Quinte Fishing

Here's a quick video of a 16lb (32" length/ 20" girth) walleye caught at night. It's nice to see big walleye being caught in other places too. I think it's on the Columbia River.

Here's the link to Getting hooked with Aaron and Barry. There is a video on there from the Bay. Episode 11.
It's a big file so it may take a bit to d/l.

I have only fished the lower Columbia for sturgeon, and was actually scheduled to fish for walleye by Castlegar BC, but alas I was just too busy with a hectic fall travel schedule. I hope to complete this objective during the upcoming year, but alas......... This video had me kicking myself and hoping I get the chance to fish it, when I pass through in late March (it should be a legal opening in BC).

From what I observed of photo's from the upper Columbia (small walleye holding section in Canada, because of a dam) it appears like they are somewhat smaller with 3-9 pd. specimens observed. I would suggest that the lower reaches have a higher nutrient and stronger forage base.

I noted on the video that the gentleman acting as the host had what sounded like an accent I seem to hear from folks from the WA,OR states. I also noted the hook configuration, which would not be allowed in BC, in a river. It was good to see some familiar patterns but I would have liked more location details, to assist with my own meagre efforts.

I thank-you very much for posting this. I thoroughly enjoy learning about select species from major fisheries across North America, with this one being held in high regard by me at least, as a trophy location of unique regional appeal. The Canadian side sees next to no serious effort at targetting walleye, given that they are in trout country with trout and nearby salmon or sturgeon having the majority of interest by locals.

Looking forward to fishing at home this Christmas
Donald Stokes

Don,

You're right...the fish was caught in Washington state. I found the link on walleyecentral.
Here is a link to some of the other big fish he's caught. Looks like a very similar fishery as Quinte and most definitely worth your while to give it a shot. Especially since it's much closer to you than Quinte most of the year.

I have put this on my 2008....."to fish" list....lol. Hopefully there will be some surprise lurking in the Castlegar section, as I just cannot see a walleye getting that big in the Canadian part. Further upstream in most watersheds in the mountains, the water generally lacks fertility (great for drinking but it makes for some slower growing fish). The sections I have seen most large walleye from in photos all have far more....everything, for a nice young walleye to beef up on.

My target will be the end of March since I know I will be working in that area during that time for a few days. I might have to see about getting some jigs tied up or perhaps find some chartruece swimming plugs, baits that have a single hook as opposed to trebles, given the regulations here. It will be tough in finding an appropriate companion to accompany me for this trip as most of the locals are hardwired into trout fishing and simply have no background in targetting walleye. That said....I am hopeful it will be easy pickings, with an underfished resource.

Only about a week to go, before I am hopefully icefishing Quinte...... life is good to be heading home. Merry Christmas.

Regards
Donald Stokes