Can’t Find Walleye Near Major Cities?

The Surprising Spot That Saved My Trip

Fishing Guide
iFishCanada
6 min readAug 2, 2024

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It was a crisp autumn morning when Robert and I set our sights on Thunder Bay, a town nestled between lush forests and the sparkling waters of Lake Superior.

Photo by Zab Consulting on Unsplash

With leaves painted in shades of gold and crimson, we couldn’t wait to immerse ourselves in the wilderness that this area promised.

Having spent decades hiking trails and bird-watching across Canada, visiting scenic locations had become our cherished retirement hobby.

The highlight of this trip was supposed to be a sightseeing flight over the vast landscapes, giving us a chance to see the sprawling beauty from the skies.

An Unexpected Challenge

However, as the weekend approached, we heard whispers about a delay with the aerial tours due to unforeseen circumstances.

Feeling disheartened, both of us were eager for an experience in the wild, especially since we had flown from Montreal to catch this specific flight.

There was only one thing on our minds — the elusive walleye fish and the thrilling tales of local fishermen boasting about their catches.

But then I realized we were far from any major water source.

My heart sank a little, as I muttered to Robert halfheartedly,

“Guess we won’t be catching any walleye near major cities.” He chuckled, brushing it off, seemingly unfazed about our plan going awry.

The Search Begins

After a leisurely breakfast at our quaint bed-and-breakfast, we decided to seek out a lesser-known spot on the outskirts of town that our host raved about.

Photo by Zac Gudakov on Unsplash

Armed with a map and the faint hope that our fishing dreams would pan out, we ventured toward a hidden lake rumored to be stocked with walleye.

Along the way, the vibrant scenery captivated our senses.

Sunlight danced on the water’s surface, and we found ourselves enthralled by flocks of migrating birds that took flight in graceful arcs above us.

My heart fluttered — this was why we came here. Yet the thought of missing the walleye weighed on my mind.

A Comedy of Errors

As we reached the lake, a rickety old dock greeted us, creaking softly in the wind.

Photo by E. Vitka on Unsplash

The moment Robert set foot on it, he quickly turned to me with a significant look. “Margaret,” he exclaimed, “I think I’ve forgotten the fishing rods!”

What followed was laughter, as we both realized how prepared we had been for the scenic flight, but how we neglected the fishing gear.

“Why didn’t you remind me?” he jokingly accused. “You’re the one who wanted to catch dinner!”

A Gleam of Hope

Just as I began to fret that our trip would be a complete bust, I noticed a fellow angler nearby, an older gentleman named Charlie, casting his line with a practiced grace.

His bucket rested beside him, glimmering with potential treasures inside — oh, walleye, perhaps? I gathered my courage and approached him.

“Excuse me!” I stated brightly. “Could you tell us if there’s any chance of catching walleye here?” Charlie gave me a toothy grin, his excitement palpable.

He gestured to where his line had just dipped under the water’s surface, responding,

“You’re in luck, folks! You should’ve been here an hour ago; I’ve already pulled in a few! It’s practically a walleye hotspot.”

The Turning Point

My heart raced with excitement.

This was our chance! Enthralled by the idea of a successful afternoon fishing, I asked Charlie, “What’s your secret?! Are they particularly attracted to a certain bait?”

With a twinkle in his eye, he replied, “Walleye love using nightcrawlers — just bring them out of the fridge and into the water! But you’ll have to act quickly; the best time is just before dusk.”

Robert nodded eagerly, looking more alive than I’d seen him during the whole trip.

I realized we needed to make a quick stop at the local bait shop. With our spirits high, we raced off, dreams of walleye dancing in our heads.

A Frightening Twist

But as we sped toward town, a strange sound began to echo from the car’s underbelly.

Is that a rattle?

Robert tried to shake it off, saying it was just road noise.

He glanced my way and said with a playful smile, “Don’t tell me you’re scared? It’s just a tug on the wild side!”

Before I could respond, suddenly — SMACK! — the car jolted violently, sending us careening off-road with a frightening screech.

As we came to a halt, breathless, we exchanged nervous glances.

Our adventure had taken a dramatic turn, and there we sat, surrounded by trees that seemed to close in on us.

What awaited us just beyond those trees?

Would this be the end of our fishing dreams, or perhaps a comical misunderstanding that would take our adventure to a whole new level?

My heart raced, and I couldn’t help but wonder — was this trip destined for disaster or an unexpected twist?

To be continued…

Teaser for the Thrilling Conclusion

As the autumn sun began to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows within the thick embrace of the trees, Margaret and Robert sat at the edge of uncertainty.

With their car stranded off-road and the tantalizing prospect of walleye slipping away, the couple must confront the wilderness — and their own fears.

Will they discover a secret path filled with unexpected encounters, or face a hilarious mishap that will change their fishing fate forever?

Just as Charlie’s words echoed in their ears, the crackling sounds approaching in the forest hinted at a mystery waiting to unfold.

Curious about what surprising revelations lie beyond the trees?

What comedic mishap will ensue in their quest for walleye?

Don’t miss out on the gripping conclusion of this adventure: “I Couldn’t Find Walleye Near Major Cities — The Surprising Spot That Saved My Trip!”

Grab your copy of the eBook when it launches, and dive into Margaret and Robert’s unforgettable journey filled with laughter, suspense, and heart.

https://whop.com/ifishcanada

Join the conversation! What do you think will happen next?

Will they find that elusive fish, or will they be side-tracked by something unexpected?

Share your speculations, like and follow for updates, and don’t forget to spread the word — there’s more to come!

Retired Nature Lovers Margaret and Robert, a retired couple in their late 60s, have a deep appreciation for nature and wildlife.

They spend their retirement traveling and exploring scenic locations.

With their love for bird-watching and natural landscapes, they are eager to take a sightseeing flight over Thunder Bay to witness the area’s beauty from above.

Accessibility and comfort are important to them, and they prefer eco-friendly options when available.

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Fishing Guide
iFishCanada

I fish a lot. Read my fishing adventure stories!