My 2021 walleye season closure in Kawartha, Nov 15, Cold, cold, and more cold....

I was not able to fish on the weekend but wanted to close my 2021 walleye season in zone 17 so went out last night for the closure to Sturgeon lake.

The weatherman was wrong with the wind forecast of 20-25 km/h with gusts as it was not more than 10-15 km by my estimate at most but the weather was still pretty chilly and it was a post frontal condition .

I put on lots of under layers, winter boots and my floater suit and still was cold at night with up to minus 3C .Fished from around 3 pm to 11 pm .

First, went up the North end to try some new spots and could not get even a nibble. Sunset produced nothing. Then fished along the shoreline in 8-10 FOW and was able to get a nice 25 incher (released ) already at night at about 8.30 pm in 10 FOW. The bite again similar to my recent walleye catches was really light and I thought I snagged a weed . The walleye was not even trying to swim away with the lure in his mouth until I realized I got a fish on my line and started pulling it over

Call it a day (or night) at around 11 pm as my rod guides were freezing up, although I was able to keep them ice free for a while by dunking the rod in the water (water temp was 7C).

The best part of the trip was meeting up with Crappeeeman and having a nice chat with him. Thanks again, CM, for the great tips and advice.

11.30 pm... heading home

Winter is upon us but I am not done yet with my open water season as there is still fish to be caught in zone 16 before the ice.....

You are very welcome glad you caught a big walleye. That is a good picture of the fish and the sunset. Too bad the temperature was not at least 1 degree so we could have fished all night. Was very nice to meet you as well. Sorry I could not go out on the boat with you. My friend went home early his back was in bad shape so I fished until my reels froze. Well so far I have met 3 members of this forum...shagdrrotten..reelingmachine..and jerkbaiter. Glad to go fishing with you guys next season. Stay safe.

Good report and nice catch, I also think we'll have a few weeks to fish on boat...

Thanks, CM.
Hopefully you be able to do a few more fishing trips this year weather permitting.
And if you ever think of getting into ice fishing , just give me a shout ...
I would love to fish open water all year round but unfortunately I can't but at the same time I can't sit without fishing all winter long so have to ice fish, which is different kind of fishing fun...

Thank you,
Yes, the weather is going up and down but the water is cooling down slowly so i expect at least another couple of weeks of open water boat fishing trips.

Nice walleye, getting a bit chilly, i have been done for several weeks and am also waiting for the hard water. Glad the wind cooperated and you had some safe fun closing out the walleye season. That was nice that you got to meet CM .Good luck and stay safe on your next adventure

Awesome stuff! Launches not iced up yet? Wrapped up my season in the Kawarthas a couple of weeks ago

Thanks.
Looking forward to ice season as well, with some plans to fish for perch, walleye, pike and maybe crappie, but for now will continue on the soft water, until I can't

The water was still 7C and even at night with minus 3C temps there was no ice at the shoreline or at the ramp.

But boating is not fun anymore

Nothing wrong with that ending to walleye season. Way to tough it out.

Great read as usual.. Thanks for the details.

25 inch walleye is a solid fish.
I know you worked hard for it, but in my book a tank walleye is worth it..

You are a fishing machine.. LOL

Yes that's a wrap for walleye in the Kawarthas.

My boat has been put away and I am just shore fishing now till ice forms.

Cheers!

Thank you, guys, for the comments.

Thank you, Jerry.

This closure fishing was a bit of an overkill, even by my standards.

Love fishing from shore when I can as it gives me a much needed workout from sitting in front of computer and in the boat most of the time.

When i put my boat away I will likely hit some of my Ontario shoreline pike spots.

Good luck to your river and shore fishing!