Canada Walleye Fishing – Gettin’ “Jiggy” With it!

There are a lot of techniques when it comes to Canada walleye fishing. The most popular (because of its success rate) continues to be “jigging”. The jig is the most straight forward item in your tackle box. It is simply a hook attached to a lead head.

Whether experienced at angling or brand new to it - you will find jigs work very well when Canada walleye fishing! No matter what kind of water you are fishing (shallow, deep, clear or murky) make sure you have the hooks in your tackle box.

Jigs are inexpensive additions to your arsenal so don’t be shy when in the bait shop. It is recommended to have a good supply of jigs in your tackle box before you go on Canada walleye fishing trip. The reason is the fish tend to be on the bottom. This means that there is a good chance you may snag and lose your hook on the lake structure below.

Outfitters will usually sell tackle, but it is often more expensive than what you can get back at home. But if you need to “top up” on the hot jig of the day, don’t hesitate to do it while there.

Also, feel free to add a rubber tail to enhance the presentation. They too are inexpensive and can be the difference between a good day and a bad one.

Check out our jigging best practice page for things to remember while Canada walleye fishing.

Look how the walleye tend to stay at the bottom. Also look at the potential for losing your jig on the rocks below! This is an example of a typical "walleye environment". It is dimly lit - perfect conditions for this predator. It is extremely important to get your hook near or at the bottom. If you don't, you will not have much success.

Upon arrival to your fishing outpost make sure you talk to the owner of the camp. Outfitters want you to come back again next year. Translation: They want you to catch fish. They will tell you the successful color combinations and jig sizes that have been working.

When jigging, many anglers prefer chartreuse or chartreuse/orange heads most of the time. These are the colors most visible to the cones in the walleye's eye. Green and “glow in the dark” colors are also very popular options that continue to work well.

To provide some extra action, try briefly shaking the jig-and-bait combo in place, then hold for a few seconds. Make sure you get the jig right to the bottom – even bouncing it off the bottom at times. You’ll know your right down there if the line goes limp for a split second. Walleye have been known to pick the bait right off the bottom of the lake from time to time. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your presentation until you find what is working.

The best baits to use while Canada walleye fishing include minnows, night crawlers, leeches, and even beef heart. Amazingly, you can have lakes or rivers that are very close together but require different bait. For example, we have had a lot of success fishing walleye on Lac la Ronge in northern Saskatchewan with beef heart. But only marginal success using beef heart on the Churchill River, just minutes away. The walleye on the Churchill seem to prefer frozen minnows, so that is what we use there! Again, know the lake or river you are on, and talk to your outfitter about what will give you the best chance for success. They will all most likely work to some degree, but be aware one type of bait will most likely out perform another.

Depending on the mood of fish during your Canada walleye fishing adventure, you may have to experiment. Fortunately, there are several techniques to try.

One successful technique used while Canada walleye fishing is a 6-12 inch raise with a slow drop. Make a quick raise of your rod tip and then slowly lower the rod tip. Sometimes a 3 inch raise is all that is needed. Lower the jig as slow as possible. You probably can't lower it "too slow" while using this method - so keep it cool. Fish can strike aggressively with this method. They can also "sneak" onto your hook. If you see your line go slack or rod tip raise up you had better set the hook.

Another simple method is to simply wiggle the bait 3 to 6 inches off the bottom. This simulates the flutter of a water bug.

The Rip Method is an effective technique that is used a lot while Canada walleye fishing. Take your rod and rip it up 3-12 inches letting it fall back down quickly. This can work well calling fish into the area to take a look but you may have to incorporate a slower method once the fish arrive.

Another effective means of attracting fish is to simply bounce your bait off of the bottom. Raise it a few inches and then do it again. If the fish are aggressive, they will strike while your jig is in the passive position.

Remember to try mix up your techniques. You are imitating injured prey. The right combination of color, bait and presentation can lead to a dynamite day Canada walleye fishing .