In very clear lakes, what causes walleye to retreat from shallow feeding zones?

If conditions become calm and sunny, walleye will retreat to deeper structure or hold tightly in shade.

Water clarity significantly impacts walleye feeding behavior because these fish are highly sensitive to light penetration. In lakes where the water is very clear, low-light periods such as dawn and dusk are essential for shallow feeding activity. However, if the conditions shift to become bright, calm, and sunny, the increased visibility and light intensity cause the walleye to become overly cautious. Consequently, they abandon the shallows and retreat to deeper, darker structure or seek tight cover and shade beneath vegetation until lower light levels return.