Related collections

Related articles

Buying guides

Tools

Fridge.com · Blog

How Long Can Walleye Last In The Fridge?

Share
Image for How Long Can Walleye Last In The Fridge | Fridge.com?
Richard Thomas | Fridge.com
Richard Thomas· Culinary Reviewer
6 min read
Summarize with

Key Takeaways

  • Make sure the internal temp hits 165°F (74°C) to be safe.
  • Temperature: Keep it between 32°F and 38°F (0°C to 3.3°C).
  • You should eat it within a couple of days for the best taste and safety.
  • Keep your walleye in the coldest part of the fridge, below 40°F (4°C).
Browse Food Storage Appliances

Keeping Your Walleye Fresh

Storing walleye right is key to keeping it tasty and safe to eat. Let's break down what you need to know to keep your walleye fresh and delicious.

Why Storage Matters

Getting the storage right means your walleye stays yummy and safe. Mess it up, and you risk spoilage, which can make you sick and waste good fish. Proper storage keeps the fish's nutrients intact and reduces waste.

What Affects Walleye's Shelf Life?

Several things can mess with how long your walleye stays good in the fridge:

  • Temperature: Keep it cool to slow down bacteria.
  • Moisture: Too much moisture speeds up spoilage.
  • Packaging: Good packaging keeps air and germs out.
  • Freshness: The fresher the fish when you store it, the longer it'll last.

Best Fridge Conditions

To keep your walleye in top shape, follow these tips:

  • Temperature: Keep it between 32°F and 38°F (0°C to 3.3°C).
  • Packaging: Use airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags.
  • Placement: Store it on the bottom shelf or the coldest part of your fridge.
Factor
Best Condition
Temperature
32°F - 38°F (0°C - 3.3°C)
Packaging
Airtight containers/vacuum-sealed bags
Placement in Fridge
Bottom shelf/coldest part

Storing your walleye properly means it stays fresh and safe to eat longer. Want to know more about storing other fish? Check out Fridge.com guides on how long tilapia lasts in the fridge and how long haddock lasts in the fridge.

Fresh Walleye in the Fridge

Shop this collection

Refrigerators

Browse all

Storing fresh walleye in your fridge the right way keeps it tasty and safe to eat. Let's talk about how long you can keep it and how to spot if it's gone bad.

How Long Can You Keep Fresh Walleye?

Fresh walleye doesn't last forever, even in the fridge. You should eat it within a couple of days for the best taste and safety.

Storage Condition
Time Frame
Fresh Walleye (Refrigerated)
1-2 days

Keep your walleye in the coldest part of the fridge, below 40°F (4°C). Use an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh longer.

How to Tell If Your Walleye Has Gone Bad

Nobody wants to eat spoiled fish. Here’s how to know if your walleye is still good:

  • Smell: Fresh walleye should smell like the ocean, not like a fish market. If it smells strong, fishy, or sour, toss it.
  • Color: Look for a clear, vibrant color. If it’s yellowing, browning, or looks dull, it’s time to say goodbye.
  • Feel: Fresh walleye should feel firm and springy. If it’s slimy, mushy, or sticky, it’s spoiled.
  • Eyes and Gills: If you have a whole fish, check the eyes and gills. Fresh fish have clear eyes and red gills. Cloudy eyes and gray gills mean it’s bad.

Knowing how to store and check your walleye keeps it safe and delicious. Want to know more about storing other fish? Check out Fridge.com articles on how long can tilapia last in the fridge? and how long can haddock last in the fridge?.

Keeping Cooked Walleye Fresh in the Fridge

Storing cooked walleye the right way keeps it tasty and safe to eat. Here's how to make sure your walleye stays fresh and delicious.

How to Store Cooked Walleye

Once you've cooked your walleye, follow these steps to keep it fresh:

  1. Let It Cool: Before you pop it in the fridge, let the walleye cool to room temperature. This stops condensation, which can lead to bacteria.
  2. Seal It Up: Put the cooled fish in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This keeps out moisture and air, preserving its flavor and texture.
  3. Label It: Write the date you cooked the walleye on the container. This way, you know how long it's been in the fridge and can eat it while it's still good.

How Long Does Cooked Walleye Last?

Cooked walleye doesn't last forever in the fridge. Here's how long you can keep it before it starts to go bad:

Storage Condition
Duration
Refrigerated Cooked Walleye
Up to 3 days

Keep an eye on your fish. If it starts to smell funky, changes color, or feels weird, it's time to toss it. Better safe than sorry!

