Shared by Amy Atwood with Jared Vandergriff, as Guest Blogger.

Fishing has long been a family favorite at Hungry Mother State Park.  The lake is home to several different species, but walleye are considered an especially great choice for dinner!

Because the fish are more tolerant of cold water temperatures and are active all year, you may have a better chance at getting a bite during the winter months. The walleye is a member of the perch family. 

Jared Vandergriff shows off walleye caught in Hungry Mother Lake

Have you ever caught a walleye?

The walleye is a long slender fish that is brownish green in color. Since it is a predator fish, its long, sharp teeth aid in hunting food. Walleye have eyes known as “marble eyes”. If you were to shine a light in the eyes of this fish, they might resemble marbles. Their eyes are very sensitive to light. The females of the species tend to be larger than the males.

Fishing techniques may differ depending on the time of year  

Best chances of a successful fishing trip during the winter, use alewives and cast into deep water (towards the Hungry Mother Lake Dam).  If alewives are not available, use a jig head with a night crawler. Because of the sensitivity to light, the best time to fish for walleye during the summer is at night. Generally, they will gravitate to the shallow water to feed, making along the banks of the lake the prime fishing location. When fishing for walleye, alewives (“shiners”) are considered the best live bait. Artificial bait options include lures such as a Boomer Long A. 

Ready to make walleye for dinner? Click here for some recipes.

For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to make reservations in one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.

Remember you can't catch any fish unless you have your line in the water!