Summer is the perfect season to head out for a fishing trip, as warm temperatures, sunny skies, and vacation time make it easier to plan an excursion. While the trip itself is half the fun, you’ll have an even better time if you land some fish! By adapting your approach and presentation based on the fish you are looking for, you’ll definitely be reeling them in.

Step up your strategy by checking out the tips below for three of the most popular game fish across the country: walleye, rainbow trout, and bass.

Walleye

Walleye are easily the most sought-after fish in Canada. They have a wide distribution, a beautiful appearance, and great taste.

These fish flock to the shallows of flat, sandy prairie lakes during the summer, especially when the weather is hot and calm. In such conditions, you might even find them in water that is less than waist-deep! Early morning and late evening fishing will produce the best results, and a variety of different presentations can be effective, from casting crankbaits to trolling with planer boards.

If you’re fishing for summertime walleye in a shield lake, then you’ll want to head to where jagged rock reefs just break the water’s surface. On hot and humid days, these areas attract schools of baitfish and start a feeding frenzy. You’ll get a piece of the action even during the middle of the day.

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout need cool water, so the heat of summertime drives them down to depths of about 15 to 25 feet when temperatures are at their highest. A fish finder can be an extremely useful tool in locating the fish, and a full sink fly line will help you reach them. Because of the heat, the fish can also get quite lethargic during the daytime. You can catch them at their most energetic by heading out in the first or last few hours of daylight when they are more likely to be feeding.

Another important tip to remember is that rainbow trout are sensitive to scents like oils, bug spray, and sunscreen. Consider rubbing some dirt on your hands before handling your bait or lure.

Bass

Bass love to feed at shallower depths over the warm summer months, providing exciting top-water action. You’ll find them in big sand flats, rocky points, weedy back bays, and vegetation like lily pads and arrowheads. Simply get out your favourite top-water baits and get casting. When a cold front moves in, or as the weather starts to get cooler near the end of the season, you can start to look a little deeper and try jigging. A tube jig is a fantastic tool to have in your arsenal when fishing for bass at greater depths.

Part of getting prepared for a fishing trip is brushing up on the seasonal behaviour of the fish you are after. Once you know where to look and how to go about catching them, you can cast with confidence and start getting them reeled up in no time.