Walleye Fishing Clubs in Colorado You Can Join

Colorado is an excellent location for walleye fishing, so much so that it is home to several of the country's popular walleye fishing clubs. Fishing clubs are perfect for networking, learning angling techniques and fishing issues. Clubs also host regular walleye fishing competitions, excellent for the competitive angler in you. Keen on joining? Here are some clubs you might want to check out:

Colorado Walleye Association
If you want to learn more about walleye and the proper conservation of the nation's natural resources, this walleye fishing club is an excellent group to join. Members are issued membership cards, a CWA decal and a subscription to the Colorado Fisherman Magazine for one year.

CWA also hosts competitive walleye angling and if you're a member, you're eligible to compete. The fishing club also hosts regular pot luck dinners and fishing day for families with kids. CWA also gives away awards such as Master Angler, Angler of the Year and Big Fish of the Month for members who join competitive events. Furthermore, members are given discounts from the club's advertisers and sponsors.

Loveland Fishing Club
Loveland members meet regularly each month and a fishing calendar is maintained yearly. Members receive monthly newsletters for club updates and news. Loveland also hosts several fishing clinics and casting seminars for beginner anglers. Members will also be exposed to fishing programs that the club implements as a way to help many local agencies. This fishing club is all about fun, so be ready to have a lot.

Rocky Mountain Angling Club
If you prefer catch and release fishing, you'll want to join this club. You'll also appreciate their exclusive approach to walleye fishing because this club has special arrangements with owners of private properties in the Rocky Mountain area.

Rocky Mountain Angling will take you to under fished waters and you'll love the fact that these fishing areas are away from the usual crowd. Furthermore, these fishing areas are known for producing trophy-sized fish. As a member, you'll also be able to gain access to some of the best locations in Colorado, Montana, New Mexico and Wyoming.

Colorado Fishing Federation
This fishing club has been around since 1995. Its main thrust is to focus members' attention on issues regarding the area's fishing resources. Although this fishing club doesn't deal exclusively with walleye, this is an excellent club to join in Colorado if you're the type of angler who is concerned about preserving the area's natural resources.

Fishing Opportunities in Wawa, Canada

One of the best regions to go on a fishing trip to is Wawa, just under 150 miles to the north of Sault Sainte Marie if you take Trans-Canada Highway 17. There are numerous fishing resorts and outfitters in Wawa, each one offering different scenic locations.

Wawa is located in Northern Ontario, a community in Michipicoten in Canada's Algoma District. The name Wawa is the Ojibwe word that means 'wild goose' (wewe). Wawa can be found along Highway 101, east of the Highway 17 junction. It is the location of Lake Superior's Provincial Park. Although it is more known for its fur trade and mining, Wawa is also an excellent place to go fishing.

Wawa has numerous areas that are excellent for secluded fishing and canoeing. Its ecological diversity is one of the most abundant and overlooked. The largest of the Great Lakes, Lake Superior, offers plenty of fishing activities with numerous fish species in this area.

Fishing in Wawa can also get you a prized catch. Fish are plentiful in this part of Canada, including 30-lb. brown trout, 40-lb. salmon and 10-lb. brook trout. Other fish species include muskie, panfish, smallmouth bass, largemouth, northern pike and walleye.

Some outfitters and resorts offering fishing trips and accommodations in Wawa include:

Camp Angiami
Camp Angiami is located in Lake Anjigami, offering 7 miles of fishing opportunities for visitors. The surrounding environment is also a rich ground for exploration, where you can find an excellent variety of wildlife and vegetation. Camp Angiami has five outposts, with five camps accessible only by float plane.

Camp Kinniwabi
The accommodations at Camp Kinniwabi come complete with facilities and can house a maximum of 6 guests per cabin. This camp isn't located on any lake but its proximity to areas of great views and fishing opportunities make it an enjoyable location for great fishing in Wawa, Canada. Camp Kinniwabi can set up visitors at over 14 lakes set in the wilderness.

Normandy Lodge
Normandy Lodge offers fishing packages to fit all types of budget. Aside from accommodations, it also rents out canoes and 14-footer aluminum boats. Its fishing is focused in the highly productive and beautiful Kabenung Lake. Fish species include lake trout, perch and brook trout. Fishing licenses can be purchased from the camp itself.

Fishing Derby
Wawa also hosts its annual Ice Fishing Derby, usually held during the first quarter of the year. This derby awards prizes for top catch in several categories, including Whitefish and Lake Trout.

Simple, Easy Steps for Cleaning Walleyes

Caught a walleye? You must be very proud of your catch. Walleye are well sought-after fish because of their elusiveness and beauty. They are also known for their great taste. To clean walleye, there is really no unique steps to follow. In fact, even beginner anglers can follow these simple steps:

Use the right knife. Basically, this means using a knife that you are comfortable with but sharp enough to pierce and cut the skin and flesh of the walleye without damaging the body too much and comfortable enough to hold in your hand.

Your purpose is to fillet the fish, so when cutting, try not to cut the bone. Begin slicing the fish with the knife starting at the area behind its gills. Slide the knife carefully until you reach the backbone. Continue slicing the fish along its backbone until you reach the tail. Don't slice the fish's skin to separate the fish.

