Northern Ontario Fishing Handbook

Home , Albany River, Blue walleye, Northern Ontario, Northwestern Ontario, Ogoki River, Rapala

An angler’s guide to the Canadian wilderness Edited by Cynthia Ord Northern Ontario Fishing Handbook

An angler’s guide to the Canadian wilderness Edited by Cynthia Ord

Published by Horizon Travel Press PO Box 9531 Denver, CO 80209 http://horizontravelpress.com/

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of all advice provided in this guide, the reality is that any travel information is liable to change at short notice. We strongly advise that you verify any important details prior to your trip as we cannot be held responsible for errors or information that has since become outdated.

Edited by Cynthia Ord Layout & design by Simon Ross-Gill Northern Ontario Fishing Handbook: An angler’s guide to the Canadian wilderness Contents About the Authors 6 Foreword 8 Chapter 1: Introduction Welcome to Northern Ontario 12 Northern Ontario Highlights 14 Fishing With the Next Generation 16 Birth of a Fly Angler 22 The Therapeutic Powers of a Fishing Holiday 26 Chapter 2: Angling in Northern Ontario The Fish of Northern Ontario 32 Beginner’s Guide to Fly Fishing 36 The Fly-In Fisherman’s Fundamentals: Travellin’ Light 38 Finding Fish in Strange Waters 42 Any Old Mickey Mouse Rig Will Work 44 Low Water 101 48 Pro Tricks for the Walleye Opener 50 Walleye Not Biting? 52 Early Summer Pike 56 Brook Trout 101 60 Chapter 3: Other Activities Canoe and Kayak Paddling 66 tario Fishi n g n On tario Norther Fishi n g n On tario Norther Photographing the Wilderness 68 Birding 74 Moose Hunting 76 Aerial Tours 78 Resources Northern Ontario climate and fishing seasons 82 Eating and drinking on a wilderness fishing trip 86 Fishing Equipment And Packing List 89 The Northern Ontario Tackle Box 92 Northern Ontario angling FAQs 96 About Wilderness North 100

4 5 About the Authors James Smedley James is an award-winning outdoors photographer and writer who has contributed over 400 articles and almost 1,000 images Chris Clemmons to US and Canadian books, magazines and newspapers. James is Chris has competed locally on the Masters Walleye Circuit for Travel Editor at Ontario Out of Doors Magazine. James has fly several years, nationally for one season, and qualified for the fished for brook trout and arctic grayling in far northern rivers World Walleye Championship in 1992. Although, he now only and continues to cast for trout, bass and steelhead near his home competes for fun in the occasional local tournament, he makes it in the northern Ontario town of Wawa. You can follow James at his website, a point to get out on the water as much as possible and continues jamessmedleyoutdoors.com. to learn and experiment with techniques and gear and even invent new products for the industry.

Scott Earl Smith Gord Ellis Scott is an outdoor writer and photographer living in Thunder Bay, Gord is a lifelong resident of Thunder Bay who makes a living Ontario. Scott was first published in 1991 in Fly Fisher magazine and writing and talking about his biggest passion: Fishing, hunting, since then his work has appeared in most fly fishing publications in camping, outdoor tourism and resource conservation. You can North America and many general outdoor magazines. You can follow read more about Gord and his work at gordellis.com. Scott on his website, scottearlsmith.com.

Mark Melnyk Toronto based Mark is host of the World Fishing Network’s Guided show, an insider’s look at what it takes to become a professional fishing guide. He has spent 18 years in television broadcasting as a producer, writer and director. You can follow Mark on his website markmelnyk.com or on Twitter: @MarkMelnyk. tario Fishi n g n On tario Norther Fishi n g n On tario Norther

6 7 Foreword

Alan & Krista Cheeseman Wilderness North In 1990, John J. Mark bought a small outpost cabin in the wilderness of Northwestern Ontario, and opened its doors to visitors: Wilderness North was born. Since then, the network of remote cabins and lodges has grown to become the ultimate fly-in wilderness fishing experience. For us, Wilderness North was the love story that brought us together. We met on staff! Now, 17 years and two daughters later, we’re running the business as a family, driven by that same passion for the lodges and their environment that attracted us irreversibly to this place. Today, with bases in Thunder Bay, Armstrong and Nakina, we are able to make adventures more accessible for those who reach us by flying or driving. Yet the absolute uniqueness of the experience remains. The pure vastness of our boreal forests and clean clear rivers surrounds each lodge and single-cabin lake. Yes, our adventures are centered on fishing. And true fishing sportsmen will not be disappointed. Beyond the fishing, though, these little hideaways in the Canadian wilderness are a stage for thrills, memories, and bonding – whether you’re a family, a group of buddies, or even colleagues on an company retreat. We hope you enjoy the tales and wisdom in these pages, hard earned by some of Wilderness North’s dearest friends and favorite guests. Welcome to the wilderness! tario Fishi n g n On tario Norther Fishi n g n On tario Norther

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Chapter 1 Introduction tario Fishi n g n On tario Norther Fishi n g n On tario Norther

10 11 Welcome to because ﹘ as I wrote in my book, Ontario Blue-Ribbon Fly Fishing Guide Northern Ontario ﹘ the population of these animals far exceeds the population of humans in by Scott Earl Smith the far north. In the past twenty-odd years I’ve Fishing these remote waters also fished a lot of places. The Florida Keys, means that the fish are not “educated.” the California coast, the Hawaiian This term is bounced around a lot in Islands, and most of the Canadian fishing circles, but it simply means that provinces and territories. But my the fish are not habituated by human favorite place remains the far north interference. A lot of people planning of Ontario. There is something truly fishing trips to Northern Ontario ask

i on Introduct special about casting a fly to the edge me about the necessity of live bait. My i on Introduct of a weed bed where a pike as long as answer is, “Heck, you can catch fish on your leg is lurking. bubble gum if you like.” In other words, If big brook trout is your game, then leave the live bait at home. It’s not look no further. It’s one thing to catch necessary. a 20-inch brook trout, but it’s another One of the things unique about the to catch a half-dozen, or more, of that northern environment is the insect size in one day on a fly rod. I guess I’m life ﹘ something fly anglers are always spoiled because a 20-inch brook trout interested in. What is interesting to me is a “nice fish”﹘ not a trophy of a about insects (mayflies, stoneflies and lifetime like it is for most people. caddis particularly) is that most of the prolific and the season for hatching good and ready ﹘ without having to One of the things I really cherish species you are familiar with in the may not be as long, but the individual compete with the masses. This is an about fishing the far north is the Lower 48 or more southern areas of insects are larger. This means you can awesome way to spend a vacation. solitude. It’s a treat to go fishing on a Canada are present in the far north. have more fun dry fly fishing. No need Don’t forget your camera because, lake or river system with not a boat But get this: they are larger! For some to fish minuscule size 16 and 18 flies. beyond the fish you’ll catch, you’ll have

