Walleye are challenging to catch and delicious to eat, making them one of the most prized sportfish in New York. As the largest member of the perch family, adult walleye typically weigh 1-3 lbs., but they can get much larger. The state record is a remarkable 18 lb. 2 oz. giant caught from the St. Lawrence River in 2018. Historically, walleye only inhabited waters in the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence River, and Allegheny River watersheds in New York. Today, primarily due to stocking and other DEC management efforts, walleye occur in more than 140 waters from all of the major watersheds of the state. They thrive in large shallow lakes with gravel shoals and accessible tributaries, and in large, productive river systems.
Walleye in Lake Erie and Oneida Lake
While New York boasts many highly productive walleye waters throughout the State, Lake Erie and Oneida Lake have long been recognized as the premier walleye fisheries.
Lake Erie is considered the top walleye destination in western New York. Lake Erie's east basin walleye resource is comprised of adult walleye from local spawning stocks and substantial contributions of adult migrants from west basin spawning stocks. Walleye fishing quality in New York waters has been at record levels for the past seven years with 2018 representing the highest catch rate in the 36-year survey. Recent increases in fishing quality are attributable to lakewide spawning success over the past decade. Juvenile walleye surveys indicate exceptional local year classes in 2016 and 2017and potentially unprecedented west basin spawning success in 2018 and 2019., Adult walleye abundance and fishing quality in New York waters will remain high for the near future.
The walleye population in Oneida Lake has been monitored for more than 60 years and has experienced significant fluctuations over that period of time. The current adult walleye population is estimated at 561,000 fish, a decrease from what was observed the previous 5 years and slightly lower than the long-term average (600,000). Projected recruitment should maintain the adult population between 500,000 and 600,000 through 2025, with a potential increase in the adult population when the 2022-year class recruits in 2026. The abundant population has supported excellent fishing in recent years, with angler catch rates indicative of a high-quality fishery.
Walleye on Long Island
On Long Island two excellent walleye fisheries have been established in Lake Ronkonkoma and Fort Pond as a result of successful DEC stocking programs. Recent surveys of these waters showed strong populations in both waters with good angling opportunities.
Walleye in Southeastern New York
In Southeastern New York, try Swinging Bridge Reservoir and Rio Reservoir in Sullivan County. Walleye may also be found in nearby White Lake and Toronto Reservoir, as well as Greenwood Lake (Orange County) and throughout the Delaware River (see Border Water Regulations). Walleye can also be found in East Branch, Bog Brook, Diverting, and Boyd Corners reservoirs in Putnam County, as well as Titicus Reservoir in Westchester County. All five of these waters are New York City water supply reservoirs and require a free NYC DEP Recreation Access Permit.
Walleye in East-Central New York
In Otsego County, Canadarago and Otsego lakes are good bets for walleye. Otsego has not been stocked since 2014 and now supports a wild self-sustaining population. Although adult walleye remain abundant in Canadarago Lake, recruitment problems continue as limited survival of year classes produced from 2008-2017 have been documented. Fingerling walleye were stocked from 2011-2023, and will continue to be stocked to help maintain the lake's fishery. The recruitment failure is likely caused by a persistent invasive population of alewife in the lake. They feed extensively on newly hatched walleye (and yellow perch) fry that suspend in the water column for 6-8 weeks before swimming to the bottom.
Walleye in Northern and Central New York
DEC Regions 5, 6, and 7 (northern and central New York) contain about 80 percent of the state's walleye waters. These Regions support some of the most productive walleye fisheries in the state, including Tupper Lake, Union Falls Flow, Harris Lake, Black Lake, Saratoga Lake, Great Sacandaga Lake, Delta Lake, Whitney Point Reservoir, and Otisco Lake. Otisco Lake's walleye population continues to expand following several years of excellent survival of stocked walleye fingerlings, along with some unexpected natural reproduction during several years when walleye were not stocked. Angler diary cooperators on Otisco reported excellent walleye catch rates in 2022. Owasco Lake no longer has an abundant walleye population, but it still harbors a catchable population of fish approaching trophy size. Lake Ontario also provides good walleye fishing in its eastern basin, particularly Henderson Harbor, Black River, and Chaumont and Mud bays. Good walleye populations can also be found in Irondequoit Bay, Sodus Bay, Braddocks Bay, Oswego Harbor, North Sandy Pond and Port Bay.
Walleye in Western New York
In western New York, (DEC regions 8 and 9), anglers will find good walleye fishing in Chautauqua Lake, Silver Lake, Cuba Lake, Rushford Lake, Conesus Lake, and Honeoye Lake.
Walleye in New York's Large Rivers
Walleye populations are also thriving in a number of large river systems including the Allegheny, Black, Oswego, Chemung, Susquehanna, Tioga, Chenango, Tioughnioga, Oswegatchie, the Hudson River estuary below the Troy Dam, and most of the main stem of the Mohawk/Barge Canal.Two lower Hudson River tributaries in Ulster County - the Wallkill River and Rondout Creek - were part of previous DEC stocking efforts and angler reports indicate the successful establishment of walleye fisheries in these waters. The Delaware River is considered a productive walleye fishery, particularly the 50-mile section between Callicoon and Port Jervis. The St. Lawrence and lower Niagara rivers also both support high quality walleye fisheries.
