NIPIGON RIVER From Alexander Falls to Lake Superior

WHY GO: This section of the river, up to er, as it is in other North Shore streams. Casting spoons, trolling crankbaits and Alexander Falls, is runnable by any fish Steelhead on this river are known to run fly angling are the more popular ways to coming in from Lake Superior. And there is large, and most of the fishing for them oc- target them. a wide mix of game fish that can be found curs at Alexander Dam down to the rail- Anglers with light spinning gear will in the river at various points in the year, road bridge. use worms under bobbers, spinners but in the spring time, it’s an option for “Most of the steelhead fishing around and jigs. steelhead anglers. While the upper stretches here is done on the smaller rivers,” notes of the Nipigon River are best known for A special regulation exists for brook Ernie Benson, a fly fishing guide with Nipi- producing the 100-plus year old world re- trout on the river, with one fish over 22 gon River Adventures. “It is difficult to go cord brook trout, this stretch also boasts inches allowed. after them on the Nipigon unless you have an excellent population of brawny coaster a boat for drift fishing.” FALL SALMON RUNS: While the odd brookies, though they are best targeted in Coho or pink might be found in the riv- late August and early September. Because of the big water of the Nipi- er, most of the salmon action in the river gon, Benson advises fly anglers to fish ACCESS: Nipigon Marina is a good place is from Chinook salmon. This typically streamers. to access the river, with a free boat launch starts up in late August into September. that is open from June 1 to Sept. 8. The The most popular techniques are drifting The fish tend to congregate at the Alex- marina is also popular with shore anglers, roe, or using plugs from boats in the larger ander Dam, and can be caught on spoons. with access up to the 11/17 bridge. Red pools and runs. Shore anglers can try be- But they can also be targeted up and Rock Marina, in Red Rock, also offers a low the dam and below the Trans-Canada down the river, and trolling is a popular boat launch, though fees are charged here Highway. way to get after them with big plugs. to launch. There’s also a boat ramp on the COASTERS: The river is renowned for its west side of the river downstream from the THE REST: You’ll find northern pike, large brook trout, or speckled trout as they Alexander Dam. whitefish and walleye on this stretch of are known here, but on this section of the river, though walleye fishing is closed on VITALS: This section of river is about 11 Nipigon, late August and the beginning of the river year round. Lake trout used to miles from Nipigon Bay on Lake Superior September is the main window when they run the river, but failed to show up last to the Alexander Dam. move up the stream from Lake Superior. spring.—Javier Serna GAME SPECIES PRESENT: Chinook “The fishing can actually be quite good salmon, coaster brook trout, Coho salm- in the late summer,” Benson said. “It closes on, lake trout, northern pike, pink salmon, on Labor Day. You want to go for a couple steelhead trout, yellow perch, walleye and days in September. That is one of the high- whitefish. lights of the river, those fish coming in for View our complete collection of spawning.” STEELHEAD: Spring is the best time to Fishing Hole Maps online at: target steelhead trout on the Nipigon Riv- northernwilds.com /fishingholemaps