3 Great Walleye Lakes

Ontario is blessed to have countless bodies of water that harbour the most sought-after freshwater species, the walleye! Our American friends visit Northern Ontario each year in pursuit of these tasty golden bars for shore lunch or taking pictures of bragging-size walleye they caught on their cell phones. I have been blessed to be able to fish for walleye all across our beautiful wilderness province for both numbers of walleye and locations with trophy-sized walleye.

The following three Ontario locations are recommendations for a combination of both, "eaters" and trophies. 

1. Lac Seul, Sunset Country

First and foremost is Lac Seul in Northwest Ontario. An unbelievably incredible walleye fishery that stands head and shoulders over most others for sheer numbers and trophy-sized walleye caught by vacationing anglers each year. We have fished Lac Seul three times now, in spring, summer and fall and each time we have to shake our heads in disbelief. This place fishes like a dream, it feels that way.

Lac Seul is a large, crescent-shaped reservoir in Kenora District, Northwestern Ontario. It is approximately 241 km (150 mi) long.

It has a maximum depth of 47.2 m. It is the second largest body of water entirely within the province of Ontario (Lake Nipigon being first). The lake consists of open water bays, narrow channels, and islands.

It is a relatively shallow lake with many rock shoals.

2. Lake Nipissing, Northeastern Ontario

Next on our walleye hit list is Lake Nipissing, the big lake north of Toronto. It is located in Northeastern Ontario.

It has a surface area of 873.3 km2 (337.2 square miles) and is the third-largest lake entirely in Ontario. It is relatively shallow for a large lake, with an average depth of only 4.5 m (15 ft). The shallowness of the lake makes for many sandbars along the lake's irregular shoreline. The lake reaches a maximum depth of 64 m (210 ft) near the mouth of the French River, off the shore of Blueberry Island. Walleye are virtually everywhere on this lake.

The largest population centre on the lake's shoreline is the city of North Bay. North Bay sits along the lake's northeastern shoreline. Other notable towns include Callander (south of North Bay along Highway 11). The larger towns toward the western end of the lake are Sturgeon Falls, Garden Village, Cache Bay and Lavigne. This four-season walleye playground is very popular amongst local and travelling anglers and sustains the fishery by creel limits and slot size for ‘eaters.

We have fished Nipissing many times from the middle of February through the early spring into the scorching heat of summer to late fall and have never been disappointed in the numbers or size of walleye we have caught.

Vertical jigging with minnows or nightcrawlers is a very popular way to catch walleye here on the countless mid-lake reefs, shoals, rock bars and rocky flats.

3. Whitefish Lake, Algoma Country

Last, but certainly not least on our list is Whitefish Lake in the Algoma District of Northern Ontario near the town of Wawa. We have fished this system over the years and the sheer number of walleye at this location is staggering. Although we have yet to connect with multiple trophy walleye on one singular trip, we have had incredible days on this lake with non-stop walleye action, fish after fish for two to three straight hours at one time! The lake has so many classic walleye locations, you hardly ever see another boat when you’re slamming fish after fish.

The walleye on this lake also have many different colorations based on where you catch them, from dark black bellies and sides to bright yellow-gold tones with snow-white bellies and big round eyes.

From casting crankbaits to dragging worm harnesses or vertical jigging ball head jigs, you can do it all here.

Three world-class walleye locations you should seriously consider when you’re planning your next vacation in Northern Ontario.

Please remember to catch and release the bigger trophy walleye will ensure future generations can enjoy and experience the same adventures.

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