Are you looking for the best places For fishing for walleye in Quebec? Or would you like to know the best techniques to catch it? Find out everything you need to know about walleye fishing, an activity filled with action and challenges, thanks to the knowledge of two renowned fishermen, Raymond Carignan and Luc Bonneville.
The basics: know the Golden
Before casting your line in the water, it is necessary to take a little time to get to know your prey. I promise, this beloved fish is a lot smarter than you think!
First of all, you should know that the Golden is very sensitive to odors, light, colors and noise. This element should not be neglected if you want to have good fishing! For example, use a quiet electric motor or make as little noise as possible. It is also one of the freshwater fish that has the best vision, both at night and during the day.
The Golden stands in a group. If you catch one, chances are the others are very close to you! It also likes to hide through aquatic vegetation or under rocks: these places allow it to hide and stay comfortably in the shade, which allows it to better hunt its prey. He likes cool water: his favorite temperature is 61°F.
When fishing for walleye?
The best times for fishing for walleye are evening and morning. “It is best to go to the water between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m., as well as at the end of the afternoon, from 4 p.m. until sunset,” advises Luc Bonneville, enthusiast. fishing and owner of Ecotone l'Ami Sport.
The weather doesn't really have an impact on fishing. Golden, with one exception: avoid fishing when the sky is blue, there are no clouds and the sun is shining brightly.
When it comes to the best time of year, mid-May to mid-September is ideal. But the Golden can be fished all year round, even under the ice in winter. “The only exception: from mid-April to mid-May, during the breeding period of the Golden », recalls Luc Bonneville. A host of other tips from the latter are available in one of his blog posts.
THE best places to fish for walleye
We find the Golden in several places. In Canada, Quebec, Ontario and even New York State!
In the province of Quebec, the golden is mainly found in the regions of Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Outaouais, Lac Saint-Jean and Mauricie (Gouin reservoir). Note also that walleye are also present in the St. Lawrence River and its widenings (lakes Saint-François, Saint-Louis and Saint-Pierre).
Now that you know the best places to fish for walleye, where will your next fishing trip be?
Tips from walleye fishing for beginners
Notice to beginners who would like to learn about walleye fishing, Raymond Carignan, a seasoned fisherman with over 50 years of experience, has some great advice for you!
First of all, any experienced fisherman will know that fishing requires a lot of patience. But I promise, it will (perhaps) be rewarded. Indeed, nothing compares to the feeling of achievement when your prey finally takes the bait and you carefully retrieve your precious fish. Victory!
Mr. Carignan also suggests keeping an open mind: as Golden is held in groups, you may well catch more after your first catch. Keeping an open mind also means always keeping in mind that Golden may be closer to you than you think. Indeed, contrary to what one might believe, the Golden likes to stay on the surface, less than 20 feet deep.
The best techniques of walleye fishing
For Raymond Carignan, it's obvious: the best way to catch Golden is to use a devon plunger. “It’s a lure that imitates a small fish with a bottom chamber inside that makes noise, which attracts them from afar,” explains fisherman Raymond Carignan. He also recommends choosing lures in bright colors like perch blue, fire tiger, chartreuse green or fluorescent orange.
Another well-known technique, called “jigging” or “jigging”, continues to prove its worth. Notice to fishermen, Mr. Carignan suggests using the new jig named Crush City. “It’s really incredible the results I’ve had with this,” he confirms.
It is also possible to fish in “ trollant » using a classic earthworm, but accompanied by a cross-country walker and a worm harness (attached to the lead).
The experienced fisherman also suggests the use of colored and/or odorous jelly, which imitates the smell and appearance of blood (like a wounded fish). He suggests two types, the supreme gel with smelt scent and the company's products Liquid Mayem.
He also recommends using a wire that is not very visible nor too big, because the Golden is more fooled than you think: he will see the line.
Do you know the carte Navionics? It will show you all the reliefs of the lake, which will allow you to know in advance the sectors where the Golden risk of being. Before you leave, take the time to study it. Arriving at your lake, you will immediately know where you are heading!
The expert also reminds that it is preferable to use a fairly rigid fishing rod for Golden. In other words, he advises using a different rod than the one used for trout fishing, for example.
Pro tricks on Rafale
- Don’t overlook the power of phosphorescent or high-contrast lures. THE Golden has excellent vision and will see them well, even from a distance.
- Use a soap that removes odors, remember that the Golden is very sensitive to bad odors (like that of cigarettes, for example)!
- The biggest golden are closer to you than you think. This is simply because there is more food on the surface. Choose a depth of 20 feet or less to fishing for walleye.
- Use a net with rubber mesh to catch your fish: rubber is easier to untangle.
- If you didn't already know, the Golden is an excellent fish to eat. And it's even better eaten fresh. Enjoy your food!
Now that you know all the secrets of walleye fishing, do you have all the necessary equipment?
Good fishing!
