Outdoors

Search the weeds for predatory walleye

While walleye became fair game in southern Ontario in early May, it usually takes a couple of weeks before the action really heats up.
At least in the open waters of lakes.
As the weather begins to warm up, as it has done over the past few weeks, so too does water temperatures and underwater aquatic growth.
It is in these areas where the foodchain comes alive with baitfish feeding on aquatic plankton.
Just as important, it is these same areas to which walleyes, once they have fulfilled their spring spawning ritual in fast-water areas, will gravitate in search of their daily meals, most noteably minnows or smaller panfish.
Considered by novice piscators to be a nuisance, areas playing host to aquatic weedgrowth are a walleye angler's best friend.
The key is knowing how to work these areas.
Paying attention to the inside or outside areas of submerged growth is the key. But don't neglect the middle of a weedbed, especially if there are openings in it as walleyes will act like stagecoach robbers waiting for some unsuspecting prey to pounce on.
For those who have the luxury of fishing from a high-performance vessel where you have a higher observation deck to stand on, locating these areas is easy, especially if the sun is out and water is relatively calm.
Another device which can assist you is a finely tuned graph recorder that can identify weedy areas and provide depth and water temperature.
While live bait such as minnows or worms will entice weed-inhabiting walleyes, a variety of artificial offerings can be just as effective.
Bucktail jigs, soft plastic grubs and even minnow-imitating crankbaits will do the trick. When purchasing these baits, be sure to have a variety of colours handy as certain ones tend to work better on certain bodies of water or in varying weather conditions.
You can also combine both by employing an inline spinner and live worm combination by casting or trolling a weedline area.
When using artificial offerings, vary your retrieve or action. As water warms up, walleyes can often be enticed by aggressive jigging techniques. On days when cold fronts are prevalent, it might require a more subtle jigging approach.
In fishing these areas, you might be wise to utilize heavier line such as monofilament over eight pounds. As well, a one-piece, six-foot medium to heavy action rod is what I like to use as it provides enough sensitivity for me when I feel a fish pick up my offering on the other end. As well, there's enough backbone in it for me to set the hook.
First-light and last-light hours are the most productive times to get fish.
But don't neglect the middle of the day, especially in these areas that provide some form of shelter for these delictable delights.

Tourney helps stock Fairy Lake

In most instances, the incentive for anglers to participate in live release tournaments is to win the event and pocket the money.
But in the case of the Aurora Bassmasters' annual pike tournament May 27 on Lake Simcoe, anglers are doing more than just wetting a line for cash and prestige.
They are assisting in conservation efforts, in particular enhancing urban fishing opportunities in York Region.
As part of an ongoing Ministry of Natural Resources Community Fisheries and Wildlife Improvement project, several of the pike caught during this event will be transferred to Fairy Lake and the upper reaches of the Holland River in Newmarket.
It is hoped they will become the top predator and play an important role in balancing the aquatic ecosystem of this urban fishery.
"This annual pike tournament and transfer is an excellent example of how our Ministry of Natural Resources and tournament groups can work together to benefit our fisheries," said Wil Wegman, conservation director for the Ontario B.A.S.S. Federation nation.
If all goes well, Wegman hopes 20 to 30 pike caught during the tournament will be transplanted into Fairy Lake.
Wegman was quick to note Lake Simcoe's northern pike fishery holds plenty of potential. At one time, he noted, northern pike could make their way to the upper reaches of the Holland River and Fairy Lake. But with the creation of dams and other obstructions, fish have a tough time making it to Newmarket.
As for the tournament itself, anyone with a boat and working livewell can take part.
This year's event will be run out of Pasadena Marina in Keswick.
The entry fee, payable beginning at 6 a.m. the day of the event, is $100 per two-angler team and includes a pot for biggest fish of the competition. 
Teams will enter their three heaviest pike that are a minimum of 14 inches.
For more tournament information, email Wegman at [email protected]