Massassauga provincial park, Walleye insight

[Winterfisher]

Hey all,

Heading to Massassauga provincial park in a couple weeks for the wife and I's 10 year anniversary. Spending 3 days. The sites we chose are on the south end. Fishing from canoe.

As a self proclaimed walleye snob, does anyone have any insight on what walleye techniques work best in this area. Are they "look for weed beds and worm harness the edges" walleye. Or "look for Shoals and rock piles and crank bait over" walleye. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Winterfisher

[MarkDv]

Been there numerous times. Bass, pike, never got a single walleye, no matter what I did: casting or trolling, fishing secluded bays or more open water. Don’t know what I’m doing wrong.
Theoretically, there should be walleye as it is known to be spawning in the Moon river. Not for me however.
‘South end’ seems to be a very broad term for this huge park. Perhaps, it is more important where you are going to fish - more East, in more stained water or more West, closer to open and more clear water.
Will be very curious if you get any.
Good luck!

[Winterfisher]

Thanks, ill see if I can get the campsite numbers from my wife.
Not what I was wanting to hear about the walleye. I know it is known as more of a pike spot. Ill see what i can do. Ill post if I get any walleye.

Winterfisher

[MarkDv]

Even though I have been hooked by fishing for a long time and quite heavily I do not consider myself any close to being a skillful angler. My experience may not be counted seriously.
Try your best.

[Winterfisher]

Sites 307 and 324, if that helps for location

[MarkDv]

Oh, yea, I’ve been around these sites, in Moon Bay, many times. I’m really curious if you will get any walleye or anything else besides bass and pike in there.
Campsite 307 is more East close to Captain Allan Strait from which you can go to Woods bay where Moon river flows. I’ve never been there.
Theoretically, you'd have a better chance of finding walleye there, but I would imagine there's also a lot more boat traffic and fishing pressure.

[Winterfisher]

Awesome, thanks again for the insight. Will post my triumph or failure in a few weeks

[connor1219]

Best of luck! Been there a handful of times myself and have never had luck with walleye's, maybe you can give us some hope though

[huntfishontario]

Have caught 2 walleye total in many trips, both being caught casting spoons over deep weeds for pike. They're around, but I've never had much luck targeting them either.

[Winterfisher]

Sorry, one more question. Should I bother bringing my lake trout gear? I frequent algonquin and do well there for Lakers and wonder if there is a population worth targeting in massasauga? Leaving next Tuesday

Thanks,

Winterfisher

[MarkDv]

In my opinion there is definitely no lake trout in the Moon bay or further East.
However, on a calm day you could try an adventure to adjacent open water. Quite a long paddling from the Moon bay but doable, I think. Lake trout being caught there in previous years. At the depth 80+ft.

[Winterfisher]

Hey all,

Just came back from my trip. Tues and Wednesday were hot as heck, but was able to go out for a few fishing sessions between swims. Thursday a storm rolled in and tried to go fishing, but the wind was just insane. Friday went for a morning fish and headed back home.

Ended up with 22 walleye, about the same amount of pike, ungodly amount of smallies and one channel cat. Most eyes were 14-17", biggest being just under 20". Biggest pike was around 32". A few around 3 lb bass, but most were around d 1 lb. Channel cat was around 7-8 lbs.

Walleye were caught in 3 different spots, all identical structure. Underwater humps around 5-6 ft deep, surrounded by weeds and deeper water beyond the weeds. All methods worked. Trolling cranks, jigging plastic swim baits and casting worm harness.

All in all a good trip. Not as 'backcountry' as I thought it would be with all the boats and cottages, but still a great place. I think next time ill just bring the tinny. Its just so much easier to fish from and scout spots.

Winterfisher

[Winterfisher]

One of the better ones, around 18"

[Winterfisher]

Couple smaller ones for dinner

[MarkDv]

Amazing! Congrats on the nice trip and great fishing!
Yes it is not really a backcountry area but still very nice with huge amounts of water and beautiful scenery. And a small boat with a small boat is way more convenient than a canoe even though not so traditional.

As for the walleye I have never seen there and you got 22… I always knew I was a bad fisherman. But I didn't think it was that bad.
Glad for you and laughing at myself!