tario Fishi n g n On tario Norther or other angler in sight. You actually reason insects, such as the Hexagenia Just tie on a size 8 Stimulator or Royal the best sunsets, the northern lights, Fishi n g n On tario Norther have a better chance of seeing a bear family of mayflies, are larger in the Trude and let the games begin. and all kinds of northern wildlife to or moose than another human being, north. Their population may not be as Most, if not all, of our far north photograph on your trip. I’ve seen lakes are part of one of several river caribou, moose, bear, timber wolves systems. This provides a current in and many other stunning animals on most narrows and channels between my northern travels. Fishing in the far lakes and various bays. This means north of Ontario really can’t be beat. that walleye are not as deep as you’d expect in more southern waters. I’ve caught many walleye in these areas with current. The combination of big, eager, prolific fish, and the solitude of the north means that you can enjoy a full night’s rest, have a great breakfast, and then head out on the water when you’re

12 13 Miles 0 20 40

Northern Ontario Highlights Kilometers 0 17 34 51 68 SITE LOCATION FISHING OTHER ACTIVITIES Canoeing, SUP, kayak, Miminska Miminska Walleye, pike & brook hiking & interpretive Lodge Lake trout. tours. River trips down the Keezhik river. Miminska Lake ver Makokibatan Makokibatan Trophy walleye, pike River trips on the Ri y n Lodge Lake & brook trout. Albany River. a lb Striker’s Point Whitewater Trophy pike & Paddling, hiking & A Lodge Lake walleye. interpretive tours. Makokibatan Lake Whitewater Whitewater Trophy pike & i on Introduct Lodge Lake walleye. Makok i on Introduct Mojikit Trophy pike & Mojikit Lake Channel Lodge walleye. Musgrave Lake D’Alton Lake Trophy walleye & D’Alton Lake Dawn Lake Outpost pike. iver Dawn Lake Trophy pike & i R Dawn Lake k Outpost walleye. Striker’s Point go Whitewater O Makok Makokibatan Trophy walleye, pike Outpost Lake & guided brook trout. Ogoki Lake Moose Whitewater Lake Moose Crossing Trophy pike & Crossing Mojikit Lake walleye. Outpost MojIkit Lake Musgrave Musgrave Trophy pike & Outpost Lake walleye. D’Alton Lake tario Fishi n g n On tario Norther Ogoki Lake Trophy pike & Fishi n g n On tario Norther Ogoki Lake Outposts 2 & 3 walleye. Wilderness McKenzie North Base Lake Armstrong Canadian National Railway McKenzie Lake Ontario

Map Legend

Lodges Albany River Watershed 527 Outposts Ogoki River Watershed

Nipigon Lake Basin To Thunder Bay Airstrips & Lake Superior Lake Nipigon

14 15 they’re prepared. First on the list minnow, worm or leech bucket. “My for angler Jamie Robinson of Wawa, kids spend a lot of time with their Ontario is warm clothing and quality hands in the minnow bucket or looking raingear for his son and daughter. in the live well,” says Robinson. “Thinking back, I’m surprised at some of the miserable weather we’ve been Go where there’s fish out in,” he says. His rule of thumb: err Children like ‘catching’ more than on the side of warmth. ‘fishing’ so go for the sure thing whenever possible. My girls have Their own rod been on more than their share of A small spinning reel and a three-foot fly-in fishing and remote paddling rod is a great starting unit. Beware of trips where the action has been fast

i on Introduct commercial “kids” rod/reel combos and furious. Appreciating the search i on Introduct that are more flash than function and and the subtleties of finding fish in can be frustrating to use. Hand-me- challenging waters can come later. down spinning reels matched with ice fishing rods were a solution for my Try shore fishing girls. We learned the hard way that It’s often easier to keep children preschoolers simply let go of their entertained on dry land than within fishing rods when they are distracted. the cramped quarters of a boat or Fishing With the Here’s some tips from parents for During the early stages, tying a string canoe. The joys of shore fishing Next Generation nurturing anglers from the cradle to from the boat to the rod is a wise were first imprinted during a family the boat: precaution. canoe trip in Northern Ontario’s Wabikimi Provincial Park. After a by James Smedley Never too young Choose your battles full day of paddling and portaging we Before children, my wife and I spent As long as kids are wearing a personal Like any adult, I was reluctant to let finally found a campsite that would just about every weekend exploring flotation device and are safe and my daughters choose their own lures fit our group of six adults and seven

tario Fishi n g n On tario Norther lakes and rivers by boat or canoe. comfortable, there’s no age too young because I felt more qualified to select children. The silence of the following Fishi n g n On tario Norther Simply satisfying our angling habit to start acclimatising to being on the the best one for the job. I was quickly morning was broken by the sound of had been demanding enough, but water. “I was about two years old cured of this conceit when my three- thrashing fish. I wiped sleep from my launching onto the choppy waters of when I started fishing with my dad,” year-old insisted on hooking her jig eyes and headed to the shore where parenthood presented changes that says Gord Ellis, an outdoor writer with the strangest looking soft plastic my daughter was casting into the can really rock the boat. Thirteen-hour and father of two living in Thunder bait in my tackle box. After she caught slow current squeezed between the days on the water were no longer an Bay, Ontario. “My boys were barely three walleye, I vowed never to doubt narrows adjacent to our campsite. She option. walking when they’d join us in the my daughters’ angling instincts. Often was hauling in fish at virtually every We adapted, doing our very best to boat.” I’m surprised and enlightened as to cast. pass down a lifelong passion for fishing what works. that we could share as a family. Our Warm and dry Pull their own weight girls are now in their late teens with Weather doesn’t always cooperate, Live bait While it’s tempting to do everything infinitely more important distractions and an uncomfortable child is not One of the simplest ways to catch fish ourselves, when children assist with than fishing. Yet, we still manage to so receptive to the joys of angling. is to hang live bait over the side of the the duties that surround a fishing trip spend time together in a canoe or On the flipside, kids are surprisingly boat or canoe. Children can entertain they have an investment in the outing. boat, catching fish and having fun. ambivalent to foul weather when themselves indefinitely playing in the As preschoolers my daughters would

