Happy St. Patrick's Day- Do "greenback" walleyes exist?

Post a few blogs recently, and maybe you are sick of my love of fishing banter...but having some fun for St. Patrick's Day I thought I would mention the stories of a "Greenback" Walleye...have you heard? Myth or reality?

On Rainy Lake, and Namakan I have been lucky enough to catch a few "Blue Walleyes" (we can write about those another time). Have you heard of a Blue Walleye? How about a Greenback Walleye?

Greenback Walleye, Lake Winnipeg

A greenback walleye is a unique strain of walleye found only in Lake Winnipeg and its tributaries, instantly recognizable by its striking emerald-green coloration. This vibrant hue is caused by the lake’s mineral-rich waters and limestone substrate, which influence the fish’s pigmentation. Known for their impressive sizes often exceeding thirty inches and hard-fighting nature, greenbacks are a top target for ice anglers from around North America and beyond seeking these unique trophy catches.

Their combination of rarity, beauty, and challenge makes them one of Manitoba’s most sought-after game fish, and a bucket-list catch for walleye anglers around the globe.

Some residents who live along the lake’s shorelines say the bright green goo — which grows because of an excessive amount of phosphorus in the water — is the worst they’ve seen.

Others say the Winnipeg "Greenback" color is from the minerals in the water: "the brilliant emerald green of the “Greenback Walleye”, where this unique coloration is said to be due to the limestone substrate around Lake Winnipeg."

Walleye Color variation:

coloration is primarily a result of their surroundings, water chemistry, and genetics, as these factors influence the pigments in their skin and mucus. While the standard walleye is olive-gold, they are highly adaptable and can change shades to blend into different environments.

Why Walleyes Vary in Color

• Green (Emerald/Greenback): These "Greenback Walleye" are famous in Lake Winnipeg. Their brilliant emerald green tint is widely attributed to the limestone substrate in the water, which affects light penetration and the fish's skin response.

• Blue: True blue walleyes are rare color morphs found mainly in parts of Northern Ontario and the Great Lakes. This hue is caused by a blue-colored protein called sandercyanin in their mucus. It is often triggered by a lack of yellow skin pigment or as a defense against high UV radiation in clear, cold northern waters.

• Black: Walleyes can appear dark olive or nearly jet black in tannin-stained (tea-colored) lakes. These darker pigments help them stay camouflaged in the dark, stained water common in northern Minnesota and Ontario.

• Gold/Yellow: This is the most common color for walleye in many environments. In clear water, they often display a more golden or brassy tone.

  
  

  

Key Environmental Factors

• Water Clarity: Walleyes act like "chameleons"; they often lighten in clear water and darken in murky or shallow water to match their background.

• Substrate & Minerals: Specific Lake bottoms, like limestone or iron-rich sediments, directly influence the specific tint of the fish's scales.

• Diet: The intensity of yellow and orange hues can be affected by the amount of carotenoids (pigments) they consume from their prey.

Green Walleye:

I consider this my "green walleye" of the day! Happy St. Patrick's Day from this partially Irish Lad- Wade Watson

Thanks for reading!

Blogs in-process-

1. Smallmouth Bass fishing on Namakan and Kabetogama (some Rainy thoughts). This is a suggestion from one of my readers Kenneth H.

   
   

2. Blue Walleyes- fun facts and stories behind the "Blue Walleyes" Can you catch one in Voyageurs?

3. Any other suggestions from readers?

Bonus Article: one of my favorite sites: Target Walleye article from 2017, Brett McComas highlights "5 weirdest-colored walleyes ever"

The 5 weirdest-colored walleyes ever – Target Walleye