Canada is one of the best places in the world to go walleye fishing. This environment is perfect for this species and you can find them just about everywhere you go. This is a smart and elusive fish that will make you work for your catch. First of all, they can steal your bait so you have to be alert and watch your line carefully. If you don’t, you’ll be reeling in an empty hook very often.
Their strike is so light that it can be difficult to tell when you have a bite and when it’s just the current moving the bait around. Fishing with a bobber can help out because you can see when you have a bite. The other reason this species is a challenge is because they will put up a very good fight in their attempt to work their way off your hook. This is a strong species and when they fight, you have to work hard to hang onto them.
However, it’s this challenge that makes seeking them out so much fun and exciting. It’s quite an accomplishment to reel in one of these fish and they make some great stories to share. The walleye found in Canada are some of the largest you’ll find anywhere so there’s a good chance you’ll reel in a trophy fish before your trip is over and you have to head home.
To help make your trip more successful, here are five walleye fishing secrets to try in Canada:
1. When fishing with live bait your best options are minnows, leeches and night crawlers. When using artificial lures to walleye fish in Canada, jigs are usually the best choice because they seem to get the most action. These come in so many different colors and styles that it’s easier for you to find something that gets their attention. Jigs work well around structures and weed beds.
2. One of the most productive times to go fishing in Canada is early spring when the ice is melting. Walleyes will be in the shallow water during this time and they will be hungry. They’ll begin preparing for the spawning season and they’re most abundant during this season. You can even be very productive during the middle of the day this time of year.
3. Using the right gear is important if you want to reel in a nice catch. The recommended gear includes a six-foot sensitive rod combined with a spinning reel with a good drag system. Add test line in the four to six pound range along with small tackle and you’re all set to go.
4. When using a boat, stay several feet away from the strike zone or you’ll scare the fish away. This species seem to spook very easily, which is why a trolling motor comes in handy. They’ll help you get closer to the strike zone without scaring the fish. It’s also the reason drift fishing is so effective for this species. You can quietly drift downstream with your bait in the water.
5. Using a net can greatly increase the number of walleye you actually to get shore. Most catches are lost right before you get them from the water to the boat or shoreline. Sometimes, the line will snap under the pressure of pulling the fish out of the water and other times, they just manage to work lose just as you have them near the edge. Place the net over the head of the fish first and this will reduce the amount of thrashing it can do and take the stress off your gear.
When you’re visiting Canada for the first time, one of the best ways to enjoy some great walleye fishing is by hiring a guide. They can take you out to the best places to fish and make sure you have a great time. You won’t have to worry about finding your way around the lake or river. In some cases, they’ll even provide the gear depending on which type of guide service you choose to use. It’s a great way to experience some of the best walleye fishing in the world.
If you do decide to go fishing on your own, it’s a good idea to get a map of the area where you plan to fish and check the local fishing reports. These will help you get more familiar with the water and help you decide what will work the best based on when you’re fishing.
Always keep safety in mind. The waters in Canada may be colder than what you’re use to and it’s always more dangerous being on water that you’re not familiar with because you don’t really know what to expect. Pay close attention to your surroundings and the weather. Obey all safety rules and have a great time walleye fishing in Canada.