16 17 pack their own snacks and help catch Hot weather equals sunbathing and One-on-one provides the perfect Learn when to pull the plug minnows and leeches. The learning has swimming for my daughters, even opportunity to teach essentials like Learn to recognise when your evolved to the point that my oldest can when the fish are biting. Often I’m safe casting practices. child has had enough. If we couldn’t now back the boat and trailer into the pleasantly surprised that the walleye convince our daughters that boating water for me and my youngest is adept continue to bite in spite of the and fishing was what they really at cleaning and filleting fish. They are shrieking and thrashing limbs. wanted to do, then we headed to now confident, capable and a big help shore ﹘ consistent with our pledge to their parents. Go one-on-one never to force fishing. With the whole family in a small Nurturing our young anglers takes Bring distractions craft, it can get cramped and hectic. adaptation and even sacrifice. But Boredom is fishing longevity’s worst The one-child-one-parent dynamic for parents who love angling and nightmare. Robinson draws the line provides a great learning environment. the outdoors, the investment is

i on Introduct at video games but always brings Young anglers love the undivided worthwhile. i on Introduct lots of snacks and books to occupy attention and dad or mom have his children during slow periods. fewer snags and tangles to deal with. tario Fishi n g n On tario Norther Fishi n g n On tario Norther

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20 21 Birth of a Fly that there is no room to back cast. It listened with the enthusiasm most hold of Devin’s fly. also has some big brookies. All in all, teenagers have for parental advice. “I “That’s a brookie,” said Tyler. Angler it’s a pretty good place to try fly fishing got it, Dad,” he said and proceeded to He was right. The fish rolled on top for the first time. strip off a few lengths of line from his and the flash of a bright orange belly by Gord Ellis Three years ago, I had one of my 5-weight rod. Tyler, who was standing could be seen in the surface foam. Fly fishing has a reputation for being most memorable fly fishing days ever with the canoe directly behind us, was The fish was taking line and Tyler was difficult, even intimidating to many on this river, and it seemed like the also watching Devin closely. now helping Devin, giving him gentle otherwise proficient anglers. Truth perfect place for my oldest boy to get “There should be a big one right in advice on how to retrieve line while be told, fly fishing is one of the most his first taste of trout on a fly rod. Pilot that riffle, Devin,” he said. “Cast that keeping a tight connection to the fish. natural and effortless ways to catch Guy Cannon, on an Otter owned by fly out and let it sink a bit.” Devin heeded the instruction and in a fish, and in my opinion among the most Wilderness North, flew in my son, our Devin started working the fly rod, few minutes, Tyler was able to tail the satisfying. However, there is a bit of a guide Tyler and myself to the head of putting perhaps a bit too much whip wriggling trout with his gloved hand.

i on Introduct learning curve, and many first time fly Keezhik River. action into the back cast, but the fly “Nice spec, Devin!” said Tyler. Devin i on Introduct anglers quit when they put a fly in the was getting out there nonetheless. cracked a toothy smile, showing off back of their head or worse. A failed Rookie vs. brookie He then stripped the line in, and was his braces. “It felt like snag at first,” he fly fisherman rarely goes back to it. It was a quick flight to the lake from rewarded with strike. The long rod said. “Then it started to move.” After So it was with all this in mind that I the lodge and just a short paddle to bent deeply. “Let it take line son, don’t the requisite pictures were taken, introduced my oldest son Devin to the outlet of the river and the first horse it.” I coached from the sidelines. the colour-dappled 18-inch trout was fly fishing for the first time. For the rapids. Devin and I waded to the edge The fish slugged it out deep, but soon revived and released back to the pool. occasion, I chose the Keezhik River, a of the large pool, and I then went rolled on the surface and revealed In my mind, the trip was already a daylong fly-in out of Miminiska Lodge. through the fundamentals of casting itself. success. The Keezhik is a legendary river and retrieving a streamer with him. My “Pike,” said Devin. among brook trout anglers. It is not son, who had done quite well throwing A disappointment, but all far Bested too big to fish well, but not so small the rod on the Albany the day before, northern rivers have brook trout, We decided to move on and paddled walleye and pike living side by side. down the river until we reached a set The presence of pike doesn’t mean of rapids a bit too swift to run. Tyler the others are not around. So Devin lined the canoe down, while Devin and

tario Fishi n g n On tario Norther kept casting and, in time, I broke out a I went through the bush. It was tricky Fishi n g n On tario Norther 5-weight Sage and joined him. walking, made worse by the fact we After about 20 minutes, neither of were both carrying our fly rods. Yet us had caught a brookie. “Weird,” I’ve rarely seen trophy brook trout said Tyler, who has done half dozen fishing on easy-to-access rivers! It trips down the Keezhik this year. “We was with much anticipation that we usually get a few nice ones here.” reached the pool at the base of the Despite a reputation for being easy, rapids. brook trout can make you work for “This spot is something else,” I said to them. Devin, luckily, was fishing with Devin while we looked over the water. impressive dedication. “This is where your dad had some He was casting his bead head Woolly amazing trout fishing last time.” When Buggar out into the current, letting it Tyler arrived with the canoe, we drop and then stripping the line back discussed the best way to fish the pool. in at a snail's pace. Just as our faith We concluded that Devin should stand in the pool was dwindling, a fish took at the top of the pool and cast out into

22 23 the main flow. He could then strip his The glow weighted olive streamer back against When we left the hole I told Dev he the current. The brook trout would had “unfinished business” in that pool. be right in the main current. So Devin As the day wore on, the fish got more waded out and started working his fly active and started splashing on the line. surface. Devin got his cast going and laid out My sense was the recent mayfly some line. After a time, Devin was hatches had slowed the morning bite rewarded with another “snag”. This down a little. No matter, Devin went time, the snag rolled and there was the on to land several more nice brookies, huge splash of a very large trout. The including one spectacular trout that fish made quite a commotion before leaped from the water twice and took

i on Introduct disappearing back into the pool. “Let him well downstream. Even the old i on Introduct him have line if he wants it Dev,” I said, man got into the act. In one wide pool excitedly. “Don’t try to force him in.” a spec of about 21 inches nailed my Devin was pumped, but kept his rod Matuka Sculpin just as I was pulling it high and stayed calm. I looked at Tyler up for a cast. It was a great fight and an and got the “this is a big one” look. awesome fish. We both knew that this section of the Yet for me, the real joy of the day Keezhik could cough up hog-sized was to watch this young man - my brookies. I'd landed a 23-incher here son - experience the thrill of fly fishing on my previous trip and Tyler had seen for the first time ever, on an exquisite his share of trophies as well. northern river with the sun shining The fight was a stalemate for a few and the air pure. I glowed with pride. It moments, but the fish was not even was a day we’ll never forget. close to tired. Then it bolted, pulling line off Devin’s little fly reel at a

tario Fishi n g n On tario Norther disturbing rate. The fish was into the Fishi n g n On tario Norther backing when the fly just pulled out. We all kind of groaned, but Devin had done nothing wrong. He’d simply been bested by a very large brook trout. There is no shame in that. Another lost spec or two, and a few more walleye and pike, were all we could muster after that. So on we went. By now Devin was getting rather comfortable with the fly and was even doing a pretty decent roll cast. Tyler was great with Devin, taking over the coaching duties and letting me mostly just be the proud dad and head photographer.

