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Ontario’s favourite gamefish
Ontario Walleye Fishing
Golden fish, classic shore lunches and productive water across the province.
Ontario record: 22.25 lb
The Ontario water
Ontario record: 22.25 lb
No Ontario fishing trip feels complete without time spent chasing walleye. Known as pickerel in many Ontario communities, this fish is valued at the end of the line and at a traditional shore lunch. It remains one of the province's most popular gamefish.
Walleye live in lakes and rivers across Ontario and strike many baits and lures. They often hold near bottom around weeds, rock, points and reefs. A simple jig with a soft-plastic tail is hard to beat, and minnows, worms or leeches can add scent and movement.
Live-bait rigs work well along bottom, while cast or trolled crankbaits help cover water. Low light is often best because a walleye's light-sensitive eyes give it an advantage at dawn, dusk and on cloudy days.
FIELD NOTE
From open water to hard water
Walleye remain a favourite through the ice. Jigging spoons and live bait account for many winter fish. Set up near travel routes, cover water and pay close attention during the short feeding windows around dawn and dusk. Always check ice conditions and current Ontario fishing rules.
Watch Ontario fishing
Two videos. One next-trip idea.
Dave Mercer: Heavy-Cover Bass
Techniques for fishing weeds and thick largemouth cover.
Quick answers
Ontario fishing FAQ
What is the best lure for Ontario walleye?
A jig and soft-plastic tail is a simple starting point. Live bait, spoons and crankbaits also work well.
When is the best time to catch walleye?
Dawn, dusk and overcast periods are often productive, though depth, season and water clarity all matter.
Keep planning
Related Ontario fishing pages
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Ontario Smallmouth BassTarget hard-fighting Ontario smallmouth bass on rocky points, reefs and boulder shorelines with jigs, tubes, crankbaits and topwaters.
Ontario Lake TroutCatch Ontario lake trout by deep trolling, vertical jigging, spring casting and winter ice fishing in cold, clear lakes.