As soon as the ice is out and the launches are open, usually first week of April, we target these fish on the lake. Days can be hectic with action and can produce fish up to 15-20lbs. I usually fish for lake trout until May while they are still in shallow water. While the weather can be chilly, it won't take long to get warmed up when the fish turn on. The great thing about lake trout is they don't need to be caught in low light, I often don't hit the water until after 8am so launch time is flexible.
After the season opens the first saturday in May, I troll for them from the Glenora ferry to Deseronto. These are the "eater" size walleyes in 1-5lb range and make great table fare. As always, catch and release is preferred but nothing wrong with taking some home too!
Starting in july, the walleye fishing on the lake begins to take off. Catches can range from eater size 20-22" fish up to trophy size 30". This is by far the best time to fish them as the sun is warm and the bite can be hot! I move all around the eastern basin between Kingston and Prince Edward County to find these fish and follow them as they begin to migrate towards the Bay of Quinte in the fall. We want to be on the water for sun up or in the evening for dusk to have the best shot at numbers of fish.
When the walleye bite begins to slow in September there is a good northern pike bite that lasts into October. These days can be a blast while trolling we will often get pike, walleye and the occasional small mouth bass. Not only is the fishing usually pretty good, the scenery is terrific as the fall colors on the shoreline along with warm sun make for a great atmosphere to catch fish and have some laughs.
Beginning in November, these large migratory walleye show up in numbers in the far eastern end of the Bay. I target these fish from "the Gap" to Glenora ferry. These days are often not loaded with quantities of fish but just one bite can mean the fish of a lifetime. Fish caught in November/December are often in the 8-12lb class with opportunity for even bigger. Catch and release is a must for these giants, they support our fishery with strong genetics and thousands of eggs in the spring. Early mornings are key for the fall so dress warm, bring coffee and wait for the sound of reels!