24 25 involves a lot of conflict is a gross the stress is self-imposed. You’ve understatement. We all have conflict got too much on your plate, and too in our lives in one form or another. many pressures weighing you down. But when your profession involves Interactions that normally would be resolving conflict – some of it very benign end up in a quarrel because, violent and even catastrophic – it well, you’re just wrapped too darn wears you down after a while. As a tight. younger person you don’t feel the Maybe it’s time to remedy that effects (or at least you don’t think you situation. A week immersed in a do). After all, you’re “bulletproof.” And fishing holiday is what “this doctor” besides, there is nothing like a huge recommends! adrenaline dump to get you firing on No, I don’t rush to bar fights and gun

i on Introduct all cylinders. But later on in life you calls anymore with lights and sirens, i on Introduct realize that every time this occurs it’s but every year I make a point to enjoy like someone added another rock to at least one fishing holiday where the your packsack. Eventually it starts to only tension will be between me and weigh you down. At some point it can the fish on the end of my line. It brings The Therapeutic say my background as a police officer become too much to bear. me a special kind of peace – a feeling gave us some common ground – Just to be clear, you don’t have to that brings hope and washes all my Powers of a combined of course, with a shared love be a veteran or an police officer to be troubles away. of fishing and the outdoors. But that suffering from the effects of constant If you have troubles weighing you Fishing Holiday experience also helped me understand conflict. Every workplace, every down, remember the therapeutic by Scott Earl Smith more about myself and the effects of family and every relationship involves powers of fishing. Find a place to set constant conflict. interactions where people butt heads down your heavy packsack on the One of the most valuable attributes Like many kids growing up in and lock horns. Some people have it bank and toss a line into the water. of fishing is that it is conflict-free. For Northern Ontario, I got hooked on worse than others. And sometimes anyone that has lots of conflict in their fishing very early. But it wasn’t until I

tario Fishi n g n On tario Norther life - past or present - a good fishing was in my mid-twenties that I really Fishi n g n On tario Norther trip is the ticket. got reeled in. I was a new officer on the Just days after I retired from policing, force. I spent my free time working out I participated as a guide in Project or target shooting – all of which were Healing Waters, a program that correlated to my career. A few of my offers an immersion in fly fishing for friends were avid steelhead fishermen, wounded soldiers. I met guys almost and they encouraged me to give it half my age who had just returned a try. At the time, I conceded that I from Afghanistan, and men that were needed a diversion. Who knew where twenty years my senior who had this little walk in the creek would take served in Vietnam. All had some kind me. But looking back, my immersion in of life-changing injury from various fishing brought many great dividends. conflicts around the world. I enjoyed Today as a retired officer I realize that that experience immensely and made one of the biggest saving graces was a special kind of connection with these fishing’s therapeutic properties. soldiers that I’ll never forget. I would To say that 30 years of policing

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Angling Angling Chapter 2 Angling in Northern Ontario tario Fishi n g n On tario Norther Fishi n g n On tario Norther

30 31 the turn of the twentieth century. Superior’s steelhead, although pint- These fish have western ancestry sized in comparison to fish from the including the McLeod River in lower Great Lakes and the west coast, Northern California and various have a reputation for being feisty and steelhead streams along the west spirited far beyond what their size coast of North America. Fortunately should normally dictate. Even though these landed-immigrant rainbows Superior steelhead rarely exceed ten have adapted wonderfully to the harsh pounds, eight-weight rods and salmon environs of Superior and over the reels are standard fare for these past century have become a totally dynamic fish. wild, self-sustaining and genetically unique strain of steelhead. Superior’s Smallmouth bass

Angling steelhead population along the Highly dynamic, Northern Ontario’s Angling Canadian shore is very healthy and smallmouth bass in the southern totally self-sustaining due to some latitudes of this region grow very aggressive management strategies big and plentiful, but because they adopted by the region’s ardent seem to take a back seat to the steelhead anglers and committed region’s brook trout they are highly biologists who have resisted the underutilized. Some of the best The Fish of the fly angler is trophy brook trout. I prevailing trend of Band-Aiding failing smallmouth fishing on the continent sometimes find it amusing to watch a fish populations with careless stocking exists in the most westerly region of Northern Ontario newcomer to Northern Ontario clutch of hatchery fish. the province from Thunder Bay west their screaming reel and bent-to-the- by Scott Earl Smith handle eight-weight and between Although our sport has grown deep breaths question with hopeful considerably here in the last ten anticipation, “Is this a brookie?” years, for the most part fly fishing Truly, the brook trout of Northern

tario Fishi n g n On tario Norther has been a forgotten art in Northern Ontario have big genetics, with the Fishi n g n On tario Norther Ontario. For me and many other local Nipigon strain being the biggest in the practitioners, we can practice our craft world. As just about every fly angler on a multitude of streams and lakes – knows, the world record “brookie” all pristine, unspoiled and sometimes came from the Nipigon River in 1915 even uncharted waters – whether at 14 pounds, 8 ounces. Although we’re an hour from home or a 1000 this record looks solid, every year kilometers north on the tundra, for someone manages to land a ten- some of the world’s most cherished pound-class brook trout from this species. massive and prolific system. Brook trout Steelhead As a certified big-brook trout addict Like all populations of anadramous and former guide, I can tell you rainbow trout in the Great Lakes, quite confidently that the biggest Northern Ontario’s steelhead were attraction Northern Ontario has for introduced to Lake Superior around

32 33 and south along the US border to the up in a part of Canada where pike Manitoba border. were disdained by anglers as nothing The legendary smallmouth fishing but predatory trash fish, (dubbed as in Quetico Park has been well jacks, snakes, snot-rockets, and the documented in books and periodicals, list goes on), it took me some time to but there are many parallel fisheries appreciate the quality of the northern throughout this region. In the lakes pike. I’ve been converted. Now I look south of Thunder Bay, where I fish forward to spring pike angling with the for smallmouth in June and July, a same wistful anticipation that I afford five-pound-class fish is not out of the steelhead or coaster brook trout the ordinary and many ardent bass run. They are big, nasty, love to eat students have released fish in the flies – and Northern Ontario is full of

