsquo;s perfect for walleye. Pflueger spells high quality and awesome durability! Makes for a great combo together with Ugly Stick. A Size 30 or 35 is a solid choice for walleye!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a aria-label=\"Power Pro Braided Line (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Power-Spectra-Fiber-Braided-Fishing\/dp\/B004TLY7F0?&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=strikeandcatc-20&amp;linkId=d8ab58bac423a57bb1cb7136c690c02d&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"ek-link\">Power Pro Braid<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the best braids available today! Zero stretch, great feel, and immense strength make this line the perfect pick for walleye in both open and snaggy waters. Put on a 10 to 20 lb test, and you&rsquo;re good to go!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related Articles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/when-do-walleye-spawn\/\" class=\"ek-link\">When Do Walleye Spawn? (Times, Temperatures, Locations)<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/what-do-walleye-eat\/\" class=\"ek-link\">What Types of Food Do Walleye Like?<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/where-are-walleye-found\/\" class=\"ek-link\">Where Are Walleye Found? (Distribution and Habitat Facts)<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>While the walleye&#8217;s average size is between 12 and 20 inches and 1 and 3 pounds, they can reach maximum lengths of around 35 inches and weights of 20 to 23lb. The current world record walleye is a much-debated 25lb giant. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":28400,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_editorskit_title_hidden":false,"_editorskit_reading_time":6,"_editorskit_is_block_options_detached":false,"_editorskit_block_options_position":"{}","_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","ub_ctt_via":"","disable-in-feed":false,"article-schema-type":"","disable-critical-css":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[490,70,491,489],"table_tags":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/brian-daun.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Max Loesche","author_link":"https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/author\/max-loeschegmail-com\/"},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/brian-daun.jpg",1200,900,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/brian-daun-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/brian-daun-1024x768.jpg",1024,768,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/brian-daun-768x576.jpg",768,576,true],"large":["https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/brian-daun.jpg",1200,900,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/brian-daun.jpg",1200,900,false],"post-thumbnail":["https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/brian-daun-728x546.jpg",728,546,true],"mv_trellis_1x1":["https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/brian-daun-728x728.jpg",728,728,true],"mv_trellis_3x4":["https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/brian-daun-546x728.jpg",546,728,true],"mv_trellis_4x3":["https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/brian-daun-728x546.jpg",728,546,true],"mv_trellis_4x3_high_res":["https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/brian-daun-728x546.jpg",728,546,true],"mv_trellis_4x3_med_res":["https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/brian-daun-480x360.jpg",480,360,true],"mv_trellis_4x3_low_res":["https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/brian-daun-320x240.jpg",320,240,true],"mv_trellis_16x9":["https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/brian-daun-728x410.jpg",728,410,true],"mv_trellis_srcset-960":["https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/brian-daun-960x720.jpg",960,720,true],"mv_trellis_srcset-1080":["https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/brian-daun-1080x810.jpg",1080,810,true],"1200x1200":["https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/brian-daun.jpg",1200,900,false],"web-stories-poster-portrait":["https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/brian-daun-640x853.jpg",640,853,true],"web-stories-publisher-logo":["https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/brian-daun-96x96.jpg",96,96,true],"web-stories-thumbnail":["https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/brian-daun-150x113.jpg",150,113,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Max Loesche","author_link":"https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/author\/max-loeschegmail-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"While the walleye's average size is between 12 and 20 inches and 1 and 3 pounds, they can reach maximum lengths of around 35 inches and weights of 20 to 23lb. The current world record walleye is a much-debated 25lb giant.","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15682"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15682"}],"version-history":[{"count":43,"href":"https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15682\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28406,"href":"https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15682\/revisions\/28406"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/28400"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15682"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15682"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15682"},{"taxonomy":"table_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/strikeandcatch.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/table_tags?post=15682"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}