The back is crossed with five to twelve narrow dark bands. The walleye has two dorsal fins, the first having a dark spot at the posterior base of the fin. The lower lobe of the caudal fin and the anal fin are white at the tip. Walleye are common in most of Canada and the northern U.S., however they have been introduced throughout the United States as far south as Alabama. In Maryland, good walleye populations are found in Deep Creek Lake, Youghiogheny River Reservoir, Jennings Randolph Lake, Savage River Reservoir, Potomac River, and Liberty Reservoir.
Efforts are currently underway to establish walleye populations in other Maryland reservoirs.
Walleye prefer large, clear, cool waterbodies with gravel and sandy substrate. They rely heavily on stony shoals for spawning. The female broadcast her eggs, then two or more males release their milt to fertilize the eggs. The eggs are very adhesive, sticking to the rocks and gravel on the shoal. A single female can produce as many as 495,000 eggs.