Understanding the causes of mortality associated with stocking walleye (Stizostedion vitreum) fry is important for the evaluation and improvement of stocking techniques. Walleye fry (2–3 d old) were exposed to three light intensities (high, 2015.0–2042.0 µmol/m²/s; intermediate, 142.0–186.8 µmol/m²/s; control, 0.0–0.07 µmol/m²/s) for two durations (15 min and 30 min) and mortality was assessed at 15 min, 60 min, and 120 min post-shock. Survival of walleyes from the high intensity, 30-min duration treatment also was examined at 720 min post-shock. Survival ranged from 99.8% to 100% and was not affected significantly by light intensity or exposure time (P = 0.22). Results of this study suggest that light shock is not an important mechanism influencing the short-term survival of walleye fry.