Once upon a time, the walleye of Illinois lived in

Once upon a time, the walleye of Illinois lived in relative peace, particularly because they weren't considered the prime target for amateur and professional anglers. But since they hit the spotlight, walleye have become one of the biggest stars in the world of recreational and game fishing. This is due in large part to the walleye hatcheries that have started operation in Illinois years ago. Thanks to these hatcheries, more and more anglers can enjoy fishing for the walleye and still leave enough of the fish for future anglers. Two of the important hatcheries include:

The Jake Wolf Memorial Fish Hatchery
Located in Topeka just a few miles from Manito, this is the largest fish hatchery in Illinois. The hatchery was named in honor of Jacob John Wolf, once the Deputy Director of Conservation.

Unlike other hatcheries, the Jake Wolf Memorial is capable of producing 16 fish species, thanks to its prime location. A huge aquifer with 10 wells sits near the hatchery, producing plenty of water with which to rear fish, including walleye. The hatchery is also capable of maintaining the ideal water temperature in order to raise both cold and warm water fish species.

Jake Wolf is capable of producing millions of fish to stock the lakes and waters of Illinois yearly. By paying your fishing license, you too, can help fund this hatchery and keep it running. The hatchery starts raising walleye in March of each year.

Visitors to the Jake Wolf Hatchery can view the stages of production from an upper deck. They can also drop by to see more than 200 fishing artifacts at the visitor center.

Little Grassy Fish Hatchery
Little Grassy Fish is located in Makanda's Hatchery Lane, several miles from Carbondale. Its name is derived from the lake where the water source used to raise walleye and other fish species come from. This hatchery began operation in 1959 and was renovated 20 years later to allow for increased production.

Although it is more known for producing warm water fish species like the bluegill, channel catfish and largemouth bass, Little Grassy Fish Hatchery also hatches walleye. It stocks Carlyle Lake with these species as fry. The hatchery produces some 15 million different fish species yearly.

Tours of the hatchery are offered all year and the facility itself is open everyday for 7 + hours, starting at 8 a.m. Spawning cubicles, incubators and rearing tanks are open for viewing by visitors during fish production season.

5 Fly-In Resorts That are Perfect For Walleye Fishing

Fly-in resorts are excellent choices if you're serious about having fun and catching your prize walleye. A little bit more expensive than the cost of gas, fishing license and packed lunch that your favorite fishing hole will cost you, but those who have experienced the remote cabin outposts and spectacular views swear by them. Below are some fly-in fishing resorts you might want to check out next time you feel a craving to catch some walleye.

Whitewater Lodge
Located in Ontario, Whitewater Lodge is a quaint, scenic fly-in resort that's perfect for walleye fishing. Guests who fly in will be welcomed and assisted by staff and lodge managers who are on call 24/7. Package rates include fully furnished cabin accommodations, radio and telephone service, 14- or 16-footer Lund boats and marked maps. Pick from a variety of cabin styles and layouts.

Strikers Point Lodge
Your destination is again, the Ogoki River, a watershed where you can expect to catch trophy-sized walleye. Strikers Point is located near the eastern point of White Water Lake, right smack in the middle of Wabakimi Provincial Park.

The package includes a fly-in, fly-out service, complete meals and amenities, including electricity and indoor plumbing. You also have access to a 16 footer 25 Hp, 4-stroke Lund. Whether you're coming in as a couple or a group of 24, Strikers Point can offer the right accommodations.

Mojikit Channel Lodge
Still in Ontario, the Mojikit Channel Lodge is in a perfect location between the Mojikit Lake and Ogoki Reservoir. Furnished cabins run on electric power and include indoor plumbing. You only pay for accommodations and boat use, so you'll need to pack your own food and fishing gear.

Bayview Lodge
The Bayview Lodge is located northwest of Ontario, 30 miles off Kenora and Lake of the Woods. This is a fishing and hunting lodge that is the right choice for self-sufficient anglers and their families.

The Bayview Lodge has access to the lakes and rivers of Winnipeg and some of the best and biggest walleye have been caught in these areas. Anglers will also have a great time fishing in their 45-mile long fishery. Package includes the use of boats.

Moose Crossing Outpost Cabin
If you prefer a remote location, Moose Crossing is a fine choice. Enjoy 42 miles of fishing reservoir where you can catch your more-than-average size walleye. This is the fly-in fishing resort you'll enjoy for giving you full access to a great fishing adventure, minus the crowd. The cabin only hosts up to 8 guests at a time, perfect if you prefer relative peace and quiet.

