What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
walleye
Example
I caught a walleye while fishing in the lake. [walleye: noun]
Example
The walleye's large eyes help it see well in low light conditions. [walleye: adjective]
pickerel
Example
We went fishing for pickerel in the river. [pickerel: noun]
Example
The pickerel's sharp teeth make it an effective predator. [pickerel: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Walleye is more commonly used in North America than pickerel. It is a popular game fish in many regions and is often featured on restaurant menus. Pickerel is less common and may be referred to by different names depending on the region.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between walleye and pickerel?
Both walleye and pickerel are informal terms used primarily in recreational fishing contexts. They are not typically used in formal writing or speech.