Pipestone Lake in Ontario’s famed Sunset Country is nothing short of an angler’s dream. Whether you’re chasing trophy walleye, acrobatic smallmouth bass, toothy pike, or even muskies, this vast body of water offers non-stop action. But to make the most of your Canadian adventure, your tacklebox needs to be dialed… and in this article, we’re breaking down the four must-have bait styles that helped us catch fish all day long.
Destination Spotlight: Pipestone Lake
Pipestone Lake isn’t just scenic, it’s productive. With its mix of rocky humps, sand-bottom shelves, and deep basins, it’s the kind of place where multi-species fishing shines. On this particular day, we bounced between species effortlessly: jigging up lake trout from under schools of ciscos, hauling smallmouth off reef edges, leaning into walleye from sand flats, and even tangling with the occasional bonus pike. The right baits made all the difference.
Essential Lure Styles for Canadian Success
If you only bring four lure categories into the Canadian wilderness, let it be these. They’re simple, proven, and incredibly effective on a wide range of species. 
1. Jigging Raps: Reaction Bites on Demand
When we found a massive school of ciscos on Pipestone, we dropped Rapala Jigging Raps (Size 7) right through them, and instantly connected with quality lake trout and walleye.
- Why it works: Tight, erratic action mimics distressed baitfish
- How to fish it: Vertical jigging in deeper water or around structure
- Species: Walleye, lake trout, pike, bass
- Tip: Let it hit bottom and pop it aggressively, often the strike happens on the fall
2. Moon Eye Jigs + Soft Plastics: A Classic Combo
The VMC Moon Eye Jig, paired with plastics like the Big Bite Slim Minnow, is one of the most versatile tools you can bring to Canada. Whether casting, dragging, or vertical jigging, this combo gets it done.
- Why it works: The balanced head design offers lifelike swimming and control
- How to fish it: Cast and retrieve, vertical jig, or snap-jigging
- Species: Walleye, smallmouth bass, lake trout
- Go-to Plastics:
- Big Bite 4” Slim Minnow – finesse profile for tough bites
- Suicide Shad (3.5”) – added thump for dirtier water or aggressive fish
3. Rapala Rippin’ Blade: Loud, Fast, and Flashy
For those moments when fish are aggressive or chasing bait, the Rippin’ Blade is money. Its blade-style design produces flash and vibration that drives predators wild.
- Why it works: Highly visible on electronics, covers water quickly
- How to fish it: Yo-yo retrieve in deeper water or around bait schools
- Species: Pike, walleye, lake trout
4. VMC Moon Tail Hair Jig: The Subtle Weapon
Don’t underestimate the power of bucktail. The VMC Moon Tail Jig shines in clear water and cold fronts when finesse rules.
- Why it works: Natural movement from the bucktail triggers pressured fish
- How to fish it: Swim, pop, or vertical jig over structure
- Sizes: 1/8 oz, 1/4 oz, 3/8 oz
- Species: Walleye, smallmouth bass, and even muskie in the right size
Versatility Matters
One of the biggest takeaways from our trip? You don’t need a dozen rods and hundreds of lures. These four bait styles cover everything from 5 feet to 50 feet, and they’re effective across multiple species. Even better, you can fish them all on the same spinning setup, which means less gear and more fishing.
Suggested Setup:
- Rod: 7′ Medium Fast Spinning Rod
- Reel: 2500 or 3000 size spinning reel
- Mainline: 10 – 15 lb Sufix 832 braid (hi-vis)
- Leader: 10 lb fluorocarbon (adjust lighter in calm conditions)
Fast Fishing, Big Rewards on Pipestone
One unique thing about Pipestone Lake is the number of species that coexist in the same areas. We were catching big walleyes and smallmouth off the exact same structure, sometimes within minutes of each other. The ability to move fast, spot fish on electronics, and drop an effective bait like a Jigging Rap or Moon Eye Jig right in front of them kept the action going all day long.
Final Packing List: Don’t Leave for Canada Without These
If you’re planning a trip to Sunset Country or anywhere in the Canadian Shield, here’s your bare-bones bait kit for big success:
✅ Jigging Raps (Size 7)
✅ VMC Moon Eye Jigs (1/4 oz – 3/4 oz)
✅ Big Bite Slim Minnow & Suicide Shad
✅ Rapala Rippin’ Blade
✅ VMC Moontail Hair Jigs
With this spread, you’ll be ready for walleye, bass, pike, and even lake trout. All on one rod, all in one tackle tray.
Sunset Country Magic
Trips like this are why we love fishing in Sunset Country. It’s remote, it’s beautiful, and it’s packed with fish. If you’ve never experienced Canadian Shield fishing, now’s the time — and with the right baits, you’re all but guaranteed to have a trip to remember.
Ready to gear up for your own multi-species Canadian adventure? Make sure you’ve got the Core Four in your box, and you’ll be ready to take on anything Pipestone or Sunset Country throws your way.
