Ladies Walleye Weekend

What happens when you get nine women together in the frigid late November temperatures to chase big walleye?
arae_walleye_niki_lori_nicole.jpg

*Originally published on December 31, 2017

This 3-day fishing adventure that took place on the Bay of Quinte turned out to be one of the most memorable weekends of my life!

Last year, I organized a women’s walleye weekend for the first time. Due to its success, “Ladies Walleye Weekend 2017” was planned over the summer, and the eight available spots (with me as the 9th person) filled up quickly. I shared details of the trip through my social media pages and blog. There were returning anglers from last year and others I had never met. One gal travelled all the way from Texas to partake in this adventure!

Seven of the women, along with me arrived on a Thursday evening at an accommodation I had booked in Picton, just minutes away from the Picton Harbour boat launch. The eighth woman joined us on Friday night instead, as she was only able to fish Saturday and Sunday. All the ladies were in great spirits and knew that this body of water can be a tough one, but also of the potential for some true trophy walleye. I hoped all anglers would get into a walleye, at the very least, and also that they would all have a chance to experience some of the large walleye this body of water is known for. These trophy walleye are Lake Ontario grown, migrating into the Bay during late summer/early fall where they will spend the colder months feeding in preparation for spring spawning. It’s a special location that I still call home even though I now live in Ottawa. I spend the majority of my fall fishing time on the Bay as I just can’t get enough of the gorgeous walleye.

Within minutes of arriving at the house, we were all chatting, laughing, and sharing stories. It’s amazing how quickly like-minded people are able to connect. In just a couple of hours, it felt as if we had all known each other for years.

woman angler casting

Just like last year, two outstanding guides were on board to get this group of ladies out on the water for three days. Greg Amiel of Fishing 4 Tails and Joe Pickstock of PB&J Charters are two of the best guides in the area, creating a great learning opportunity for the group. Trolling is the preferred fishing style on this body of water in the fall, as it is a great way to cover water. Walleye are roaming, travelling along contour lines, and following bait around. For many of the women, it was the first time experiencing anything like this, and they were all eager to learn, get involved, and ask questions.

women anglers holding 2 walleye

I spent time on both boats and with each group of anglers. When the ladies weren’t reeling in fish, we told stories, danced to keep warm, and laughed so much our tummies hurt and tears streamed down our faces. I feel so fortunate that these women all jumped at this opportunity, and it seems they were all rewarded for their efforts. Each angler landed not only a walleye but several! And some real trophies too. Janet caught the largest fish of the trip, weighing 13 pounds and 4 ounces. I’ll never forget just how grateful she was to land such a stunning walleye, and I’m so glad I was there to witness the moment. On the last day, Lori tied for the biggest of the trip with another 13-pound, 4-ounce fish. What were the chances of that?! I was thankful to be there for both catches, one landed on Joe’s boat and the other on Greg's. Amongst these two giants, there was also a 12-pounder, and a 10-pounder caught with several in the 7-, 8-, and 9-pound range and some smaller fish too. I lost count of how many fish were landed and how many personal bests were crushed. In addition to landing walleye (which was a first for a couple of the ladies), a 16-pound freshwater drum was caught along with a nice northern pike and some white bass, too.

woman angler holding angler

There’s no doubt that the impressive fish sure helped make this adventure so incredible, but it was the company that I’ll never forget. Each of these women joined from different directions and backgrounds with a common love for fishing, making for such a special experience. I look forward to sharing the water with each of them again (and again). Of course, it simply wouldn’t have been possible without both Joe and Greg, who were willing to put up with our wild enthusiasm and frequent laughter. Thank you to all the women who took part in making it such a memorable weekend: Jenn, Lori, Niki, Paula, Nicole, Janet, Alicia, and Heather. I cannot wait until next year!

(All photo credits: Ashley Rae)
About Ashley Rae

Ashley Rae is a year-round multi-species angler residing in Ottawa, Ontario. She is a full-time fishing writer and content creator. Ashley is passionate about chasing anything with fins from her boat, kayak, from shore, or on the ice

Recommended Articles

Long Nose Gar

A Fish for the Bucket List

5 Places to Shore Fish

Fish’n Canada shows you where to go shore fishing in Ontario.

Top 5 Baits for Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass

What baits do you use to target bass? Find out why these 5 are the best!

Don’t Be Afraid Of Muskies

Muskies are fish of 10,000 casts and are found in large bodies of water in Northwestern Ontario.

Stalking Prehistoric Long Nose Gar

Fishing a unique fish species in Ontario.

Land a Lake Nipigon World Class Trophy Brook Trout

World class trophy brook trout in Ontario.

Pike Aplenty

How to select the right spot to catch pike in late fall fishing in Ontario.

Bass Fishing at Agnew Lake Lodge

This family-owned lodge is the perfect base for excellent angling adventures in Northeastern Ontario.

The Tigers of Sunset Country

The most picturesque of all freshwater fish.

10 Facts About Lake of the Woods

10 facts amazing about this massive Northwest Ontario Lake!

Eating Northern Pike

The Best Recipe to Cook This Fish

The Lake With Giant Bass

Lake Lauzon has tons of bass to satisfy any dedicated bass angler.

Catching Ontario Walleye

Pro Tips for Bait and Walley Presentations

Worm Your Way In

Try this go-to bait for bass on your next Northern Ontario angling adventure

Guided Fishing on Lake St. Clair

Captain Jim remembers over 600 muskies in a 3 month period.

Casting for Coasters

Fishing for Brook Trout at Bowman Island Lodge

Fishing and Foraging

Add some fresh foods and forage to your fishing adventures!

St. Francis Titans

Fishing the Original Muskie Capital of the World

5 Keys To Canadian Muskies

The fish of 10,000 casts; an elusive predator fish with legend and lore.

Top Flies for Northern Pike

Try These Go-to Flies and Tips on Your Next Trip