Three Ontario walleye waters

Opportunities to catch walleye are bountiful in Ontario. The following three destinations offer a mix of experiences, ranging from two drive-to locations where you can either bring your own boat or charter a guide for a chance at a trophy, to a fly-in or drive-to northern wilderness location where 100-fish days are possible. Bay of Quinte A massive spawning area for Lake Ontario walleye, Bay of Quinte offers incredible fishing in the fall. The bite begins mid- to late October, and runs into December/ice up. Open-water action picks up again in May. Trolling deep-running crankbaits like Rapala Husky Jerks and Berkley Flicker Minnows behind planer boards is a tried-and-true strategy for fall trophy walleye in Adolphus Reach, Hay Bay, and Picton Bay. In spring, jig plastics or troll minnowbaits or spinner rigs around river mouths, emerging vegetation, flats, and points around the Trenton and Belleville areas. Getting there: Picton Harbour is about 2.5 hours’ drive from Toronto or 1 hour from Kingston. Where to stay:www.pictonharbourinn.comRooms start at $139 during the late fall season. Dock rentals are available if bringing a boat. Where to eat: Lighthouse Restaurant onsite and others are within walking distance. Other species: Pike, smallmouth, and largemouth bass, freshwater drum, panfish Guides:www.bayofquintecharters.comwww.fishing4tails.com Lake St. Joseph Huge Lake St. Joseph is an outstanding walleye destination with stunning northern scenery. Anglers will have no issues catching their fill along the many points, islands, and flats. In summer, Jonathon Grace, Old Post Lodge managing director, advises concentrating efforts on humps and structures of the main lake basin. Keep things simple for bait. Think jigs and plastics, soft-body swimbaits, and live-bait rigs. “About 95% of the walleye caught on Lake St. Joseph come on a jig and twister tail tipped with a minnow,” Grace said. Note, Lake St. Joseph has a single, barbless hook regulation to protect the incredible walleye and pike fisheries. Where to stay:www.oldpost.com Getting there: Old Post offers a charter flight from Goderich airport. Or, drive 500 km from Thunder Bay to the Lodge’s landing at the east end of the lake, and boat-in via the outfitter’s custom barge. Accommodations: Fully equipped, full-service cabins as well as suites. Guides and meal plans: Yes to both. Boats: 18.5-foot Kingfisher Warrior with 50-hp motors. Cost: Direct-flight package $3,995 per person, drive-in $2,000, for five nights at camp and four days of fishing. Other and custom packages available. Other species: Trophy pike