Angling seven-pound range. them. Angling Although convenient, easy-access, Unlike the brook trout, bass and trophy smallmouth fishing can be steelhead of Northern Ontario that had right from Thunder Bay west to have specific ranges and watersheds, the Manitoba border, there are many northern pike can be found virtually wilderness opportunities for those anywhere in the region. I’ve who want to get off the beaten track. encountered them in rivers, lakes and beaver ponds right from the US Other species in the heart of a country that remains Northern pike border to the coast of Hudson Bay – The mystery of what exactly is pulling one of the most unspoiled places on Northern pike are the real sleepers even some really huge ones in Lake on the end of your line is one of the earth. Northern Ontario awaits your of the fly fishing world. Having grown Superior. greatest thrills a fly angler can have cast. in Northern Ontario. Quite often a nice whitefish, lake trout or walleye provides a surprise interlude during a day of passionate pursuit for a

tario Fishi n g n On tario Norther specific species. In fact, there are Fishi n g n On tario Norther places where you really don’t know what you’re going hook on the next cast. I can recall one spectacular day of fishing a few years ago when not only the sun was shining upon me. I landed and released coaster brook trout, lake trout, whitefish, rainbow trout and coho salmon – about twenty fish all said and done – in a romantic wilderness setting that would move the most dispassionate of characters. This sense of mystery in wild places is what best typifies what Northern Ontario has to offer for the fly angler. It is a truly new and untapped frontier

34 35 some basics, so that you when you big pike lost at the boat on a final arrive at least you’ll be armed with the head shake simply because someone right equipment. For brook trout in skimped on the monofilament leader. Northern Ontario I use a high-quality In my opinion you want to bring graphite rod in the 7-weight category. your trophy to hand for that nice I match the rod with a large arbour photograph as quick as possible. reel and spool up with a floating line, Skimpy leaders contribute to a lot of and a sink tip line on a spare spool. “you should have seen the one I lost” I choose the fastest sink rate I can stories around camp. find because big brook trout live The flies I cast for pike are large in the deep runs and pools on the rabbit-strip concoctions, often with swiftest of rivers. There they can find a deer-hair head and/or bead chain

Angling adequate food and available cover eyes. A lot of pike anglers say that Angling from predators – like northern pike as eyes on baits provide a target – or long as your leg. I use large rabbit-strip landmark – for a striking pike, so I go streamers sometimes four inches long along with that theory. The pattern Beginner's Guide ounces) was caught in Northern on a short stout leader. I utilize the of streamer is not really all that Ontario. You can still catch huge brook sink-tip system for most of my brook important, but color and movement to Fly Fishing trout in this northern hinterland. Each trout fishing unless I encounter a good are vital. Your streamer patterns year, I bring at least one brook trout hatch of caddis or mayflies. Then I’ll should undulate in the water and be by Scott Earl Smith to hand that is in excess of six pounds. switch to my floating line. A Yellow very visual. Black, chartreuse, white, Fly fishing in Northern Ontario is a I’ve seen them as big as 10 pounds, Stimulator or a Royal Trude in sizes red and orange patterns have all taken well kept secret. When I wrote my and I dream of a new world record 12 – 8 are all you really need for rising large pike. Come with a good selection book Ontario Blue-Ribbon Fly Fishing some day on my fly rod. Northern Ontario brook trout. and you’ll be well prepared. I should Guide in 1999, I suggested Northern Over the years I have traveled much The streamer system I’ve described mention that I’ve caught lots of lake Ontario was the next fly fishing of Northern Canada in search of the for brook trout is also how I fish trout and walleye using these same frontier. continent’s biggest northern pike. I’ve for northern pike – with a few streamer techniques. Lake trout and

tario Fishi n g n On tario Norther Although the population of Ontario is caught them as big as 46 inches. But adaptations. First of all, you’ll need walleye will hammer a nicely swung Fishi n g n On tario Norther approximately 10 million people, most I know that the biggest pike live in a bigger system. I recommend a 9- streamer – especially in cooler water of the population lives in the southern Northern Ontario. This year my goal or 10-weight rod with a matching temperatures. belt of the province within 50 miles of is to land and release and pike of 50 large arbor reel. Again, you’ll need a the Canada-US border. The remainder inches or better. I have full confidence floating and a sink-tip system. Because of the province is sparsely populated – that fish of this size are possible in pike have razor sharp teeth, I use a but teeming with wild fish. the Albany River system in Northern 30-pound test steel leader. The basic Northern Ontario’s lakes and rivers Ontario. 12-inch, bait-casting steel leader is the are habitat for some of fly fishing’s I have developed some innovative best leader on the market. most coveted species. Brook trout systems for fly fishing in Northern Specialty fly fishing bite leaders don’t (a.k.a “brookies”) inhabit most Ontario. While these techniques may work any better (they just cost more). of Northern Ontario, where the be quite different from what most I use a short monofilament leader majority of rivers and lakes are in the people envision fly fishing to be, they between my bite leader and fly line watersheds of either Hudson Bay are simple and very effective. – usually about 40 inches or so. This or Lake Superior. Indeed the world Although it’s difficult to give fly monofilament leader should be 30- to record brook trout (14 pounds, eight fishing lessons on paper, I can outline 40-pound test. I’ve seen some awfully

36 37 The Fly-In the answers to the following questions before putting your gear together: Fisherman's 1. Is there a weight restriction on the flight in? Fundamentals: 2. What will you be fishing for? 3. What kind of weather can you Travellin' Light expect? by Gord Ellis 4. What kind of gear is provided with the boats at the outpost camps? I like gear and have a lot of it. Yet my The weight restriction is probably travels as a fishing writer have often the most critical factor. As a rule, forced me to scale down gear to the fly-in operators tend to restrict each

Angling bare essentials. What I’ve learned is person going into an outpost camp Angling that for 90% of the trips I take, I can or lodge to a maximum amount of get by comfortably with 10% or less of weight. Generally it’s about 60 to 80 my usual tackle. This is a key piece of pounds per person. This is done for knowledge when prepping for a fly-in. safety reasons, as overloading a plane Here’s a look at how to travel light. is illegal and potentially dangerous. Weight restrictions mean scaling action spinning rods, a 7-foot flipping I once saw a guy try to bring a car down all your fishing gear into one stick and either an ultra-light spinning Fly-in fishing battery and trolling motor on his fly-in. compact tackle bag. I really like the or a fly rod. Obviously, if you’re going Taking a fly-in fishing trip into a He was told he could, as long as he left soft-sided tackle boxes with the for a brook trout fly-in, you can leave remote Canadian lake requires some all his fishing gear and clothing behind. individual trays for fly-in trips. Take the heavy gear behind. Have a spare serious planning. You need to know The motor stayed on the dock. some time and just pick tackle you of whatever rod you are most likely know you’ll use. If you’re going into to use. For some reason. I’ve broken a walleye/pike/bass fishery, you can more rods on fly-ins than on all my make individual trays of jigs and other trips combined. Reels should be twister bodies, crankbaits, spoons taken off the rod and carefully packed

