I have been catching walleye for over 50 years all across Canada. During that time I have learned a lot of things about fishing. But always remember that you can usually learn some new tricks and tips at any time.
Over the many years that I have fished this area I see so many anglers full of enthusiasm and expectations come and leave just frustrated with their experience fishing walleye. This fishing tip will help eliminate that frustration. It may not make you an expert, but it will make a difference in your fishing results.
Lake Mindemoya is not a large lake but to know where certain features of the lake are is great information to have. Depth, where to find shoals, sunken islands or structure that walleye love and frequent. My favorite spot on this lake is what is called Grassy Island and in the north west corner of the lake. It is actually what I call a sunken island because the only time it is actually visible from anywhere is in the summer when the reeds and grass are growing. In fact the hottest time of the summer is a great time for fishing walleye.
Now the first thing is of course is your rod and reel, sounds simple but be sure to use good fishing equipment. A light action graphite rod and reel with 6 or 8 pound test line is sufficient to catch and land most large walleyes.
The last thing is of course the simplest the hook. A plain unadorned ball-headed jig is king here. It is simple and easy to use, and deadly. Use 1/4 ounce as much as possible. If you have a problem finding the bottom you can move up to 3/8 ounce till you get used to finding the bottom.
These jigs have no action of their own, so that is up to the angler, short hops seem to work best but do not be afraid to experiment. Try to maintain contact with the bottom at all times, but try not to bounce on slack line. This can cause you to get snagged more often.
Jigs are great for catch and release, most of the time the walleye will be hooked in the top lip. Unhooking is fast and easy for you and the fish.
Tip jigs with either a minnow or a leech. I like to use leeches but at times minnows will work best. I usually carry both so I can test which is working best that day or for the area you are fishing.
Well now put this all together and lets catch those walleyes. Off the edge of this grassy island or sunken island as I call it there is a drop off and the walleye hold to this at different depths at different times of the day. Deeper during the heat of the day and closer in the evening.
The area I fish I am usually able to drift slowly over this reef from one end to the other and preset my jig and bait offering easily plus with great success. If you use electronics of any kind of course you can find these walleyes and where they are holding up. Also if it is too windy to drift the way you want a trolling motor can keep you in the thick of the action or even anchor.
Walleye do not like bright light and most anglers think that the best time for fishing walleye is early morning or in the evening and even after dark. But on Mindemoya Lake in the heat of summer you have an algae growth that clouds the water somewhat and makes for great fishing even in the heat of the day. As simple as this walleye fishing tip seems, remember it works and just experiment and you will succeed.
So to wrap this up if you ever get to my favorite place on earth, Manitoulin Island and happen to be near grassy island on Mindemoya Lake say hello to the oldtimer you see out there all alone in his Lund boat. Do not be afraid to ask questions, because he will have fish! Get out there and enjoy nature and relax!
However there are several other fishermen that disagree. To them some of the best walleye fishing is in fact in the fall months. Although most of these fishermen will all agree that fishing for walleye in the fall can be very unpredictable, it also depends on the area as well as the bait you use to attempt to catch the walleye.
Those walleye that are in rivers will usually bite all year round, however sometimes they need enticing. Cold fronts, rough weather, rain and wind often start walleye to feeding during the fall. This is due to the temperature cooling down and the water temperature becoming cooler as well.
Although walleye aren't really affected by the water temperature, the temperature of the water sometimes affects the food supply walleye feed on.
For some reason in the fall, big walleye like big bait. Some experts on walleye fishing speculate this is due to the fact that the walleye aren't able to eat as often as they normally would in the hot summer months. As for the best type of bait to use in the fall, well there really isn't a "best."
A fat leech or big worm will have more of an effect than a lure or jig, because the scent from this type of bait attracts the walleye faster than colorful lures or jigs.
You don't have to use a large hook when walleye fishing in the fall. And in fact this is actually better, because the walleye doesn't feel anything unusual when it swallows the bait. As walleyes like shaded cloudy days over bright sunny days, even perhaps dusk or night, the same concept applies for the fall season too.
The walleye prefers the shade or low light, especially in the fall season. There are times during the fall season that the walleye have even formed large groups and stayed in shallow water.
It seems that just when someone who loves to fish would rather be at home instead of out in a harsh wind, is when the walleye are going to be biting the best.
Unfortunately, walleye like to swim upstream in the fall and this causes the undercurrent to actually be against a person trying to fish. It might be a good idea to place a heavier split weight or bb on the fishing line, or use two lighter bb together.
This also works well. A tip that is really useful for walleye fishing in the fall is that just before dark, many of the female walleye will come up close to the bank. This makes the walleye not only easy to see, but an individual can usually see when the walleye is getting close to the bait. Not to mention that these female walleye are usually quite large as well.
Now, if by chance you are going to fish for walleye in the river, the best thing to do is float a worm or live bait on the water. This means don't actually use much of a weight.
This forces the walleye to surface to a certain degree and an individual can see where they are too. Some fishermen have thrown bits of chicken liver or other bait on top of the river to see in what area the walleye surface and then set up to fish near that area.
Both Jack Phillips & are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Jack Phillips has sinced written about articles on various topics from Fishing, Internet Marketing and Fishing. Jack Phillips has been an avid Canadian angler for over 50 years. provides solid advice. Jack Phillips's top article generates over 2900 views. to your Favourites.
has sinced written about articles on various topics from . . 's top article . to your Favourites.