Walleye and sauger fishing
Length limits for walleye
In 2011, length limits were introduced to protect walleye from overfishing and to ensure the renewal of their populations. To find out what limits are allowed in the body of water where you fish, select your fishing zone.
To respect the length limits of walleye, you must learn to distinguish it from sauger. Walleye should also be transported in whole or in wallet fillets.
Distinguish walleye from sauger
Although similar, walleye and sauger are distinguished by their behaviour, range and habitat.
Walleye
The walleye 
(in French) has :
- Body: An elongated body, lightly compressed to the sides.
- Size: A size that ranges from 30 to 50 cm.
- First dorsal fin: Diffuse mottling, without defined spots. Black mark at the base of this same fin.
- Tail (caudal fin): Broad white spot well defined.
Sauger
The sauger (in French) has:
- Body: Longer, in the shape of a cylinder;
- Size: Small, with an average length of 20 to 30 cm.
- Cheeks: With rough scales.
- First dorsal fin: Clear membrane with apparent dark spots.
- Flanks: Dark patterns usually present.
- Tail (caudal fin): No well-defined broad spot, but a thin white line can sometimes be observed.
Filleting walleye
To comply with the length limit applicable to walleye, the fish must be transported whole or in “wallet fillets” if filleted.
How to wallet fillet
You must make sure the skin is left on the flesh, and cut the fish as shown below :
- Make an incision at the front of the pectoral fin (at the opercle).
- Run the knife along the spine towards the tail.
- Stop the cut just before the caudal fin.
- Repeat the operation the other side.
- Cut the spine keeping the two fillets attached to the caudal fin.
To learn more about this technique, have a look at our video Comment couper le doré en filets portefeuille (French only).
Length of the fillets
Wallet fillets are compulsory, so that the species can be identified and the length determined where necessary. The accepted length of the fillets depends on the authorized length limit.
For walleye between 32 cm and 47 cm inclusively.
The 2 fillets must measure between 24 cm and 35 cm, measured from the tip of the caudal fin to the rear point at which the pectoral fin attaches to the fillet. These fins must remain attached to the fillets.
For walleye between 37 cm and 53 cm inclusively.
The 2 fillets must measure between 28 cm and 40 cm inclusively, measured from the tip of the caudal fin to the rear point at which the pectoral fin attaches to the fillet. These fins must remain attached to the fillets.
For walleye of a maximal length of 47 cm inclusively.
The two fillets must measure 35 cm maximum, measured from the tip of the caudal fin to the rear point at which the pectoral fin attaches to the fillet. These fins must remain attached to the fillets.
Note that it is prohibited to transport or possess elsewhere than the permanent residence filleted walleye from zone 25.
Last update: July 25, 2022