Open the flap of skin and flesh and lay the fish on the table. You should be able to see the rib cage. Using a fillet knife, begin running it between the flesh and the skin, keeping the knife as close as possible to the skin so as not to waste any flesh.

You can start at the area near the tail and run the knife up to the neck or start the other way. Just make sure the knife is close to the skin. Once the flesh of the walleye is separate from the skin, set it aside. This is your fillet.

Next, turn your attention to the other half of the fish. Using your fillet knife again, slip the sharpest point under walleye's rib cage, keeping the blade close to the bone. Run the knife along the rib cage to separate the flesh.

After the flesh is separated from the rib cage, you can either use a heavy knife to cut the rib cage at the tail or you can hold to it firmly and rip the bone away from the flesh.

Now for the little bones. If you've caught a younger fish, you can leave the bones on since they will dissolve during cooking. With an older fish, cut out the area where the bones are buried in the flesh.

If you're bringing your walleye fillet over the US-Canada border, you'll need to clean the fish in such a way as to show enough skin to allow for identification of the species. Leave an inch or so to allow authorities to see what type of fish you're bringing.

Tips on Finding the Perfect Location to Fish for Walleye

Tips on Finding the Perfect Location to Fish for Walleye

If you're an avid angler, you probably already know why the walleye is an excellent catch. If you've only begun your adventures in fishing, then the walleye is definitely the fish you'll want to catch one of these days. It's a sleek, beautiful fish with a tinge of gold and olive that can grow to an impressive 30 to 36 inches in length. It's also quite a challenge to reel in. To catch it, you will have to know its habits to find the perfect place where you can fish for walleye.

Where to find the walleye
The walleye is a fish that likes little light and it's built to survive darker areas in a lake. Walleye have eyes that are highly efficient at gathering light so it doesn't matter if the area where they swim is dark or if the sky is overcast because these fish can see clearly. In fact, even in choppy waters when the area near the surface of the lake is rough, walleye can still hunt for their prey even if the visuals aren't too good.

The walleye is Minnesota's state fish and although it is certainly abundant in this area, the fish can also be found in other locations in both the U.S. and Canada. Rivers such as Missouri, Mississippi and Seagull in Cook County are excellent locations for walleye fishing. In Canada, the Great Lakes, Winnipeg River, the Forks, Gouin Reservoir and Columbia River in British Columbia are a favorite among locals and tourists. You can also find walleye in many wildlife refuge areas.

How the walleye behaves
Knowing where the walleye lives is just half the adventure. This fish is rather elusive, making it an exciting challenge and a top choice as a game fish for many anglers. Because of its excellent eyesight, the walleye is also capable of staying in deeper waters, although anglers prefer to catch the fish near the surface close to the banks of the lakes or rivers, when it is often found feeding. This is the easier way to catch the fish, when it's more receptive to lures and bait, whether they're live or artificial.

However, the walleye also spends a lot of its time looking for food so you can expect it to be on the move. During these times, they are difficult to catch from the banks so fishing with a boat is often required.

The night fish
The walleye is the type of fish that you will have to wait for at night to catch because of its nocturnal habits. Your chances of catching one are also better if you fish during overcast or cloudy days when light don't penetrate the water too much.

And of course, there's also the walleye chop you should watch out for. On days when the water is rough, the walleye like to feed and throwing in your life-like lure can reel in a pretty good catch.

A season for catching walleye
Not everyday is a good day to fish for walleye. Females, which are preferred because of their size over males, are often not interested to feed post-spawn. They will keep to the bottom of the lake to rest.

You're better off fishing for walleye in spring or fall. These are excellent seasons to catch the walleye, so if you want to get your hands on this solid-bodied fish, April through May and September through October are great months to fish. These are the times when walleye are more receptive to lures and bait because of their feeding activity. However, knowing where they are found during certain months is also important.

In May, for example, just after the walleye have spawned, the transition phase keeps the fish near the areas where they spawned and walleye tend to group together. This is why they are best fished near large sand flats. Summer, on the other hand, isn't very friendly for walleye-chasing anglers, when it's more difficult to lure the fish.

In winter, ice-fishing for walleye is a favorite among anglers. Holes are bored through the ice to drop the bait into the water. Using jigs, minnows or jigging spoons, anglers have had excellent success in catching this fish.

The popularity of the walleye
Other than its impressive appearance which makes it a favorite wall mounting, the walleye also makes a popular meal at the dinner table. It is a great tasting fish and for many anglers, considered as the one with the best taste among freshwater fish.

Walleye remain as one of the most popular for anglers to catch. Its elusiveness makes it perfect for tournaments and it's also the type of fish that lives in some of the most picturesque areas in the U.S. and Canada. The view, along with the perfect walleye catch, make pursuing this fish an incredible adventure.

Abundant Brook Trout Fishing in Canada

Brook trout is found in nearly all the Great Lakes of Canada and in many of its fresh waters. It is also a popular game fish for many hobbyists because it is plentiful and, compared to other game fish, it is rather easy to catch.

