The most effective walleye tackle used on Lake St. Joseph is the standard jig and twister tail. Standard jig weights range from 1/8oz to 1/2oz depending on time of year and lake conditions. Tipped with live bait is optional.
The most commonly used tackle for northern pike on Lake St. Joseph is the spoon. Some standbys that have worked well are Dare devil, Dr. Spoon, Williams wobbler and little cleo.
Old Post Lodge strongly advises the use of a depth finder. Not only does it mark the fish, it will keep you off the rocks and on the spot.
It is suggested that you have at least one rod and reel set up for each type of fish. This is important because walleye and northern pike provide very different challenges to the angler.
In regards to walleye the angler should be equipped with a rod and reel that are more sensitive, usually lighter and that provide the fisherman with flexibility so that you are able to target walleye in a number of ways. The most widely used at Old Post Lodge is the spinning rod and reel. When selecting a rod for Spring (May and June) you are more likely to fish shallow water with lighter tackle. Later in the year (July, August, September) you may be fishing significantly deeper water with heavier tackle. In shallow water you will want a longer, faster, lighter rod to allow for casting and flipping jigs. Look for fast action rods that are 6′ to 6’6″ in length and have lure weights of 1/8oz to 3/8oz. For deeper water fishing later in the season look for medium action rods that are 5'8" to 6' in length and have lure weights of 1\4oz to 3\4oz. If you decide to bring one rod try to choose one that fits somewhere in the middle (ex. 6′ medium heavy 1\4 to 3/8oz.)
It will be necessary to have a rod and reel that are heavy enough to battle monster northern pike. Lake St. Joseph has a very healthy northern pike fishery and it is common to catch fish in the 18-23 lbs range and in some cases even larger. If you are familiar with a bait casting reel you may want to invest in one of these for fishing northern pike. Bait casters offer a better drag system and are available in heavier models which are a good fit for fishing northern pike. It is very important to keep in mind that if you have never used a bait casting reel it takes practice to become proficient. In this case, look into a spinning reel. However, look for rods that are medium heavy action and have a lure weight in the 1/4 to 1oz range. The rod should have some whip to it, which will allow for longer casts with less effort. Make sure that you choose the correct rod for the reel you have purchased. Bait casting rods have smaller eyes along the rod and will have a finger grip under the handle shaped like a trigger. Be aware of rods made for closed faced reels which have short, shaped handles and a trigger grip underneath, these rods don’t provide any leverage as the handle is too short.
Along with your tackle, rod, reel and depth finder set up we recommend bringing the following
It is essential that every angler have an Ontario Fishing License and Outdoors Card http://ontario.ca/outdoorscard
