Hello, I have a question about Walleye, that question is how good of an eating fish are they? I just moved to central WA, and this will be the first year I'll actually have enough money to get out there and target fish like the mighty Walleye. I did catch a walleye (relatively small, about 15 inches) once, but had to release it because the guy who owned the boat I was on is strictly catch and release (I'm not knocking the guy, I release about 90% of everything I catch).

So I'm really curious. I know they're a cousin to the yellow perch, so do they have that sweet perch meat? I asked a guy at work and he said Walleye is his favorite eating fish, with halibut being his second favorite. Now I know they can't be that good, but his statement definitely got me wondering. Any light hearted opinions toward the quality of walleye meat would be appreciated!

Without a doubt,Walleye are my favorite fish to eat.

Tell the guy you were fishing with to keep some of those Walleyes he catches. There are alot of lakes in Eastern wa. that have too many small Walleye. The WDFW recently reduced the size of legal Walleyes on the Potholes resevoir. Too many small fish and the fishery is hurting.

Hey Kid,

I fish with my dad in Ontario each fall. Every other day is shore lunch, featuring walleye fillets fried on the coleman stove.

Your friend is right - Halibut and Walleye are also my two favorite eating fish. Get a good recipe or just use an egg batter and breadcrumbs.

I've hooked sticks that fought better than most walleyes, but on the plate they're up there with the best!

Bon Apetite,

Brian

I've heard Walleye are good eating....Never tried it nor have I fished for them...

yummy! I'd say right up there as the number one freshwater fish for eating. Now that would be a good debate - best tasting freshwater fish.

Agreement from me....had them for the first time back in Minn. last year.....very good.

Without a doubt walleye best freshwater eat'in fish around.

I love trout but I can't say it's the best as I've never eaten Walleye...

Indeed Walleye are excellent eating fish-I use to serve shore lunches in the Boundary Waters in Northern Minnesota. This was the highlight for all-Serve with taters and beans and bread. Makes for a great breakfast too- Just as BrianL says-or search google here are a few I found. Now that I have lived here 16 years I have focused on Salmon/Steelhead, I would now love to go catch some walleye. I wouldnt have to cut through 3 feet of ice at least. I will look for my Mom's "beer batter" recipe

http://www.kettlefallslodge.com/walleye_lunch.html
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FRIED WALLEYE

Walleye fillets
Aunt Jemima's buttermilk cornmeal mix
Cooking oil
Salt & pepper to taste

Salt and pepper fillets; dip in cornmeal mix. Add to hot cooking oil. Fry until golden brown. Drain on paper towel.
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http://www.wildewoodflyin.com/recipes.html
http://camping.about.com/od/recipes/r/ucrec144.htm

Thanks for the recipe Coho, and thanks for the opinions on walleye meat everybody. When can you start having success for Walleye. April-ish?

Yellow perch are even better! Sweet meat. Don't knock'em till you try em.

I was kinda eneasy about eating perch too, but after I tried I liked them...Kinda need to get a big one to be worth the work of filleting/cooking...

All of the percids - walleye, sauger and yellow perch are great eating fish, but if paddlefish are prepared correctly it can be right up there with them!!

ClearCreek

Walleye is excellent. However, I have noticed (at least at the Potholes) that they start to get a muddy flavor to them when the water warms up. This usually occurs sometime in July and doesn't just apply to the Walleye (trout also). Not sure if its this way everywhere or not, but for the best tasting walleye I target them in the spring through early summer.

Usually the warmer the water gets the softer the flesh becomes and the poorer of taste they become on all fish.

Great eating, mercury content a bit concerning in some waters, ie Columbia