A Beginner Angler’s Guide to the Walleye

If you've never fished before, many of your more experienced fishing buddies will probably recommend you go after the walleye. This popular fish, which is also Minnesota's state fish, is a challenge to catch but when you do reel one in, you'll find that it's all worth the effort. Here are some fascinating things you might want to know about the walleye:

Getting to know the walleye
The walleye, or Sander vitreus, is also known as the yellow walleye, yellow pike, pickerel or walleyed pike, never mind that it isn't a relative of pikes or pickerels. This fish with many names is native to Canada, although it also makes many northern parts of the United States its home. It is the North American cousin of Europe's pike perch.

How walleye look like
Walleye are sleek, beautiful fish that can grow to about 30 to 36 inches (75 to 90 cms.) in length. They look like the perch in general appearance. Walleye can reach about 10 to 15 lbs. (5 to 7 kgs.) in weight, although some might even exceed that. A walleye caught in the state of Montana, for example, weighed in at more than 16 lbs. and was measured at over 36 inches long. Walleye have a large mouth filled with sharp teeth.

Walleye are a mixture of gold and olive and the dorsal side tends to be olive, with the color gradually turning golden at the flanks. The belly of the fish is white, with dark saddles at its upper sides.

Female walleye tend to be larger compared to males. How fast they grow will depend on their location. Walleye found in southern regions, for example, tend to grow larger and much faster than other walleye.

Walleye tend to be old geezers, capable of living for a decade or more. In fact, the longest living walleye on record reached a ripe old age of 29. This often happens in fishing areas where populations largely remain untouched. However, in places where populations are heavily fished, walleye reach only about 4 or 5 years of age.

Why walleye?
The reason why it's called the walleye is because its eyes reflect light. Beneath its eye surface lies a layer that gathers light. This makes the fish capable of seeing even in areas with little light, which explains why walleye also stay in deeper waters. This type of behavior is noted by many anglers, who usually fish for the walleye at dusk or at night, when the feeding happens.

Walleye can also see well in rough or breaking water, where it will catch prey. This is why many anglers will look for areas with rough waters. These waters are also referred to as 'walleye chop' because walleye tend to congregate there.

Fishing for walleye
The walleye became a favorite catch among anglers because of their beautiful appearance and impressive size. Many anglers have mounted walleye proudly and many of these catches are testament to the fish's striking beauty.

Another reason that makes the walleye a well sought-after fish is that it isn't that easy to catch. This isn't the type of fish that you just get up one morning, head off for the lake and hope to catch. In fact, anglers have to watch for certain locations, conditions, weather and even seasons to catch walleye.

Its popularity is also the reason why walleye fishing is regulated to avoid depleting the current population. Agencies in charge of natural resources will often check anglers' catches to determine if they meet length limitations and quotas. If you fish for walleye, for example, you can't fillet the fish in such a way that it is unrecognizable. It should be easily identifiable and its actual length measurable. Otherwise, you will be violating regulations.

In Minnesota where the walleye is king, a giant statue of the fish stands. It is so popular with the locals that residents of Minnesota are the largest consumers of the walleye in the U.S. However, the walleye's fame extends far north, where it remains as one of the fish that Canadians seek on regular fishing trips. Since fishing is well regulated in both the U.S. and Canada, there is good reason that the walleye will remain as popular today as it will be years from now.

Why Canada? Four Benefits of Fishing in Canada

Canada has the largest system of fresh waters in the world, covering nearly 7% of its land mass. Its continuous coastline is also the longest at over 240,000 km. Canada is also a country that has strict conservation rules about its marine environment, making it a favorite fishing destination for both locals and tourists. Some benefits of fishing in Canada include:

Location
Canada is known for its scenic beauty and the diversity of its geography, ecological systems and even climates. It is a large country, second only to Russia and its natural abundance is a rich mine of raw resources, including of course, fish.

Due to its size, Canada has more land than people so it has plenty of locations that are perfect for fishing. In fact, there are hundreds of fishing clubs, lodges and outfitters that offer their services to both locals and tourists. Ontario alone offers four regions with over 400,000 rivers, streams and lakes that fishing hobbyists and enthusiasts can explore.