Fishing Outfitters in Canada

If you're on a fishing trip, it will be a lot easier with the help of fishing outfitters. These companies can offer assistance, guidance, advice and accommodations, allowing you the freedom to simply focus on your fishing and enjoy yourself. Here are some of the fishing outfitters you can get in touch with in Canada:

George Lake Camp Outfitting
This outfitter is located near La Ronge in Saskatchewan on George Lake. There are 4,000 acres of crystal clear George Lake waters to enjoy and plenty of fish to catch, including lake trout, whitefish and northern pike. If you prefer, you can also hire one of their local guides for a small fee. The outfitter rents out several 14 footer aluminum fishing boats so you can venture out on your own in search of fish.

The camp itself is in a beautiful location and can only be accessed using a float plane. The camp offers lakefront accommodations complete with sandy beaches. If you like a more secluded and private fishing getaway, this is the outfitter you should get in touch with.

Victoria Outfitters
This outfitter is found in Millertown, the area well-known for its wildlife. This company offers complete outfitting services involving all sorts of wildlife including local fish. It also offers wilderness tours and accommodations.

Thunderhook Fly In Fishing Camp
Thunderhook is also another outfitter that offers a fishing adventure in a secluded, more private area in northern Ontario. It is a location that is perfect for catching walleye, although it is also common to encounter other species of fish here.

Snowfari Adventures Ice Fishing
If you prefer ice fishing, Snowfari Adventures is an outfitter that offers plenty of adventure and convenience for its guests. Private bungalows can accommodate up to 10 guests per unit. It offers complete amenities, perfect for weekends or even prolonged stays.

Timberlane Cottage Resort
Timberlane is located next to Marian Lake. This outfitter offers guided Back Lake fishing. Some of its most common fish species include perch, bass, northern pike and walleye.

Midnorth Outpost Camps
Midnorth is a fishing outfitter in Chapleau, Ontario. Another location that can be accessed only by a float plane, Midnorth's lake cabins allow plenty of privacy. Fish species include pike, lake trout, white fish, bass, lunker northern pike and walleye. This outfitter can even arrange for you to fish from a private lake if your preferred fish species is unavailable at your current location.

To search for Canadian fishing outfitters near your area, check out sites like www.lodgescanada.ca, www.canadafishingguides.com and www.canadaoutfitters.com. Some of these sites may offer links to outfitter sites so you can check location, maps, fees and accommodation packages.

Pursuing the Big One: Fishing for Walleye in the Columbia

Pursuing the Big One: Fishing for Walleye in the Columbia River

The majority of anglers know that walleye are best in the Midwest and Eastern regions. However, walleye are gradually making the Western waters their home. These days, some of the best fishing reservoirs are found here, producing trophy-sized walleye and offering anglers endless fishing opportunities. This is because many of these locations are virtually undiscovered and therefore untouched by walleye fans. This makes Columbia River an excellent location to fish for walleye.

According to A. Steven Payne, who writes for a website dedicated to fishing, trophy-sized walleye fished from the Columbia River don't weigh in at just 10 or 12 lbs. Here in this river that snakes between Washington and Oregon, walleye frequently reach a good 15 lbs.

Walleye are also spread across from one shore to the next and will be excellent for beginner anglers or those who aren't looking for trophy fish. For the more competitive ones, guides can point to locations known for producing walleye you'll be proud to be seen in a photo with. Currently, the walleye record in Washington is over 18 lbs. In Oregon, it's at 19 lbs., 15 oz.

Incredibly enough, a few years back, walleye weren't measured and were largely ignored due to the popularity of other fish species such as the smallmouth and largemouth bass, steelhead, sturgeon and Chinook salmon. These days, however, that has begun to change.

Where to fish for walleye in the Columbia River
A great place to start both for beginner and experienced anglers is the area below the McNary Dam. This was where the biggest walleye in Washington was caught. Big walleye frequent this location.

Simply keep the dam to your left and start fishing on the water directly on your right side. If current is too strong, look for an area behind the dam where the current is milder. Walleye frequent the area above the shelves mid-river.

Another dam you can try is the John Day Dam, whether you're coming from Oregon or from Washington. Find the bridge just after Highway 97. This is where a nice population of walleye like to congregate. Do this in daytime if you're a beginner. If you're highly skilled and experienced, a nighttime fishing adventure in this area will yield great results.

Miller Island is also an excellent spot. The island splits the river in two. On the northern side, you will find a channel where walleye also come in large schools. Another great location is Boulder Alley, if you have the time and the patience. This area is rock-strewn and quite a challenge to work but big walleye are frequently found here.