tario Fishi n g n On tario Norther and then whatever odds and ends you with your clothes. Make sure you have Fishi n g n On tario Norther need (hooks, sinkers, steel leaders, at least one extra reel. Always travel snaps etc.). You should also have pliers, with your rods in a rod tube. Loose forceps, jaw spreaders, tape measure, rods and reels are an accident waiting a hook hone and a small first aid kit in to happen and most float plane pilots your tackle box. Just make sure you hate storing them in the plane’s hold. know what you’ll be fishing for and When it comes to clothing, be very in what conditions. Make sure your selective about what you bring, and tackle can be secured and won‘t spill err on the side of warmth and dryness. out in the plane. I use a leather belt You must have top quality rain gear to tighten down the flaps on the soft if you’re going on a fly-in trip. If it tackle bag. Spilled tackle boxes can be rains every day, you’ll be stuck in the very dangerous in a float plane. cabin or frozen if you try to make As for rods, I usually bring as many do with a cheap plastic poncho. On as I can get in one large hard-shell rod summer fly-ins, I’ll pack shorts as tube. Generally, that’s two medium well as long pants (one pair fleece),

38 39 a couple t-shirts, a long-sleeve shirt, This tackle box is checked as luggage. turtleneck, long and short underwear, All my terminal gear goes in this box, a wool sweater, a fleece pullover, including pliers, forceps, etc. If the various warm socks, rubber boots, box has a strap make sure it is secured hiking boots and rain gear. I bring a and not hanging loose. Tackle needs rain hat as well as a couple of baseball to be very secure on airline flights as or sun hats. Polarized sunglasses, all packages are man-handled and a sunscreen and bug repellant are also spilled tackle box is bad, bad news. a must. In the spring and fall, I’ll bring Rods need to be carefully packed in a winter clothes with me on all fly-ins, top quality hard-shell rod case. There including a toque, gloves, snow pants are some excellent travel tubes on the and a floater jacket. Always make sure market. The good ones are worth the

Angling that you know if the outpost camp has extra money as I’ve had lightweight Angling adequate personal floatation devices plastic rod cases come out of the plane for everyone. If in doubt, bring your looking like a banana. All rod cases own. should be padlocked. As an added All my clothing is packed into a precaution, I bring a roll of duct tape hockey bag sized waterproof bag. and wrap up the top of the rod case. The one I own is made by North Face That helps keep the possibility of theft and cost me a pretty penny, but it was down. Make sure your name, address worth it. If you’ve ever had a canvas and phone number are prominently bag sit on a float plane dock in the displayed on the tube and under a rain, you know how wet your gear can clear tape. Find out if the rod tubes become. A waterproof bag solves that will be treated as regular baggage or problem. carried out into the baggage claims Most outpost camps don’t provide area. Rods can be easily stolen when depth finders. I always bring a portable they are deposited in special baggage

tario Fishi n g n On tario Norther unit with two extra rechargeable far from the carousel. Fishi n g n On tario Norther 12-volt batteries. Even the most As a rule, I pack my reels with my remote lake can have tough fishing, clothes in a suitcase or a secure pack. and having a depth unit helps you find Remember that most airlines restrict reefs and other structure quickly. your checked bags to two or three pieces. Check what the rules are well Airline Travel before you leave. You will be charged Airline travel is never a picnic for extra if you have too much baggage. the intrepid angler, but since 9/11 Scaling down and doing more with there have been even more changes. less are things most of us anglers don’t The bottom line for airline travel is like to do. Yet it’s amazing how much this: you won’t be able to bring fishing you can do without, while still having gear as carry-on baggage any more, a good time fishing. As blues guitar so pack carefully. I travel with a large legend JJ Cale once sang: “Travellin’ soft-sided tackle box that zips up light, it’s the only way to fly.” securely and can be locked if required.

40 41 Birds as clues Be a tourist Sea gulls, loons, kingfishers and other For crying out loud, don’t fish the birds that make their living off eating same spot too long unless you’re fish are a huge clue. Simply put: cast catching fish! Move around the lake your line where they are. A pair of and take in the sights. Often you’ll loons bobbing on the lake are not catch fish within minutes of dropping on the outfitters payroll as tourist your line into the water if you’re in attractions. “Oh look, a loon!” you say the right location. So don’t spend an as you motor by to fish somewhere eternity sitting in the boat staring else. Stop the boat and fish where they aimlessly at your rod tip waiting for are fishing. The same can be said for it to move. If fish aren’t biting move a congregation of gulls, or an eagle to another spot. This adds interest to

Angling Finding Fish in Ocean. It’s because they provide the sitting in a high tree along the bank. your day and you get to see the entire Angling right conditions for bait fish. If bait Suffice to say, these fish-eating birds body of water by the trip’s end. Strange Waters fish are present, then game fish are know where to find dinner. Finally, be patient but energetic present. when fishing. Also don’t overlook the by Scott Earl Smith • Points are significant because Cover ground obvious. Often the nicest fish of the Here’s the scenario: You’ve been they often denote a change in Troll or drift with the current or wind trip is waiting right under the dock in flown into a remote lake for a week of underwater structure. They also while fishing so that you cover lots of front of your cabin (hint, hint). wilderness fishing. You’ve heard that provide shade and a windbreak. water while your jig or lure is plying there are so many fish they virtually Bait fish will always be found near the depths. You can sit stationary jump into the boat. But reality sinks in a point. in one spot and catch nothing; as you stand on the dock and look at • Narrows have similar meanwhile a school of fish is foraging miles of shoreline stretching in every characteristics to points but 100 feet away. If you move while direction. What do you do? Where additionally provide a pinch point fishing, then you stand a better chance do you start? Here are some of the for a current. Whether it’s an of finding that school. secrets I’ve kept under my hat… until actual flowing system, or simply

tario Fishi n g n On tario Norther now. a subtle windblown current, Fishi n g n On tario Norther narrows act like a funnel for fish Know where to go food. First off, start with the places marked • Stream inflows and outflows on the map by the outfitter or previous have the same funnelling guests. These are “no-brainers.” But characteristics as narrows. Fish beware that fish don’t read maps gather at a stream inflow or and they may not be where they're outflow as the current is bringing supposed to be. food sources to or from that Humans, on the other hand, do read stream confluence. Often these maps! Look for prominent points, locations have weed growth near narrows, and places where streams the mouth of the creek growing connect with the main body of in the fertile bottom sediment. water. These locations produce fish Somewhere beyond that sediment anywhere in the world whether you’re is a drop-off to deeper water. Fish fishing in Canada, Russia, or the Pacific there.

