Sander vitreus
Ohio's most popular game fish — Lake Erie is the Walleye Capital of the World.
Walleye are Ohio’s most sought-after game fish. Lake Erie’s Western Basin near Port Clinton is widely known as the “Walleye Capital of the World,” with annual harvests among the highest in the Great Lakes. The Maumee River walleye run in March-April draws tens of thousands of anglers to pursue 500,000+ spawning walleye — the largest run in the Great Lakes. Inland reservoirs like Mosquito Creek, Berlin, and LaDue also hold stocked walleye populations.
Check lake-specific regulations — 15 lakes had minimum removed for 2026-27
Find lakes, guides, and bait shops for your next walleye fishing trip in Ohio.
Explore Lakes Find a Guide Bait & TackleRegulations shown are statewide defaults. Some waters have special regulations — always check the current Ohio DNR regulations before fishing. An Ohio fishing license is required for ages 16+.