Choice
Canada has the largest number of rivers, lakes and other inland waters. There are some species of fish that are more plentiful in some areas while other areas sometimes ban the fishing of other species. But with so many fishing locations to choose from, it's impossible not to find the perfect spot for a day or two of angling or fly fishing.

Fishing trips are also commonly organized by Canadian clubs and resorts, so locals and visitors have a choice whether they prefer a chartered boat or a simple drive-in for their fishing trip. In some areas, fishing is also allowed regardless of the season although certain restrictions apply on some species.

Bounty
Canada has minimal fishing pressure and pollution levels are kept low, so fish is plentiful. The country's waters are also filled with numerous species of fish, including halibut, trout, salmon, pike, sturgeon, arctic grayling, steelhead and walleye, among others.

Conservation and preservation
Another benefit of fishing in Canada is its clear, safe waters. Conservation efforts are active in this country and are practiced not only by recreational and commercial fishermen but also by its many fishing clubs, outfitters and those involved in its tourism industry.

Fishing licenses are required for those who wish to share in the bounty of its waters and certain regulations are implemented to ensure that certain species are protected in specific areas at certain times of the year. Restrictions are also in place regarding harmful fishing practices. These efforts ensure that Canada's waters remain healthy and that the benefits of fishing in this country will be experienced by generations more to come.

Fishing for Walleye? Try Fly-in Resorts

Fishing can be an excellent hobby and sport but what if you live in an area where the waters don't always offer you a chance to find your dream catch? If you prefer convenience and comfort, try fly-in resorts. In the United States and Canada, fly-in resorts make brisk business, thanks to the enthusiasm of anglers who prefer to get away and be in hot pursuit of their prized walleye.

Why go to fly-in resorts
A fly-in resort is essentially an exclusive outpost in an area near a lake or river. Its main purpose is to provide accommodations and services for hobby fishermen and serious anglers who want to have fun and find time to relax. It's a waste of good money to spend a few hours in these resorts and then leave.

Fly-in resorts also offer accommodations at remote outposts so if privacy is a concern, you'll find what you'll need here. In many fly-in resorts such as those found in Northwestern Ontario and in certain areas in the U.S., for example, may only be reached using a plane, which increases its adventure factor.

Many fly-in resorts also offer outfitting services so fishing gear rentals are available. Since walleye are also a challenge to catch, fly-in resorts also offer fishing guides to assist guests.

What you can expect
Services offered by fly-in resorts vary from the simplest where you have the bare but decent essentials to the luxurious, complete with expensive beddings, crew and staff. Cabins will often include separate bedrooms, bathrooms, toilets and kitchens complete with necessary appliances.

Since your goal is to fish for walleye, check to see if fishing licenses and taxes are included in the package. Boat rentals are often included in the price, but you'll have to check with the resort for certain limits or restrictions. If you catch your walleye, most resorts will also offer to clean and fillet your catch for you.

Most fly-in resorts will require a deposit within a specified period of time before you check in. Watch out for this and make sure to book only if you're truly sure of your trip. Most fly-in resorts won't refund your deposit in case of a no-show.

A fly-in resort package often includes air transportation from a designated location to the outpost and back again. You might also want to check if your fly-in resort has special arrangements with airlines or shuttle services. Special rates, usually labeled 'Fisherman's Fare', are often offered to attract more guests. Check with local travel agencies as well, if you want to take advantage of these discounted prices.

If you prefer privacy
Most fly-in resorts will have staff and crew on hand to meet your needs and offer their services in case of emergencies. However, if you're capable and prefer being on your own or with your family and friends, there are fly-in resorts that let you rent the whole area by yourself with no neighbors, no fellow guests and yes, no cabin staff or crew. These locations are quite safe and to ensure their guests' well being, resort staff will usually fly in every other day to check on you or replenish supplies. Otherwise, you're left to enjoy fishing for your walleye in peace.

How much will it cost?
All these privileges and remote accommodations don't come cheap. Don't consider fly-in resorts if you're working on a budget or don't want to spend a dime over a hundred bucks.

