Walleye

Habitat

Walleye prefer cool, deep water with rocky or sandy bottoms. They are most active in low-light conditions—dawn, dusk, and overcast days. Look for them near structure: points, drop-offs, submerged reefs, and weed edges. In summer, they often move to depths of 15-40 feet during the day.

Seasonal Patterns

Spring: Shallow bays and inlet areas post-spawn. Summer: Deep structure and main lake basins. Fall: Moving shallow following baitfish. Winter: Deep holes and main lake structure, excellent ice fishing.

Fishing Techniques

• Jigging: Vertical jigging with jigs tipped with minnows or soft plastics is the most effective technique
• Trolling: Crankbaits or crawler harnesses at 1.5-2.5 mph over structure
• Drifting: Live bait rigs drifted along weed lines and drop-offs
• Casting: Crankbaits and swimbaits around structure at dawn and dusk

Best Lures

• Jigs (1/4-3/8 oz) in white, chartreuse, or natural colors
• Rapala Husky Jerk and Flicker Shad crankbaits
• Paddle tail swimbaits (3-4 inch)
• Blade baits and jigging spoons for vertical presentations

Best Bait

• Live minnows (fathead minnows, chubs)
• Leeches (especially in summer)
• Nightcrawlers on spinner harnesses

Alberta Regulations

Default: 3 fish over 50 cm. Many lakes have Special Harvest Licence requirements. Season varies by waterbody but generally May 15 - March 31 in northern regions. Always check current Alberta Sportfishing Regulations for specific waterbody rules.

Identification

Olive-gold coloration with distinctive white tip on lower tail. Large, glassy eyes adapted for low light. Dark bars on sides. Sharp teeth.

Pro Tips

• Fish low-light periods for best success—walleye have excellent night vision
• Use fluorocarbon leaders; walleye can be line-shy in clear water
• Match jig weight to depth: 1/4 oz for 15-25 ft, 3/8 oz for 25-40 ft
• In summer, look for walleye suspended over deep basins tracking baitfish
• Slow down your presentation in cold water

Size Information

Average Size: 1-3 kg (2-6 lb), with fish over 5 kg considered trophies

Alberta Record: 17.23 kg (38 lb) from Lac La Biche (1990)