Eric Magnuson is known for his exceptional walleye fishing skills across the Pacific Northwest. As the winner of the first Washington Walleye Championship tournament in 2014 and a recognized expert on Lake Roosevelt fishing, Magnuson brings the same precision to his cooking as he does to his angling.
A Pro Angler's Perspective: “There’s something deeply satisfying about serving a meal that began with your own catch,” explains Magnuson, who developed this recipe after years of experimenting with the perfect way to showcase walleye’s delicate flavor. “After a long day bottom bouncing with Mack’s smile blades on Lake Roosevelt, nothing beats returning to shore with a cooler of walleye and transforming them into this rich, creamy chowder.” Magnuson particularly enjoys preparing this dish during ice fishing season. “When you’ve been sitting on the ice all day tracking fish on your Vexilar, this chowder warms you from the inside out,” he notes. “The combination of smoky bacon and sweet corn perfectly complements walleye’s clean taste without overpowering it."
Ingredients
• 5 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
• 3 tbsp butter
• 1 can yellow corn, drained
• 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped>
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups cold cream
• 2 cups cubed red potatoes (approximately 2 medium potatoes)
• 28 ounces walleye fillets, cut into 1-inch chunks
• Freshly ground salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Magnuson offers some expert advice for anglers looking to prepare their catch for this recipe: “When cleaning walleye for chowder, I recommend filleting them carefully to avoid the small Y-bones. Walleye typically weigh between 10-20 pounds and measure about 2.5 to 3 feet in length when mature, so there’s plenty of meat for a hearty chowder.”
For the best flavor, keep your walleye on ice immediately after catching,” Magnuson advises. “The fresher the fish, the better the chowder. If you’re bottom bouncing for walleye like we do on Lake Roosevelt, focus on submerged structures and drop-offs where walleye tend to school. Understanding the underwater topography is crucial for successful walleye fishing. Look for steep drop-offs, submerged humps, and rocky points-all provide ideal walleye habitat.”
Whether you’re an experienced angler or just starting out, this championship chowder recipe transforms your walleye catch into a memorable meal that celebrates the true reward of a day on the water. As Magnuson says, “Nothing tastes better than success-except maybe success served in a bowl with bacon.”
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