Bait Tips
To entice Canadian walleye to strike your line, bait your hook with forage fish, minnows, leeches or night crawlers. Find out where small fish are biting and set up your fishing reel(s) there. If the lake or river is not heavily populated due to the early morning hour, walk along the dock or look for circling birds in the sky to find an active spot. Canadian walleye follow the bait, so if small fish are biting, you are in a good spot for strikes.
Fishing Reel Tips
When fishing for Canadian walleye, use a 6.6 medium action rod with a 2500 series reel. Spool your rod with 8- to 10-lb test line and secure your hook directly to the test line using the sheet bend technique: make a loop and then pass the tag end of your test line through the hoop. Pass the tag end around the test line and then close the knot. Attach a 1/8- to 1/2-oz jig.
Cast-and-Retrieval Tips
The most effective way of gaining the attention of Canadian walleye is to perform a series of quick cast and retrieval patterns. Like many bottom dwellers, Canadian walleye swim low and rely on bottom obstructions for shelter. Canadian walleye frequently wait behind stumps until a small fish or lure passes by, which is why presentation is so important when angling for this fish. To mimic real bait swimming against the current, quickly cast and retrieve your line several times in a row. Let your bait dangle at the bottom for a few moments, which will give Canadian walleye time to strike. Watch for visible strain in your fishing line. Once a Canadian walleye is holding your fishing line, set your hook and perform a quick retrieval.