Most fly-in resorts offer packaged trips with 3-day packages to 7-day packages and the cost of which will depend on the number of people who will be flying-in and on the type of services offered. Of course, the more luxurious the accommodations and services you'll receive, the more it will cost you.

Expect to spend an average of $950 for a package, with discounts in case you will be bringing children younger than 12. If you prefer a cheaper package and live near an area that is great for walleye fishing, try drive-in resorts. These resorts often offer excellent prices for a day of fishing. Once you're done, simply pack up and leave after paying a small fee.

If you're serious about catching a prize walleye, staying at a fly-in resort will be a great idea not just for a fishing holiday for also for your family and friends. Costly probably, but once you've tried it, you'll find that it's more than worth the price.

Choosing the Right Bait for Catching Walleye

Walleye are mostly found in North American waters and are predatory members of the perch species. Their eyes appear glassy, thus its name, and their bodies have distinctive marks for easy identification. Walleye can both be found in rivers and lakes and prefer deeper waters as they grow older because of their dislike of sunlight. Although they don't put up strenuous fights when caught, their preference for dwelling at the bottom makes choosing the right bait all the more important.

Choosing the Right Bait for Catching Walleye
Whether you're using real or fake bait, just remember to choose one that resembles a walleye prey the most. Walleye have excellent eyesight so don't expect them to be fooled with poor bait choices.

Types of Live Bait for Catching Walleye

Lead Heads and Leeches - Fishing novices would do well by starting out with a lead head jig and leech combination. A lead head jig is more complex than using a plain hook. A leech is also the easiest bait because you can virtually prick it anywhere and still have it effectively serve its purpose. You can also use an artificial tail together with this baiting combination but it is truly unnecessary.

If you're using a lead head jig and leech, it will achieve the greatest number of catches when you cast it past a riffle edge and proceed downstream. For shallower waters, make sure you keep your bait directly vertical. Deeper waters and stronger currents can make it hard to keep your bait vertical so you'll have to use heavier bait in such instances.

Its better to have one other person with you when you're fishing from a boat. The person controlling your boat should be able to work with the current as it goes downstream and you focus on fishing for walleye.

Spinner Rigs and Minnows - Live minnows are arguably the most popular baits used for fishing walleye. Spinner rigs are definitely harder to prepare and use than jigs and though you can purchase ready-made ones from local fishing shops, you'll usually find something you've personally made more effective.

The best partner to a spinner-rigged minnow is a moderate to high-end fishing rod with above average speed of use. Let your bait stay approximately one foot away from the bottom. They don't work well in rifles.

Types of Artificial Bait for Catching Walleye

Lizards - Walleye are fooled by plastic lizards because they resemble the amphibians and mudpuppies they prey on. Of course, you'll have to jiggle them several times to cause the kind of vibration that walleye understand. The ideal size for lizards is four inches but you can go as far as seven inches if you feel that's what you need. As for the jig heads, use anything between one half to 5/8 ounces.

Colors matter as well. While experts advise fishing enthusiasts to purchase lizards in the shades of orange, green, and red, some prefer their artificial baits to resemble the traditional colors of purple and blue of basses.

Worms - Plastic and rubber worms have long been used as bait for bass but they don't enjoy the same level of popularity for those dedicated to catching walleye.

To use this type of bait effectively, start by dragging it on the top of reefs just so walleye in the vicinity have a better chance of seeing it. In shallow waters, just cast it out and then wait for it to drift to the bottom on its own. When it does, jerk your rod up once in a while to set out vibrations.

The good news for walleye fishing enthusiasts is that there's a company currently working on plastic worms specifically designed for baiting walleye. Not only do they greatly resemble the appearance and, even to some extent, the taste of live bait, they are also safe to use for the environment!

Shad - Shad take the appearance of minnows and automatically work to serve its purpose once you've cast it upon a river or lake. When shopping for shad, make sure you choose the color that will best resemble live minnows depending on the time of the day you're fishing.

Other types of artificial bait you can try using are tubes and grubs.