The St Lawrence River Walleye

The river provides great walleye fishing all four seasons. During the spring walleye are usually found at the mouths of tributaries, and in shallow water where water temptures are on the rise. Walleye are usually aggressive after the spawn. Trolling with a worm harness and plug works well, as does jig casting.

As the water continues to warm the walleye heads out and heads deep. Its not unusual to find walleye in 50-80 feet of water. They love structure, so they may be found along weed lines, points, shoals, reefs, and along the edge of the current.

As fall approaches and temperatures decline, the walleye once more takes aggressive nature, and head back to their shallow water habitats. They now feed aggressively, preparing for winter.

Winter offers the chance for the "hard water" fisherman to ply his skill. Look for walleye at the 10-15 foot level at first ice, 20-40 feet at mid-winter, and again 10-15 feet in late winter. Jigging lures, or plain jig heads tipped with, a minnow usually do the trick. no matter what reason it is, the St Lawrence River offers some outstanding fishing with 5-10 pound walleye not being uncommon.

Walleye fishing is more localized than Northern Pike fishing along the river in May, walleye hot spots are generally where major tributaries enter the St Lawrence River. The mouths of the Oswegatchie and Grasse Rivers, below the Saunders Power Dam at Massena and off shoals and points are all good bets. Worms on spinners or jugs are the most popular lures.

In Summer and early fall, walleye fishing changes somewhat. At this time points and shoals along the river provided only limited action while the areas below the Moses Saunders Power Dam and around Charleton Island become the hot spots. Fish with minnows or jugs (especially black) and a worm.