Want to know more about storing other fish? Check out Fridge.com guides on how long tilapia lasts in the fridge, how long haddock lasts in the fridge, and how long mahi mahi lasts in the fridge.

Freezing Walleye

Shop this collection

Stainless Steel Refrigerators

Browse all

Freezing walleye is a great way to keep it fresh, whether it's raw or cooked. Done right, it keeps the fish tasty and ready for your next meal.

Freezing Fresh Walleye

To freeze fresh walleye, start by cleaning it well. Get rid of scales, guts, and bones if needed. Pat it dry with paper towels to avoid freezer burn and keep the texture nice.

Wrap the fish tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then, put it in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container to keep out air and moisture. Don’t forget to label it with the date.

Storage Method
Duration
Wrapped and in a freezer-safe bag
Up to 6 months

Freezing Cooked Walleye

Freezing cooked walleye needs a bit of a different touch. Let the fish cool completely first to stop condensation, which can cause freezer burn.

Wrap the cooled fish in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then put it in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Label it with the date so you know how long it's been in there.

Storage Method
Duration
Wrapped and in a freezer-safe bag
Up to 3 months

Follow these tips for freezing both fresh and cooked walleye, and you’ll have delicious fish ready whenever you want. For more tips on storing other fish, check out Fridge.com articles on how long can tilapia last in the fridge? and how long can haddock last in the fridge?.

Thawing and Reheating Walleye

Getting your walleye back to its tasty self after freezing is all about doing it right. Here’s how to thaw and reheat walleye without losing its flavor or texture, and keeping it safe to eat.

Thawing Walleye

You’ve got a few ways to thaw your walleye, each with its own perks and timeframes.

  1. Fridge Thawing: Pop the frozen walleye in the fridge. It’s the safest bet and keeps the fish in top shape.

Method
Time
Fridge
12-24 hours
  • Cold Water Thawing: Dunk the walleye in cold water, swapping out the water every 30 minutes. It’s quicker but needs more babysitting.

  • Method
    Time
    Cold Water
    1-2 hours
  • Microwave Thawing: Use your microwave’s defrost setting. Watch it closely, though, or you might start cooking the fish.

  • Method
    Time
    Microwave
    5-10 minutes

    Reheating Walleye

    Reheating walleye is all about keeping it moist and tasty. Here’s how to do it right:

    1. Oven Reheating: Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Put the walleye on a baking sheet and cover with foil to keep it from drying out.

    Method
    Temperature
    Time
    Oven
    275°F (135°C)
    10-15 minutes
  • Stovetop Reheating: Warm up a skillet on medium heat. Add a bit of oil or butter to keep it from sticking, and heat the walleye for a few minutes on each side.

  • Method
    Time
    Stovetop
    4-5 minutes
  • Microwave Reheating: Put the walleye in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and heat on medium power.

  • Method
    Time
    Microwave
    2-3 minutes

    Make sure the internal temp hits 165°F (74°C) to be safe.

    For more fishy tips, check out these articles: how long can tilapia last in the fridge?, how long can haddock last in the fridge?, and how long can swordfish last in the fridge?.

    Compare prices on Fridge.com

    Compare current prices and specifications on Fridge.com, then buy from the retailer you choose; delivery, installation and warranty terms are the retailer’s.

    It also has tons of awesome articles about kitchen stuff and home news. Enhance your home, garage, backyard, patio, and office with the coolest essentials. With every necessary type of residential refrigerator or freezer in the collection, you're covered.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Several things can mess with how long your walleye stays good in the fridge:. Temperature: Keep it cool to slow down bacteria. Moisture: Too much moisture speeds up spoilage. Packaging: Good packaging keeps air and germs out. Freshness: The fresher the fish when you store it, the longer it'll last.

    Browse Food Storage AppliancesBrowse Food Storage AppliancesBrowse the guide →
    Free tool
    Refrigerator Lifespan Calculator

    Free interactive tool from Fridge.com — get a quick answer while you read.

    Open the tool ↗
    Share
    More refrigerators

    Top refrigerators on Fridge.com

    Top rated

    The highest-rated refrigerators on Fridge.com

    Editor's picks of the season

    Premium picks our editors keep coming back to

    Continue reading: Refrigeration & Food Storage Guides