Stizostedion vitreum, Walleye, or Pickerel is a species that is found native to Ontario. The walleye, also known as pickerel, is one of the most sought-after gamefish in Canada. It is known for its great size, sometimes exceeding 10 kg, and its also known for its nice, light flavour.
Walleye are usually 30-50 cm in length (13-20 inches)
Walleye like to spawn in shallow, rocky, and fast flowing waters. If these conditions do not exist, the walleye will not lay as many eggs. More is better, because only one out of every 10 000 walleye that actually hatch (only 5-20% do) will survive after the first year.
Walleye spawn usually April-May in water of 6 degree Celcius. Adults spawn over gravel in lakes or rivers during the night. The female walleye will produce appriximately 55,000 eggs for every kilogram of their weight.After spawning no further parental care is given to the young walleye.
The walleye eggs will hatch after 2-3 weeks upon which time the fry will swim toward light on the water surface. The fry will live in open water for 4-5 days or until they absorb their yolk sacs. After the yolk sac is absorbed the young walleye will develope very fast. These fry will consume large amounts of zooplankton and insect larvae at this time.
In 2-4 years the male walleyes will mature and the females will mature in 3-5 years.
Completion of the Drag River project will give the walleye and excellent new spawning ground. More eggs will be laid, more fish will hatch, and more walleye will survive. This project will help ensure of the walleye presence for the future.
Stizostedion vitreum or Walleye are a type of fish found native to Ontario, it has been introduced throughout North America.