Key points
- Distribution: Confined primarily to the lower Columbia River (downstream of Hugh Keenleyside Dam to the US border) and the lower Kootenay River (downstream of Brilliant Dam to its confluence with the Columbia) .
- Feeding habits: Highly piscivorous, feeding actively on minnows, dace, and salmonid fry. They are nocturnal hunters, utilizing specialized reflective eyes to locate prey in low light.
- Tactics: Fished using jig heads tipped with soft plastics or bait, or slow-trolling crankbaits along gravel bars, current seams, and deep runs.
Regulations (Region 4, 2025–2027)
- Closed default: The regional default limit is 0 (CLOSED) to prevent the illegal introduction of walleye into new waters .
- Columbia & Kootenay Exceptions: Daily quota is 16 walleye in the Columbia River (Keenleyside to Washington border) and the Kootenay River (Brilliant Dam to Columbia confluence) to encourage angler harvest and suppress their abundance .
Open questions
- Impact of tailwater walleye predation on migrating salmonid smolts and trout populations.
Related
- Columbia River — main tailwater fishery.
- Kootenay River — lower river habitat.
- Baitfish & Fry — primary forage.
