The walleye (Sander vitreus) is a prized freshwater fish native to North America, known for its distinctive glassy eyes and delicious, flaky white flesh. Renowned for both sport and commercial fishing, the walleye thrives in cool, deep lakes and rivers, making it a popular target in Canada and the United States—the top two countries for walleye fishing. In Canada, particularly in provinces like Ontario, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, walleye support a significant recreational fishing industry and are also harvested commercially, contributing to local economies and Indigenous fisheries. The United States, especially the Great Lakes region and states such as Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, boasts a robust walleye angling culture, with tournaments and tourism centered around this species. While walleye are not native to Europe or Asia, they have been introduced to some countries, but North America remains the heartland of walleye fishing, both in terms of natural populations and economic impact.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Canada | 12,048 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.