Species Strategy

Walleye
Tactics & Haunts

Unlock the secrets of the Golden Ghost. Ottawa's deep river channels and structural shelves offer world-class Walleye opportunities for the technical angler.

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Jigging Mastery

Anglers will find that jigging is an excellent technique for Ottawa walleye. Precision vertical presentation is key in the river's moving current.

Hardware Loadout

Spinning gear, with 6 to 8-pound-test mono or braid equivalent, should do the trick for maximum sensitivity and control.

Lure Selection & Colors

Bucktail jigs, standard twistertails, and tubes are excellent choices. Recommended hues include chartreuse, pink, white, black and perch.

Pro Tip: Tip jigs with minnows or crawlers for added bites, and rig plastics weedless when fishing around heavy vegetation.

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Trolling & Casting

When walleye are scattered across expansive shelves or following baitfish schools, covering water with hard baits is the superior tactic.

Slender-Style Baits

Crankbaits work exceptionally well, with the nod given to slender-style baits in the 3.5 to 5-inch length range.

The Color Palette

Cast or troll these lures around likely walleye haunts. Stick with silver, shad, perch and chartreuse colours for the best results in the Ottawa area.

"The 'Ottawa Gold' comes from finding the current seams. If you aren't bouncing your jig off the bottom structure, you aren't in the strike zone."

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