Knowing the fish
Brook trout is a type of trout referred to as chars. They are usually smaller in size than other trout. Brook trout is native to the southeastern part of Canada. Thanks to their attractiveness as game fish, they were later introduced to other regions. These days, they can be found in freshwater streams and lakes not only in North America but also in many areas in Europe.

Most brook trout prefer to live out their days in the streams and lakes where they were spawned, but there are some that migrate from streams and lakes to spend a year or two at sea. They then return home to spawn.

Fishing for brook trout
Regardless of whether you're fishing for brook trout in Canada or elsewhere, catching this fish requires skill. True, brook trout are easier to catch than other game fish but in order to make your fishing trip worthwhile, you should learn certain things about the fish.

Preferred environments
Brook trout fishing in Canada is a lot easier to do if you know what types of habitats these species prefer. Springs that flow out to trout streams are excellent locations. Since brook trout like to feed on local land and aquatic insects such as mayflies and stone flies, they are also likely to be found in coldwater streams. Upstream are also a favorite among brook trout, with many anglers having success by simply fishing while walking upstream.

Most brook trout anglers throw their lines in an area where a stream becomes a pool because this is an area frequented by brook trout. This is where they catch food that often drift down the stream Brook trout are also found in the area near underwater streams and inlets where water is cooler. Fly fishing for brook trout can be performed using sinking nymphs, dry flies and wet flies.

A great thing about brook trout fishing in Canada is that it doesn't require complicated equipment. In fact, as a fishing activity, it is considered as the simplest form. It is no wonder then that brook trout fishing has become one of the most popular things to do in appreciation of the natural beauty and abundance of Canada.

Fishing Gears You Will Need to Catch the Walleye

Catching walleye will depend on your equipment. In fact, more than the boat, it's the gear that will matter most in fishing. True, you can successfully catch walleye with the basic rod and a simple bait hanging out from the line but really, when it's walleye you're eyeing, don't you want to increase your chances? Here are some tips on determining what fishing gear you need and how to choose them to catch the elusive walleye:

Choose a good, sturdy rod.
The rod is one of the basic components of your fishing gear. A lot of things ride on the type of fishing rod you buy. If you've never fished before, try buying a basic rod. Don't buy the fanciest gear. As a novice angler, there's a good chance you wouldn't know what to do with it, at least for now.

If possible, go to the store yourself and pick your own fishing rod. Hold it in your hands and determine if the weight, size and feel are right for you. If you can grip it comfortably, it's probably a good choice.

A heavyweight rod?
In terms of weight, consider the type of water you will be fishing in. Most walleye live in lakes and rivers and there will be times when you'll have to fish in rough waters. Here, you will be better off choosing a fishing rod that is a bit heavier. A heavier rod will withstand choppy waters and heavy fish. They will also allow you to cast faster.

The only disadvantage of a heavy rod is that if you're a beginner, it can be quite tough to handle. But if it's the walleye you want, then an active and heavy fish like this will need a stronger rod. Go for a rod that offers medium action and is about 6 +' to 7' long.

Other than the weight, choose a rod that feels generally comfortable in your hands. Remember that the walleye is a rather elusive creature and you could be handling that rod for a long time in the water. If you aren't comfortable, you won't enjoy fishing at all.

As for material, fishing rods come in different materials. Three of the most popular include wood, fiberglass and carbon fiber. Again, check how well you can handle it. Check also for flexibility. Walleye can grow up to 30 inches and they can be quite heavy. Even if you caught a 15-inch fish, struggling with it can be a challenge if your fishing rod is not flexible enough.

Buy a fishing line with the appropriate weight.
Fishing lines will matter when trying to catch the walleye. If you catch a big fish using a line with a low weight, you could lose it in the struggle because the line simply can't hold the fish. Go for a fishing line in the mid-weight category. A fishing line with an 8 or 10-lb. test will do nicely.

Pick a reel.
Modern fishing gear will definitely need a good, reliable reel. Otherwise, you'll be spending a good half of your time trying to untangle your fishing line just to throw it back into the water. A reel is the fishing gear that keeps your line in place, preventing tangles as you go.

Some experts recommend a spinning reel and rod. This type of fishing gear will make it easier for you to use light cranks and jigs, two components often used to catch the walleye. Check for drag. The reel should be smooth and easy, extremely useful if you'll be faced with a walleye who is more than willing to battle it out with you.

Choose a reel that fits well with your rod. Again, don't choose gear that will weigh you down or be lighter than what you can normally handle. Check the gear that holds and releases the line. An open-faced reel uses a bail while a casting reel can be operated with a button.

Buy a good lure.
Although you can use live bait with walleye successfully, you might also want to try using flies and lures to complete your fishing gear. In terms of purchase, by the way, this part is the most fun primarily because flies and lures are produced in different shapes, sizes, colors and function.

To attract the walleye, choose a lure that is a bit bigger and colorful. Colors such as red, blue, silver, perch and chartreuse are a hit with walleye. Stock up on lures and bait that come in natural shades as well. In clear water, walleye find these irresistible.