42 43 Any Old Mickey doing all we could to keep from going overboard from laughter. Here was Mouse Rig Will a full fledged AARP member the size of an SUV, using a fishing rod the size Work of his pinky finger and out-fishing the rest of us three to one. (but you need to find them first) That stunt had to be one of Ted’s by Chris Clemmons best, but there’s a serious truth to the message: once you find the fish It seems that every group that goes you really don’t need to get fancy to to Canada to fish has a joker. You catch them in these waters. All you know, the guy who pulls the funny really need is a few dozen assorted

Angling stunts at some point during the week. jig heads, some twister tails and some Angling In our case that guy is Ted, a gentle miscellaneous plugs. However, you still giant who, if it hadn’t been for a bum need to find the fish before you can knee, probably would have gone on to catch them. Sometimes that can take a play some pro football. little more finesse, even in Canada. Three years ago, six of us were fishing for walleye and pike a remote outpost The 80/20 rule in Northern Ontario. The fishing had It’s easy to forget that 80% of the fish there’s still more to it than that. When the best structure on the lake but drop been great, as always, and all three inhabit only about 20% of the water. you find a “good-looking” spot, you still their anchor 30 to 50 yards from the boats in our camp arrived at one of our Looking at it from that perspective, have to find the spot-within-the-spot. sweet spot and never get a bite. When favorite sweet spots to fish together. if you’re fishing a 26,000-acre lake In other words, the sweet spot on the you find a good-looking structure, use As we settled in and started to bait our like Whitewater, that gives you about structure that most of the fish will be your motor as a tool for searching. lines, Ted, two boats over, loudly says, 5,200 acres of productive water relating to. This can take more time Move, search, and fish, all at the same “I once was told that just about any to fish and roughly 20,800 acres of than you think because, similar to the time. This will help you eliminate the old Mickey Mouse rig would work on unproductive water. That’s a whole 80/20 rule of thumb for the overall 80% of unproductive structure and

tario Fishi n g n On tario Norther these lakes.” lot of unproductive water that you lake, 80% of the fish on any given find the more productive 20% faster. Fishi n g n On tario Norther We all turned to look and, sure could waste time fishing. Most of us structure usually only relate to about Here are some mobile presentation enough, Ted pulls a toy Mickey Mouse only have three to six days to fish, so 20% of it. This is especially true in July, techniques used by pro anglers to find pole out of his duffle bag. This thing we want to find the fish fast so we can August and early September when the deep, 15- to 40-foot sweet spot couldn’t have been more than two spend the rest of our trip relaxing and, fish are in tighter schools relating and hone in on great action quickly. feet long and it had a pink jig with a most importantly, catching. to deeper structures. To put it in a Also, because we’re talking about mid white twister tail tied to the end of the So how do you eliminate nutshell, mid- and late-summer fish to late summer and deep water, these line. unproductive water quickly and can be a challenge to find, but once are a great ways to find trophy pike as We rolled with laughter as Ted (with narrow in on the best spots to fish? you do find them, the fishing can be well. his five-pound thumb) clicked the tiny You don’t just drive the boat out to the the best of the season. Forward troll crankbaits. This can be button on the reel to release his line middle of the lake and start fishing. a good way to find loose schools of fish and jig to the bottom. The funniest You look for some kind of structure Up your presentation while searching a large flat area in 12 part was that within two jigs of his that’s likely to attract fish, such as One of the biggest mistakes summer to 20 feet of water. An SR9 Shad Rap rod and a flick of his 15-inch wrist, points, reefs, weeds, island clusters, anglers make is to just simply find a or DHJ12 Deep-Diving Husky Jerk Ted landed a chunky 19-inch walleye. sand flats or current flow. These are good-looking spot, drop the anchor in silver, blue or fire-tiger are good A pile of fish later, the rest of us were great places to start your search but and start fishing. They may, in fact, find choices. Slowly troll, at idle speed or

44 45 slightly faster, with about 75 to 120 to 2 Gum-Drop floating jig with feet of line let out behind your boat. live bait, or a Northland Baitfish You’ll know you are at the right speed Float’n Spin Harness and night when your rod tip vibrates from the crawler. lure’s action and you’ll know you have After you’re rigged, find one of the correct amount of line out when those good-looking structures that your lure ticks the bottom every so we talked about earlier and locate often. the deeper water surrounding it. Back troll a three-way rig. This will Depending on the spot and the lake, give you a more pinpoint presentation the deep water could range from 20 to than forward trolling crank baits, and 50 feet. it will keep your lure in the strike zone Now, put your motor in reverse and

Angling longer. So often in summer and early start to back troll your three-way rig. Angling fall, we’ll find the fish tightly bunched Use your motor’s gear-shift lever to on a tiny piece of a large structure. The kick the motor in and out of gear to three-way rig will help you find that maintain bottom contact with your tiny spot quickly. Here’s how to do it: sinker. For optimal control of your rig, try to keep your main line at a • Step 1: run 10- to 12-pound test 35- to 45-degree angle in the water. mono or fire line as your main line Methodically back troll your rig back from your reel. Always be sure and forth in an “S” pattern around that the main line from your reel the structure. Slowly work your way to the rig is the strongest, then if shallower, while keeping an eye on you get snagged, you won’t lose your locator for fish. the whole rig and have to retie When you see a nice pod of fish everything. on your locator and get a strike, • Step 2: tie on a size 2 - 1/0 three- immediately throw a marker out, turn

tario Fishi n g n On tario Norther way swivel. Then add a 12- to 24- the boat around and make a couple Fishi n g n On tario Norther inch dropper line of 6- to 8-pound more passes with your rig. If you get test mono and, depending on bit a couple more times, chances are the depth you plan to search, tie you’ve found the elusive sweet spot. a 3⁄4- to 2-ounce weight to the Now’s the time to drop your anchor end of your dropper line. (Lindy’s and vertical jig, cast or run a slip No-Snagg Sinkers, a pencil sinker bobber. It won’t really matter what or bell sinker all work well for this lure you use because you’ve done your rig.) work, found the fish and, at this point, • Step 3: tie a 36- to 48-inch leader “any old Mickey Mouse rig will work.” of 8- to 10-pound Berkley Vanish Fluorocarbon or monofilament line to the three-way swivel. • Step 4: finally, for the meat and potatoes portion of the rig, add a J7 - J9 jointed Rapala, a size 1

