Walleye

Mike Unruh holding a late May spring French River Walleye.

Ontario Spring Fishing Guide: French River Walleye, Bass, Pike & Muskie

Fishing, Fishing French River, Fishing Tips, How To, Largemouth Bass, Muskie, Musky, Northern Pike, Pickerel, Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Tips & Tricks, Walleye /

As the ice recedes from Ontario’s legendary French River each April, a brief, electric window opens—spring fishing season. For over four decades, we’ve guided anglers through these prime weeks, when post-spawn Walleye prowl rocky narrows, aggressive Pike ambush shallow bays, and the first Muskie of the year emerge from the depths. Whether you’re targeting trophy […]

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Author Joe Barefoot, M.B. holding a French River in the early spring before being released.

Spawning Walleye: What You Should Know

Fishing, Fishing French River, Fishing Tips, Freshwater Fishing, Walleye /

What are the most interesting aspects of a Walleye? Some may imagine hooking into a trophy 20-pounder. Others may just think they taste delicious fried or on the grill. Sure, that’s Walleye, Canada’s favourite freshwater fish. However, have you considered their adaptability and what lends to their elusive and sometimes mysterious behaviour? Walleye spawn in

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Comparison Image between Northern Pike vs Walleye. Both fish were caught in the French River, Northern Ontario Canada

Pike vs Walleye: Which to Catch and Why?

Fishing, Fishing French River, Fishing Tips, Freshwater Fishing, Northern Pike, Pickerel, Pike, Walleye /

So, what are the differences between Pike and Walleye? Or how does Pike taste compared to Walleye? Having lived most of my life in a fishing camp in Northern Ontario these are some of the many common questions I’m asked by novice anglers. There are many differences between the two species from their appearance, hunting

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A young boy in cold weather clothing holding a French River Walleye.

Cold Water Walleye Fishing: Everything You Need to Know

Fishing, Fishing French River, Fishing Tips, Freshwater Fishing, Pickerel, Tips & Tricks, Walleye /

Imagine hooking a fish that can weigh up to 20 pounds, fight like a bull, and tastes like a delicacy. For many, this is the allure of cold water Walleye fishing, Ontario’s most coveted freshwater fish. However, catching Walleye in cold water is not as easy as it sounds. These fish are masters of adaptation

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French River Walleye caught near weeds during a rainy day.

Weed Out the Walleye: Strategies for Fishing in the Salad

Fishing, Fishing French River, Fishing Tips, How To, Pickerel, Tips & Tricks, Walleye /

“Weed Walleyes” is a term used to describe walleyes that are found in or around vegetation on lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. While walleye are known for their preference for deep water and rocky structures, they are also found in shallow weed beds (salad) throughout the season. Walleye Fishing in Weeds Most Walleye anglers using traditional

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Comparison image of differences between Bass and Walleye.

Walleye vs Bass: Which Fish is the Catch of the Day?

Fishing, Fishing French River, Fishing Tips, Freshwater Fishing, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Tips & Tricks, Walleye /

Walleye and Bass are two of the most popular freshwater fish in North America. Both are prized for their fighting ability, their delicious taste, and their abundance in many lakes and rivers.  But which one is better?  This question has sparked many debates among anglers. In this article, we will compare these two fish species.

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How to Catch Summer Walleye: A Guide to French River Fishing

Fishing, Fishing French River, Fishing Tips, Freshwater Fishing, How To, Pickerel, Walleye /

Summer is a time of love and many love to fish. In Northern Ontario, many anglers’ passion is the long warm days of Walleye fishing. For the French River, Walleye are active and move from their spring time patterns to deeper waters and current. Early Summer Walleye Locations? Early summer Walleye fishing is like Spring

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Understanding Walleye Rods, Reels & Lines

Fishing, Fishing French River, Fishing Tips, Freshwater Fishing, How To, Pickerel, Tips & Tricks, Walleye /

The most sought after gamefish in Ontario is the Walleye. Their meat tends to be sweet and savoury, while being simple to filet. Walleye are also known as Pickerel in Canada, they are the largest member of the Perch family. Catching Walleye can be challenging for beginners fishing throughout Ontario’s many watersheds. Yet, learning how

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How To Properly Hold & Release Fish

Fishing, Fishing French River, Fishing Tips, Freshwater Fishing, How To, Largemouth Bass, Muskie, Musky, Northern Pike, Pickerel, Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Tips & Tricks, Walleye /

Canada has held a long tradition of conservation. It first started with First Nations (Native Americans). Next, was the movement of university-trained foresters and industry leaders near the end of the 19th century. The work of “Canada’s first celebrity conservationist”, Jack Miner, led to the Canada-US Convention Protecting Migratory Birds. This paved the way for future conservationists

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Pike vs Pickerel: Differences You Should Know

Fishing, Fishing French River, Fishing Tips, Freshwater Fishing, Muskie, Musky, Northern Pike, Pickerel, Pike, Walleye /

What’s the difference between Pike and Pickerel? A seemingly simple question but one that can have confusing answers depending on where you are.    I grew up in a fishing camp in Northeastern Ontario, Canada and had great opportunities to meet many individuals from all across the US, Canada, UK, Australia and many other countries.

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