Walleye - Cool Water Species: Walleye (Stizostedion vitreum vitreum) Walleye are the most sought after game fish in North America. Walleye may be found in most Ontario lakes and rivers, and is found in particular abundance in the northern part of the province. In the cool waters of the north, male walleye can grow up to 3 lbs and female walleye as large as 12 lbs. Walleye is considered by many to be one of the finest tasting fish.

Summer: During the summer months (July to Mid August) the water temperature warms up and walleye tend to be less active than they were in the spring. They still feed regularly, but are less aggressive in doing so. The key to catching walleye in late summer is a slow presentation and getting your hook to the bottom. Once again, vertical jigging or casting and retrieving a jig very slowly is your best bet to catch sluggish walleye. By this time walleye have also moved into deeper water and have spread out from spawning locations into the main body of the lake. Concentrate on fishing water which is deeper than 20 feet. You should also lose the artificial plugs and spinners in favour of live bait.They may not hit very hard in the summer, so set the hook on any extra weight you feel on the line.

Fall:
Walleye tend to stay in deeper water throughout the fall (Mid August through September). Look for mid-lake structures (sunken islands, saddles, etc.) that top off between 15 and 30 ft. During the fall, walleye are feeding on larger bait such as smelt, perch and ciscoes. If you are using live bait, it would be wise to ask for your minnows "super sized" (3"-6"). Trolling large plugs which appear similar to the baitfish listed above can also produce results. Many trophy walleye are caught during the fall season. Walleye have been feeding all summer long and are at their healthiest state.