Understanding Walleye Length and Age Correlation Chart
- Wade Watson
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Walleye fishing is a popular activity among anglers, but understanding the growth patterns of these fish can greatly improve your fishing strategy. One of the most useful tools for this is the walleye length vs age chart. This chart helps anglers and biologists predict the size of a walleye based on its age, which can inform decisions about fishing seasons, size limits, and conservation efforts.
In this post, we will explore how walleye grow over time, what factors influence their length at different ages, and how to interpret a walleye length vs age chart effectively. Whether you are a casual fisherman, a biologist, or just curious about fish growth, this guide will provide clear, practical insights.
How Walleye Grow Over Time
Walleye growth is not linear. They grow rapidly in their first few years, then their growth rate slows as they age. This pattern is common in many fish species and is influenced by factors such as food availability, water temperature, and habitat quality.
First year: Walleye hatchlings grow quickly, often reaching 4 to 6 inches by the end of their first year.
Years 2 to 4: Growth continues but at a slower pace, with fish reaching lengths between 10 and 15 inches.
Years 5 and beyond: Growth slows significantly, with mature walleye typically measuring 15 to 25 inches depending on environmental conditions.
Understanding this growth pattern is essential for interpreting the length vs age chart.
What a Walleye Length vs Age Chart Shows
A walleye length vs age chart plots the average length of walleye against their age in years. The chart typically displays:
Age on the horizontal axis (x-axis)
Length on the vertical axis (y-axis)
This visual representation helps anglers estimate the age of a walleye based on its length or predict the size a walleye will reach at a certain age.
Example of Chart Use
If you catch a walleye that measures 18 inches, you can use the chart to estimate its age, which might be around 5 to 6 years. Conversely, if you want to know how large a 3-year-old walleye usually is, the chart might show an average length of about 12 inches.
Factors Affecting Walleye Growth and Chart Variations
While the length vs age chart provides a general guideline, several factors can cause variations in growth rates:
1. Water Temperature
Walleye grow faster in warmer water during their early years. Cold water slows metabolism and growth.
2. Food Availability
Abundant prey like minnows and insects support faster growth. Scarce food leads to smaller fish at the same age.
3. Population Density
High walleye population density can limit food resources, resulting in slower growth.
4. Genetics
Some walleye populations naturally grow larger or smaller due to genetic differences.
5. Fishing Pressure
Heavy fishing can remove larger, older fish, skewing the average size seen in a population.
BASICS:
Walleye generally reach 15 inches around 3-4 years old, with growth heavily influenced by geography and sex. Females grow larger and live longer than males, with trophy-sized fish (28-30+ inches) often being 10 to 20+ years old. A typical 15-inch, 1.2 lb fish is about 2–3 years old, while a 28-inch fish can exceed 10 years.
Typical Walleye Length-to-Age Growth Chart
10 inches: 1 year old
14 inches: 2 years old
17 inches: 3-4 years old
19-20 inches: 5-6 years old
22 inches: 6-7 years old
25-26 inches: 10-15+ years old
28-30+ inches: 15-20+ years old
Key Growth Factors
Sexual Maturity: Males mature at 3-4 years (approx. 14-16 inches), while females mature later and grow faster, often dominating the population in size after age 4.
Location: In fertile southern reservoirs, walleye grow much faster (reaching 15 inches in 2 years) compared to northern lakes, where they may take 4-5 years to reach that same length.
Longevity: Walleye can live up to 25 years, with growth slowing significantly after age 10-15.
Tips for Measuring Walleye Length Accurately
To use the chart effectively, accurate length measurement is key. Here are some tips:
Measure from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail fin (Pinch the tail & measure to the longest point).
Use a flat ruler or measuring board.
Keep the fish horizontal and straight for the most accurate reading.
Record the length immediately to avoid errors.
*I have another article I'm putting together that is specifically about the fish population and health of the Namakan Basin fishery. Each year I reach out to Ben Vondra (large lake specialist/Minnesota DNR Fisheries International Falls, MN) and request the data or annual report. As I put that information together, he sent me the following chart on Age-length chart for walleye on the Namakan Basin.
This data is very interesting and I will write more about the findings but often I get questioned "how old is that walleye? interesting in this data: (older walleyes are difficult to age) 9 walleyes that measured 24-24.99 inches were between 9 years and 18 years old.- all were females...
So for an example reading this cart, 3 walleyes were caught 13-13.99 inches. All 3 fish were 4 years old. Ben Vondra said that the largest male recorded in the 2025 data was 21.5".
I thought this chart was very interesting: (maybe I'm a fish nerd)
Summary
The walleye length vs age chart is a valuable tool for anglers and researchers. It helps estimate fish age, understand growth patterns, and make informed decisions about fishing and conservation. Remember that growth varies by environment and population, so use the chart as a guide rather than an absolute rule.