In a compromise, the brook trout was named the official cold water fish, the walleye the state warm water fish on May 3, 1978. Minnesotans were walleye-crazy long before they named it their state fish in 1965. All of Minnesota is walleye territory, but the fish is most abundant in the clean, cold lakes in the northern half of the state. The walleye probably provides more sport for Minnesota anglers than do all other game fishes combined. As a bonus, the fish is considered Minnesota's best tasting.
People catch walleyes from anchored boats or while drifting or trolling.
They may use artificial lures or natural bait such as worms or minnows. Because they feed at night, walleyes are most easily caught before dawn or after dark during warm months. Fishing for walleyes through the ice is a popular winter sport. Minnesota walleyes also support a commercial fishery. The largest walleye ever caught in Minnesota weighed 16 pounds 11 ounces and was about 15 years old.