Walleye Fishing in Canada: Most Important Facts and Information (2024)

Walleye fishing is a popular activity among anglers from Canada and the USA. The species is highly sought after due to its excellent taste and fighting ability. Additionally, walleye can be found in many different bodies of water throughout Canada, making it accessible for locals and tourists. This article will explore some essential facts and information about walleye fishing in Canada.

Whether you are a seasoned angler or a beginner looking to try your luck, this guide will provide valuable insights on how to catch these elusive fish.

If you plan a fishing trip to Canada, walleye fishing should definitely be on your list. Walleye is one of Canada's most popular game fish, and it can be found in many lakes and rivers across the country.

However, if you want to make the most of your walleye fishing experience, there are some important facts and information that you need to know.

Firstly, learning the walleye's key characteristics and general habitat gives clues as to where to fish for them.

Secondly, knowing the best locations for walleye fishing in Canada can significantly increase your chances of catching this popular game fish. Some top spots include Lake Winnipeg, Lake of the Woods, Saskatchewan River, Georgian Bay, Great Slave Lake, and Oak Lake, part of the remote and pristine English River System.

Thirdly, it is crucial to use the proper fishing techniques for walleye. Trolling, jigging, live bait fishing, and casting are all effective methods for catching this species.

Finally, it is important to know the regulations and limits for walleye fishing in Canada, as they vary from province to province.

By following these tips and researching beforehand, you can have a successful and enjoyable walleye fishing experience in Canada.

These fish prefer cool, clear waters and can be found in many different bodies of water throughout Canada, including lakes, rivers, and reservoirs.

They are often found near structures such as weed beds, rocks, and drop-offs. Walleye can tolerate a wide range of water temperatures but are most active in the spring and fall when the water is cooler.

Finding walleye can be a challenging task for anglers, but with the right techniques and knowledge, it can be a rewarding experience. Here are some tips on how to find walleye fish in Canadian lakes:

1. Look for structure: Walleye fish prefer to stay close to structures like weed beds, drop- offs, and rock piles. These structures provide cover and shade for the fish and attract prey.

2. Use depth finders: A good depth finder can help you locate schools of walleye fish quickly. Look for areas where the water depth changes abruptly.

3. Fish during low light conditions: Walleye fish are most active during dawn and dusk when light levels are low. Try to plan your fishing trip around these times for better chances of catching walleye.

4. Use live bait: Walleye fish prefer live bait like minnows or nightcrawlers over artificial lures. Using live bait can increase your chances of getting a bite.

5. Experiment with different lure colors: Walleye fish can be picky about the color of their food. Try using different colored lures to see which one works best in the particular lake you're fishing in.

6. Pay attention to water temperature: Walleye tend to move into deeper waters during the summer months when water temperatures are higher. During the fall and winter, they stay in shallower waters.

Please note:

When flying to a remote lake like Oak Lake, you don't have to worry about what seasons are best for fishing for walleye. Oak Lake Lodge is the only lodge on the lake, and the fishing is superb. The lake waters are protected since it is part of a provincial waterway, and there is plenty of large walleye fish to catch regardless of the season. The English River System's habitat is as natural and healthy as can be because the waters are so remote and away from civilization.

Do you want to see the record breaking walleye caught at Oak Lake Lodge in 2012? Scroll to the end of this article to see all 22.3 pounds of it.

The best time of day for catching walleye in the summer is typically in the early morning or late evening when the water is cooler, and the fish are more active.

1. Locate Areas of Activity: During the summer months, walleye are often found in shallow waters near weed beds and other areas with structures such as rocks or sunken logs. Look for these areas to locate active fish.

2. Use Live Bait: Live bait such as minnows, worms, or leeches can be a great way to attract walleye when fishing during the summer season. Consider rigging these baits on a jighead or simply free-lining them into the water.

3. Try Topwater Lures: Topwater lures such as poppers and buzzbaits can effectively catch walleye during the summer months. Cast these lures over shallow weed beds and wait for a strike as they are reeled back in.

4. Try Crankbaits: Crankbaits are another great option for catching walleye during the summer season. Rig crankbaits on medium-power spinning rods and cast them around weed beds, rocks, and other areas of structure where walleye may congregate.

5. Pay Attention to Water Temperature: As the water temperature rises in the summer, walleye tend to move into deeper water. Consider using slow-rolling crankbaits and jigs to target these fish in the depths.

When fishing for walleye in the fall, anglers should focus on areas with structure such as weed beds or rocky points. Jigging is a popular technique during this time of year, and anglers can use vertical jigs, swimming jigs, or hair jigs depending on their preference and the depth they are fishing in.

Live bait such as minnows or leeches can also be effective when targeting walleye during this season. Crankbaits and topwater lures can also be productive when shed over shallow weed beds and other areas of structure where walleye may congregate.

In the fall season, walleye can be found in deeper waters as they move into cooler temperatures to spawn. During this time, anglers should target areas of structure such as rocks, reefs, or sunken logs and use crankbaits or jigs to catch walleye.

The walleye usually remain in shallow waters (under 15 feet) to feed and can do so the entire day. Spring is, therefore, ideal for walleye fishing although winter is the best period since this is when you can catch the largest walleye.

You can also consider fishing very early in the morning or late in the evening since walleyes move to shallow areas to feed during these times.

By understanding the best times, locations, and techniques for walleye fishing in Canada, anglers can maximize their chances of success on their next fishing trip. With a bit of preparation and knowledge, any angler can have a successful and rewarding experience.

Anglers must be aware of the regulations and limits for walleye fishing in Canada. These can vary depending on the province or territory and the specfiic body of water being shed.

Most provinces generally have a daily catch limit of 2-6 walleye per angler, with size restrictions ranging from 12-18 inches. Catch and release practices are also encouraged to preserve the walleye population in Canadian waters.

It is important to obtain the necessary fishing licenses and permits before heading out on a fishing trip, as well as follow all rules and regulations set by the provincial or territorial government.

1. Catch limits: Anglers should be aware of their province or territory’s regulations regarding walleye catch limits. Different regulations may be based on size, number, season, or location.

2. Releasing fish: If an angler catches a walleye that is too small to keep, they should practice catch and release. This means they must unhook the fish gently and return it back into the water as quickly as possible to reduce stress levels on the fish and increase its chance of survival.

3. Use barbless hooks: Barbless hooks are easier to remove from a fish’s mouth since they don’t have barbs that can get stuck in its skin. This reduces injury and mortality rates among released fish.

4. Use artificial bait: When using artificial bait such as jigs or crank baits, ensure they are free from lead, which can be toxic to fish.

5. Clean up: Before leaving the fishing spot, make sure all hooks and bait pieces are disposed of properly in the trash or recycling bins provided.

Walleye fishing is a rewarding experience for any angler that is willing to take the time to learn about this species and prepare appropriately for their next outing. With the proper knowledge and techniques, anglers can maximize their chances of success and have a successful fishing trip.

Oak Lake Lodge & Outpost is a great fishing spot because it is situated in one of Ontario's most picturesque and remote areas, offering anglers an incredible variety of fish species to target. Even though we are remote, it is only a thirty minute float plane from Vermilion Bay, Ontario to our lodge.

Our lake has many rocky shoals, weed beds, and other structures that serve as excellent habitat for walleye and other gamefish.

Additionally, Oak Lake Lodge & Outpost offers experienced guides who can provide advice on the best techniques for catching walleye, such as jigging or using topwater lures. To top it all off, Oak Lake Lodge & Outpost guests can purchase their fishing licenses directly at the lodge for added convenience.