Ohio has been embroiled in a lengthy battle to name an official fish to represent the state. The debate dates back to 2003 and has recently gained momentum, with state representatives passing a bill on Wednesday declaring the walleye, scientifically known as sander vitreus, as the official fish of Ohio.
Walleye fish are particularly abundant in Lake Erie, extending upstream to the first dam in several of the lake’s larger tributaries. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (Ohio DNR) notes that Lake Erie is the 11th largest lake globally in terms of surface area and the fourth largest of the five Great Lakes, stretching 241 miles long. Walleyes are typically 14 to 22 inches in length and 2 to 4 pounds in weight, though some can grow up to 36 inches and 16 pounds.
In 2023, officials from the Ohio DNR estimated that the adult walleye population stood at 89 million. Furthermore, their projections for the adult walleye population in 2024 fall within the top 25% of the past 30 years, reminiscent of the 1980s when Lake Erie earned the moniker “Walleye Capital of the World.”
Despite numerous fish species inhabiting Ohio’s waters, many representatives advocate for the walleye as the ideal candidate for the state fish title. Representative Jennifer Gross highlighted the walleye’s significant economic contribution, as the fish draws tourists from around the globe and adds $1.2 billion to Ohio’s economy.
Walleyes are freshwater fish that thrive in natural lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, favoring cooler water temperatures. They can be found in both shallow and deep waters, as per the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services (FWS). According to the FWS, the largest walleye ever caught was 42 inches long and weighed 25 pounds, with the oldest reported walleye reaching 29 years of age.
Should a bill designating the walleye as Ohio’s official state fish reach Governor Mike DeWine’s desk, a representative from the governor’s office confirmed that he would sign it. Indiana is reportedly another state without an official state fish designation, while Iowa has introduced legislation this year to establish an official state fish, with the Iowa darter currently serving as the unofficial state fish.
In conclusion, the walleye stands as a strong contender for Ohio’s official state fish, given its ecological significance, economic impact, and abundance in the state’s waters. With lawmakers making waves in support of the walleye, Ohio may soon have an iconic aquatic representative to call its own.
