Being a little closer to the traditional walleye belt, they seem to survive OK from here north, and being they are a little different habitat seekers they don't seem to compete too much for territory. I know way further north, they are the 3rd predictor, second only to Musky and Pike. Just remember, bass are NOT the only sport fish that swim! If you want a serious challenge, outsmart walleye, they are much more difficult to pattern out consistently.