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Walleye Will be Where You Find Them
by Tom Wood
Next to the Golden Fleece, Bay of Quinte walleye are probably the most sought after treasure known to man.
From near and far come anglers -- both seasoned veterans and once a year tyro -- to search for Mr. Marble Eyes.
Names like Izumi, Schultz and Pyzer will share the water with Mr. & Mrs. John Q. Public or the kids from next door. And, like the Golden Fleece, Quinte walleye are within anyone's grasp . . . you just have to find them.
As it was with Jason and the Argonauts (that's the rowing club, folks, not the football team) you may encounter difficulty in locating your goal. Hence, I'm going to map out a few general guidelines to help you plan your search.
First and foremost, walleye have light sensitive eyes. This means they will seek out areas that reduce sunlight intensity. They will either go deep or they will move to the shaded side of shoals, humps, structure or weedlines.
Now, I don't want to give up any secrets so I won't tell you that Indian Bar or Anderson shoals are walleye producers. Nor will I mention that the pool below #1 Dam on the Trent, or the area surrounding the high railway bridge, are prime walleye waters.
Cloud cover or stained water will increase their activity and days with extensive cloud cover and a light rain are ideal.
Walleye in clear water lakes feed during low light periods making early morning, late afternoon and evening, even nighttime, the best time to fish. You will find them roaming the weed flats and saddles searching out their favourite food -- minnows.
Now, I don't want to give up any secrets so I won't tell you that Indian Bar or Anderson shoals are walleye producers. Nor will I mention that the pool below #1 Dam on the Trent, or the area surrounding the high railway bridge, are prime walleye waters.
Trent River walleye have their own set of rules. The water being stained will allow for daytime fishing, but the strength of the current will reduce the effectiveness of some lures. I have found that using a three-way swivel and about 12 inches of 2-4 lb. test drop line carrying a pinch-on sinker works best to get your lure or bait down. To the third branch of the swivel, I attach about 18 inches of 8 lb. test mono leader and my bait or lure (usually a 2-4 inch minnow).
This setup works great because if you do get hung-up you can pull the sinker off or snap the lighter drop line without loosing your lure or bait.
Some of you may want to make the run to Belleville and area. If so, it would be worth your time to check out Cow's Island and the humps that run from its western side toward the bridge.
These are just a few of the many places that you can go looking for your gold. If you're lucky enough to hook that fish of a lifetime during the derby, Bay Marine and the Trenton Kiwanis will see to it that you're handsomely rewarded.
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