Can you raise walleye in aquaponics? Yes. University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point researchers have raised walleye in a closed aquaponics system feeding lettuce and kale. Walleye aquaponics needs feed-trained fingerlings, dim lighting, cool-to-warm water near 68–77°F (20–25°C) and patience: AgMRC says pure walleye take 12 to 18 months to reach market size in recirculating systems.
Key takeaway: Walleye is one of the most prized eating fish in the upper Midwest, and it is a native alternative to tilapia for cooler regions. Walleye aquaponics is newer than tilapia or perch systems, but research from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point (UWSP), the North Central Regional Aquaculture Center (NCRAC) and the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center (AgMRC) explains what these light-shy, carnivorous fish need.
| Factor | Guideline | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Fish for walleye aquaponics | Feed-trained walleye or hybrid walleye | AgMRC; NCRAC |
| Optimum growth temperature | 75–77°F (24–25°C) | NCRAC |
| Stress threshold | Above 75°F (24°C) can cause significant stress | AgMRC |
| No growth | Below 59°F (15°C) | NCRAC |
| Lighting | Dim; shade from bright light | NCRAC; UW–Madison News |
| Time to market size | About 12–18 months | AgMRC; NCRAC |
Does Walleye Aquaponics Really Work?
Yes, and research has tested it. UW–Madison News reported on a Wisconsin Sea Grant project in which UWSP’s Aquaponics Innovation Center raised walleye at low, medium and high densities in a closed aquaponics system. Water with fish waste was filtered, oxygenated and pumped to tanks growing lettuce and kale. Walleye in the low-density tanks grew best, reaching as high as 1.5 pounds (0.7 kg).
Looking for a related, easier fish? See our yellow perch aquaponics guide; AgMRC notes walleye are closely related to yellow perch.
Where Do You Get Fish for Walleye Aquaponics?
Buy feed-trained fingerlings. NCRAC describes the common method: pond-raised fingerlings are brought indoors and trained to eat pellets before growout in tanks or recirculating systems. AgMRC says pond fingerlings are harvested at about 1.5 to 2.5 inches (4–6 cm) and trained in dim tanks. UWSP researchers note the biggest bottleneck is a lack of nurseries selling feed-trained fingerlings.
- Ask for: feed-trained, intensively reared fingerlings.
- Hybrids: AgMRC says walleye × sauger hybrids can reach up to 2 lb (0.9 kg) in their first year in RAS.
- Check: state rules for buying and holding game fish.
AgMRC notes walleye are now found in 34 states, but the 2023 USDA Census of Aquaculture it cites counted only 46 walleye farms, and just two reported selling food-size fish.
Why Does Walleye Aquaponics Need Dim Light?
They are light-shy. AgMRC says walleye’s reflective eyes are adapted for low-light feeding and, after their first weeks, they avoid bright light. NCRAC says walleye are sensitive to light intensity and growout fish should be shaded from bright light. At UWSP, walleye swam in near-total darkness behind black curtains, so they could feed 24 hours a day without being startled.
- Option 1: cover tanks and use low-intensity in-tank lights, per NCRAC.
- Option 2: use a dark room with low-intensity in-tank lighting under the feeder.
- Plants: put grow lights over beds, not over fish tanks.
What Water Temperature Does Walleye Aquaponics Need?
Cooler than tilapia, warmer than trout. NCRAC says walleye grow best at 75–77°F (24–25°C) but recommends not handling them at that temperature, and reports no growth below 59°F (15°C). AgMRC warns temperatures above 68°F (20°C) need close attention and above 75°F (24°C) can cause significant stress. Taken together, these sources point to roughly 68–75°F (20–24°C) as a practical balance between growth and stress.
Our aquaponics water temperature guide covers heaters and chillers.
What Do Fish Eat in Walleye Aquaponics?
High-protein pellets. NCRAC says walleye diets contain at least 45 to 50% protein, and AgMRC notes these high-protein diets can be costly. During feed training, NCRAC feeds a starter diet for about 10 days, then phases to a walleye grower diet by about day 18, feeding 6 to 8% of body weight on an 18 to 22 hour daily schedule. NCRAC also advises grading fish by size to reduce cannibalism.
- Start with feed-trained fingerlings.
- Feed a quality high-protein pellet in dim light.
- Use automatic feeders for frequent small meals.
- Grade fish by size to limit cannibalism.
- Remove uneaten feed before it fouls water.
How Many Fish Should You Stock in Walleye Aquaponics?
Start at low to medium density. In the UWSP aquaponics trial, low-density tanks grew the biggest fish, 93% of medium-density fish reached one pound, and 70% of high-density fish did not. Researcher Chris Hartleb noted that if low density works best, you can simply grow more plants. Our aquaponics stocking density guide explains how to plan tank loads.
What Water Quality Does Walleye Aquaponics Need?
Monitor oxygen and nitrogen daily. NCRAC advises monitoring dissolved oxygen, pH, nitrite and ammonia, and says columnaris disease is more common above 68°F (20°C). Hartleb noted that because walleye are carnivorous, aquaponic growers may have to supplement potassium for plants. SRAC recommends keeping aquaponic pH close to 7.0. See our aquaponics dissolved oxygen guide.
- Test: dissolved oxygen, pH, ammonia and nitrite.
- pH: near 7.0 for fish, plants and bacteria.
- Plants: watch for potassium deficiency.
How Long Does Walleye Aquaponics Take?
More than a year. AgMRC says pure walleye grow somewhat slowly in recirculating systems, needing 12 to 18 months to reach market size, and NCRAC says fish kept at 68°F (20°C) or warmer reach food size in 16 to 18 months. Hybrids grow faster. Plan your plant production to run steadily during the long growout.
FAQ About Walleye Aquaponics
Can walleye be raised in aquaponics?
Yes; UWSP has grown them with lettuce and kale.
What temperature do walleye need?
Best growth at 75–77°F (24–25°C), but avoid handling them then.
Do walleye need darkness?
They need dim light and shaded tanks.
What do walleye eat?
High-protein pellets of at least 45–50% protein.
How long do walleye take to grow?
About 12–18 months to market size.
Are hybrid walleye better for aquaponics?
They grow faster, up to 2 lb (0.9 kg) in year one in RAS.
Sources
- North Central Regional Aquaculture Center — Production of Walleye as Potential Food Fish (Fact Sheet 116)
- Agricultural Marketing Resource Center — Walleye
- University of Wisconsin–Madison News — Wisconsin Sea Grant Research Explores Walleye for Aquaculture
- Southern Regional Aquaculture Center — Aquaponics: Integrating Fish and Plant Culture (SRAC 454)
- Photo credits (Wikimedia Commons, edited with titles): Sander vitreus by Engbretson, Eric / U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Public domain); Walleye Fingerlings (51310142464) by USFWS Mountain Prairie (Public domain); Weighing walleye fingerlings (35294218624) by USFWS Mountain Prairie (Public domain)