Fishing for pickerel, also known as walleye, is a beloved pastime for Canadian anglers. Known for their elusive nature and exceptional taste, pickerel are a prized catch in lakes and rivers across Canada. But as each season brings changes to the water temperature, daylight, and fish behavior, anglers must adjust their strategies accordingly.
This guide dives into expert tips, seasonal insights, and practical tactics to help fishing enthusiasts reel in pickerel year-round in Canadian waters.
Why Pickerel Are Such a Popular Target
Pickerel fishing isn’t just about the thrill of the chase; it’s an art that rewards patience and skill. These fish are highly sought-after due to their flavorful meat, making them a staple in classic Canadian dishes like fried pickerel or walleye chowder.
Beyond their culinary appeal, pickerel’s elusive habits make them a challenging yet satisfying catch. Whether you’re jigging on a crisp autumn afternoon or trolling during a summer sunrise, each bite feels like a hard-won victory.
But success isn’t just about tossing your line into the water. Understanding how pickerel behavior changes with the seasons is key to mastering your angling skills.
Spring Fishing Tips for Pickerel
Why Spring is Special
Spring is a productive season for pickerel fishing. During this spawning period, pickerel become more active and are found in shallow water, making them easier to locate and target. However, spring fishing comes with its challenges—such as fluctuating water temperatures and temporary no-fishing zones to protect spawning fish.
Best Locations in Spring
- Shallow Bays and Tributaries: Pickerel often spawn in warmer, shallow waters with a rocky or sandy bottom. Look for bays, river mouths, and inlets where they’re likely to gather.
- Weed Lines and Fallen Trees: These areas provide shelter and food for pickerel post-spawning.
Ideal Techniques
- Jigging: Use a 1/4-ounce jig tipped with live bait such as minnows or soft plastic grubs. Experiment with bright colors like chartreuse to grab attention in murkier spring waters.
- Slow Trolling: Getting just the right speed (usually around 1.0-1.5 mph) can help you cover more ground and attract bites.
Pro Tip: Keep your presentation low and slow! Coldwater fish are less aggressive in spring, so subtle, natural motions work best.
Mastering Summer Pickerel Fishing
Understanding Summer Behavior
As water temperatures rise during the summer, pickerel move to cooler, deeper waters. Since oxygen levels deplete in some areas, they can often be found near underwater structures where temperatures and oxygen levels are consistent.
Where to Find Pickerel in Summer
- Deep Mid-Lake Structures: Target submerged rock piles, drop-offs, and ridges where pickerel patrol for food.
- Weedy Flats at Dawn or Dusk: While they head deep during the day, pickerel return to shallow weedy zones to feed during low light periods.
Go-to Summer Techniques
- Trolling with Bottom Bouncers: Attach spinner rigs with leeches or nightcrawlers to a bottom bouncer. This technique is effective at maintaining contact with the lakebed in deeper zones.
- Slip Bobbers for Finer Control: Use this rig when you want to suspend baiting at precise depths.
Pro Tip: Time of day is critical in summer. Focus your efforts early in the morning or later in the evening to take advantage of their feeding windows.
Fall Strategies for Catching Pickerel
The Fall Feeding Frenzy
Autumn is a golden opportunity for anglers, as pickerel enter a feeding frenzy to bulk up before winter. They move to moderate depths and are more aggressive, biting at a wider range of lures and bait.
Where to Find Pickerel
- Rocky Points and Reefs: Pickerel migrate towards transitional structures that allow them to quickly adjust to changing water temperatures.
- Mouths of Rivers: Cooler water flows draw in baitfish—and by extension, pickerel—toward river mouths during this season.
Effective Fall Techniques
- Crankbait Casting: Medium-diving crankbaits in perch or gold patterns mimic natural prey and can trigger aggressive strikes.
- Vertical Jigging with Spoons: Shiny spoons work wonders in clear autumn waters, mimicking fluttering baitfish.
Pro Tip: Fall is the perfect time to use larger bait since pickerel are actively feeding and looking for calorie-dense meals.
Ice Fishing for Pickerel in Winter
Winter on the Hardwater
Once winter takes hold and Canadian lakes freeze solid, pickerel fishing doesn’t have to come to an end. Ice fishing for pickerel is an engaging activity, offering plenty of excitement during the cold months. The challenge lies in their slower metabolism, which makes pinpointing their feeding zones even more critical.
Picking the Right Spot
- Dropoffs Near Shallow Flats: Pickerel love staging along dropoffs during winter, where they can move quickly between shallow flats to feed and deeper areas for safety.
- Over Weed Beds: If vegetation survives the freeze, pickerel may hunt small prey hiding in the weeds.
Ice Fishing Techniques
- Tip-Ups with Live Minnows: Rigging a live minnow under a tip-up in key depths is one of the most effective and low-maintenance ice-fishing tactics.
- Jigging Rapalas or Spoons: Choose weighted jigs for better control in icy waters. Use slow, rhythmic movements to entice the sluggish winter pickerel.
Pro Tip: Dress in layers! Canadian winters are no joke. Invest in a portable ice shelter to protect yourself from the elements and keep you angling for longer.
General Pickerel Fishing Tips for Success
Regardless of the season, incorporating these general guidelines will increase your odds of success while fishing for pickerel in Canadian waters.
- Use Electronics: A fish finder can help pinpoint underwater structures where pickerel are most likely to lurk.
- Sharpen Your Hooks: Even the best presentations can fail with dull hooks. Always inspect and sharpen them before heading out.
- Know Local Regulations: Ensure you’re compliant with fishing limits, seasonal closures, and licensing rules in your province or territory.
Final Thoughts
Pickerel fishing in Canada offers year-round opportunities for anglers to test their skills and connect with nature. By tailoring your techniques to match the season, you’ll be better equipped to succeed in landing this elusive and rewarding fish.
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Tight lines and happy fishing!