🎣 Walleye regulation 2026-2027

Walleye quota in Quebec — daily limit & min size

2026-2027 cycle — general limits (exact rules vary by zone)

Walleye (doré in French) is one of Quebec's most-fished species. Quebec has two species: yellow walleye (Sander vitreus) and black walleye / sauger (Sander canadensis). The general daily limit is 6 walleye, but sizes, harvest slots and seasons vary by fishing zone — always check your zone on the official MFFP tool (regpec).

Daily limit

  • Yellow walleye: 6/day (general limit)
  • Black walleye (sauger): 6/day, often a combined limit with yellow walleye
  • Some zones have exceptions (harvest slot, line fishing only, winter closures)
  • Confirm your zone's exact limit on regpec before you go

Size & harvest slots

Legal size varies by zone. Several St. Lawrence sectors enforce a harvest slot: outside that slot, the walleye must be released. Verified examples:

Zones 7 and 8 (St. Lawrence)37–53 cm slot, line fishing only
Other zonesOften no minimum size — verify on regpec

Opening dates

Yellow walleyeOften the 3rd Saturday of MayVaries — June 1 in some zones (e.g. zone 8)
St. Lawrence zonesWinter closures in some sectorsVerify on regpec

Key points

  • Limits, sizes and seasons vary by zone (Quebec has 29 fishing zones).
  • Several St. Lawrence zones enforce a harvest slot (e.g. 37–53 cm) and line fishing only.
  • Always confirm YOUR zone's rule on the official regpec tool before fishing.

Best baits & techniques

Walleye is a low-light hunter. Most successful baits:

  • Live minnow on jig (classic 1/8-3/8 oz)
  • Soft-plastic shad/grub on jig head
  • Crankbait suspending at 3-7 m
  • Spinnerbait blade harness (slow troll)
  • Senko-style worm wacky-rigged in shallow weeds

Use the MFFP regpec tool for the exact rule on your lake.

See also

The binding rules are those of the official MFFP tool (regpec) for YOUR zone. Limits, sizes and seasons vary from one zone to another — verify before you go.