Walleye vs. Pickerel — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 20, 2023
Walleye and pickerel are both freshwater fish, but they belong to different families. Walleye is part of the perch family and is known for its large size and distinctive eye color, while pickerel is a member of the pike family and tends to be smaller.
Difference Between Walleye and Pickerel
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Key Differences
Walleye is a species of freshwater fish that belongs to the perch family, scientifically known as "Percidae." Pickerel, on the other hand, is a freshwater fish that belongs to the pike family, scientifically referred to as "Esocidae." These fish are primarily found in North America, and both are popular among anglers.
Walleye is particularly notable for its unique eye color, often a glowing yellow or gold. Pickerel does not have this unique eye characteristic, and its body is usually marked with a distinctive pattern of chain-like markings. While walleye is known for its size and is often a prized catch for fishermen, pickerel is generally smaller and less sought after.
Walleye is a popular choice for culinary dishes and is highly prized for its flaky, white flesh. Pickerel also has edible flesh but is not as commonly found on menus as walleye. Both fishes are found in similar freshwater habitats, including lakes, rivers, and streams, but they have different preferences when it comes to water temperature and depth.
In the realm of sport fishing, walleye is often targeted for its size and the challenge it provides, requiring different types of bait and lures compared to pickerel. Pickerel, although smaller, is still a fun catch for anglers but is generally considered easier to catch than walleye. Both fish provide a good fight, but their angling techniques and the gear required can differ significantly.
Comparison Chart
Family
Percidae (Perch)
Esocidae (Pike)
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Eye Color
Distinctive yellow or gold
Normal
Size
Generally larger
Generally smaller
Culinary Use
More common
Less common
Fishing Techniques
More specialized
More general
Compare with Definitions
Walleye
Known for its unique eye color, often yellow or gold.
The walleye's eyes glowed in the dark.
Pickerel
Edible but not as commonly used in culinary dishes.
Pickerel is good to eat but not as popular as walleye.
Walleye
Commonly used in culinary dishes for its white, flaky flesh.
Walleye makes an excellent main course.
Pickerel
A freshwater fish that is part of the pike family.
Pickerel are abundant in this river.
Walleye
A popular target for sport fishing.
Anglers often aim for walleye because they provide a good challenge.
Pickerel
Generally smaller than walleye and less sought after.
We mostly caught pickerel, but they were fun to catch.
Walleye
Found primarily in North American freshwater bodies.
The walleye is native to lakes and rivers in North America.
Pickerel
Also native to North American freshwater habitats.
You'll find pickerel in many lakes in the United States.
Walleye
The walleye (Sander vitreus, synonym Stizostedion vitreum), also called the yellow pike or yellow pickerel, is a freshwater perciform fish native to most of Canada and to the Northern United States. It is a North American close relative of the European zander, also known as the pikeperch.
Pickerel
Known for its chain-like markings on its body.
The distinctive pattern of the pickerel made it easy to identify.
Walleye
Pl. walleye or wall·eyes A freshwater food and game fish (Sander vitreus) of North America, having large silvery eyes and a greenish-yellow mottled body.
Pickerel
Any of several North American freshwater game fishes of the genus Esox, especially the chain pickerel.
Walleye
See exotropia.
Pickerel
The walleye.
Walleye
An eye or eyes affected with exotropia.
Pickerel
Chiefly British A young pike.
Walleye
An eye with a light-colored iris or white or opaque cornea.
Pickerel
A freshwater fish of the genus Esox.
Walleye
(plural "walleyes") One or a pair of sideways-looking misaligned eyes.
Pickerel
(Canada) Walleye, A species of gamefish, Sander vitreus, native to the Northern U.S. and Canada with pale, reflective eyes.
Walleye
(plural "walleyes") An unusually pale eye.
Pickerel
A wading bird, the dunlin.
Walleye
(plural "walleye" or "walleyes") A species of gamefish, Sander vitreus, native to the Northern U.S. and Canada with pale, reflective eyes.
Pickerel
A young or small pike.
Bet [better] is, quoth he, a pike than a pickerel.
Walleye
Strabismus in which one or both eyes are directed outward
Pickerel
Any one of several species of freshwater fishes of the genus Esox, esp. the smaller species.
Walleye
Pike-like freshwater perches
Pickerel
Flesh of young or small pike
Walleye
A freshwater fish belonging to the perch family.
We caught a huge walleye in the lake yesterday.
Pickerel
Any of several North American species of small pike
Common Curiosities
Are Walleye and Pickerel the same?
No, they belong to different fish families and have different characteristics.
Is Walleye bigger than Pickerel?
Generally, yes. Walleye are usually larger than pickerel.
What is a Pickerel?
A pickerel is a freshwater fish in the pike family, known for its chain-like body markings.
What color are Walleye's eyes?
Walleye typically have yellow or gold eyes.
Which is more commonly used in cooking, Walleye or Pickerel?
Walleye is more commonly used in cooking.
Which is easier to catch, Walleye or Pickerel?
Pickerel are generally considered easier to catch.
What is a Walleye?
A walleye is a freshwater fish in the perch family, known for its unique eye color.
What are the markings on a Pickerel?
Pickerel usually have chain-like markings on their bodies.
Is Walleye flesh white and flaky?
Yes, walleye flesh is white and flaky.
Do Walleye and Pickerel live in the same habitats?
They both live in freshwater habitats but have different preferences in water conditions.
What kind of gear is needed for Walleye fishing?
Specialized bait and lures are often used for walleye.
What kind of gear is needed for Pickerel fishing?
More general fishing gear can be used for pickerel.
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Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