46 47 Low Water 101 seems longer and more pronounced for anglers to put boats in the lake. become even better spots for trophy than others in recent memory. It may Lake Superior is so low that some pike than normal. Pike set up on Troublesome lows be climate change, or it may just be river mouths became inaccessible to these open water zones and ambush the ebb and flow of weather, but the migratory fish like rainbow trout and the walleye, sucker and herring that Low water: those two words rarely bottom line is -- it’s very dry. smelt. have been displaced due to change in conjure up good thoughts. If you’re a Forest fire is another major concern habitat. Trolling large spoons or cranks farmer, low water makes it tough to when the north is in drought. Last fall, The bright side around this open water structure can irrigate the crops and keep the cattle it was so dry in the Northwest that While low water has many be a killer technique when pike are quenched. Low water is also bad news forest fires raged well into the fall. downsides, for anglers it can also be displaced by low water levels. for large cities that rely on reservoirs This was highly unusual fire behaviour, positive. In low water years, fish in for drinking water. In Northwestern stretching fire crews of the Ontario large river systems like the Albany Low water and lakes Ontario, low water means rivers are Ministry of Natural Resources to the tend to become more centralized. It On lakes, low water can actually

Angling trickier to negotiate and lakes that limit. This past winter remained dry, can also become easier to read where improve the fishing. Once again, it has Angling have large beaches and docks out of with low snow levels across the region. the fish will be in large rivers. Pools, to do with the limited amount of prime the water. The lack of snow has lead to very low runs and back eddies that have been holding water. When certain reefs In recent years much of Canada (and water levels this year. Lake Superior, hidden by deep flow become more come out of the water, fish will have that includes right here in Northwest the world’s largest freshwater lake, obvious. to find the next deepest structure to Ontario) has suffered serious drought. is nearing an all-time low level. This The Nipigon, a favourite fishing river hold and feed. Walleye will accumulate These dry spells have happened has affected shipping on the Greatest in Ontario, is at a very low level this on reefs that are still under the water, before of course, but this latest event of Lakes and has even made it tricky year. Normally the river is so high and along deeper weed beds. So that you can’t walk along its banks when a favourite hotspot becomes without potentially falling in. This year, too shallow to fish, you need only find the Nipigon is about as low as it gets. similar structure close by in slightly Reefs and sandbars have appeared deeper water and you are almost in spots that normally have four feet certain to get into fish. Oftentimes the of water flowing over them. The river first deep reef is loaded. Low water has become a lot less friendly for big on lakes also allows you to get a really

tario Fishi n g n On tario Norther boats, but is now the ultimate river for good look at some reefs, shoals and Fishi n g n On tario Norther fly fishing. other structures that would normally The definition of the pools, and the be underwater. It’s fascinating to reduced holding area, means it will be examine a classic reef, and try to figure a great fishing year on the river. On out why fish hold on it. Often there large rivers like the Albany, low water is large boulder, or quick break that is offering the same opportunity. It’s is the fish magnet. Being able to look always an adventure to find where at structure up close really helps to brook trout are hiding, but low water understand why fish are where they usually means less time spent looking. are. Pike are also affected by low water, None of us like low water. It’s hard on and will have to move out of the the environment and an inconvenience inshore weed beds that become too to boaters. But if there was ever an shallow for them. Low water can opportunity for an anglers to turn mean that open water structure lemons into lemonade, low water is it. like reefs, shoals and drop-offs will

48 49 Pro Tricks for the flame red or chartreuse spinner blades situations, and it certainly holds true feet in length. While this is okay for on their Little Joe spinners. These for spring walleye. Wind activates many shallow water situations, finicky Walleye Opener colours have certainly put quite a few walleye by blowing in warm surface walleye will turn a wet nose up at fish in the boat over the years. But in water, stirring up shoreline areas, a bait that’s running too close to a by Gord Ellis the western provinces and Dakotas, obscuring sunlight and disorienting sinker. If this is happening to you, try a As walleye fishing days go, very few white blades have proven to be a baitfish. A windy warm front is the five, six or even eight-foot leader. That create as much excitement as the real walleye killer in clear and murky perfect spring scenario. The longer the small adjustment alone can make a big opening of the season. Yet as anyone water. Many of the favourite prey wind blows on a shoreline, the better. difference in the number of bites you who's fished more than a couple species for walleye are white in colour. However, if the wind is cold, you might get. openers will tell you, it's not always Can't hurt to try them if the spinner have to get out of the wind to find fun and games. Snow, high water, bite goes dead. active fish. Walleye will also bask in Try a tube jig rain and brutal heat are all possible shallow bays where the sun warms the Seems radical, yes. Yet some pro Drift with the wind

Angling in Northwest Ontario on the opening bottom. anglers catch more trophy walleye Angling day. Sometimes all on the same day! There are a lot of gas motors grinding on tube jigs than on anything else. A This can make the walleye bite tricky. away on opening morning, and after Use a long leader four-inch tube on a half-ounce head is And really, who wants to get skunked a time this will put shallow fish down. Lindy Rigs and other live bait about right. White, brown, black and during the opener? So here are eight If the wind is blowing at a speed less presentations are an excellent choice blue tubes are the best for walleye. "pro" walleye fishing tricks that might than about two miles per hour, try for spring walleye fishing. But the Cast the thing out then hop and drag it give you a leg up on the spiny ones this drifting over your favourite spot. packaged leaders that some anglers back across the bottom. If a fish takes spring. Pitch a jig and minnow to shore or try use are often no more than three it, you'll know! dragging a live bait rig. It’s amazing Adjust your jig what a difference the quiet approach Many lead head jigs gain a little extra can make. An electric trolling motor bite by turning the point of the hook will help you keep the boat in position, up. A wider hook gap means the barb if that's an option. can more easily stick into the walleyes’ bony mouth. Some anglers will also Troll crankbaits

tario Fishi n g n On tario Norther give the hook a slight offset. A pair of With many lakes already seeing Fishi n g n On tario Norther needlenose pliers will do both these water temperatures in the double jobs with ease. digits, you can be sure that the whopper walleye will be looking Add a rattle for large forage. Minnow-bodied The new rattle jig collars that are on crankbaits like the Rapala Husky Jerk, the market can turn any plain jig into Rattlin' Rogue or the Bagley Bang O a rattle jig. In windy conditions, or in are often just the kind of mouthful dark or muddy water, a rattle jig will that the biggest fish in the swim are definitely help put more fish in the tuned into. Use a quarter-ounce boat. If you like to troll crankbaits, rubber core, or a half-ounce bottom stock up on some of the rattlin' models bouncer and keep the lure a foot or that are out there. two off the bottom. Try a white spinner blade Fish the windy shore Most Canadian walleye anglers use This is a general rule in many fishing

50 51 Walleye Not as well or even better than live bait in their nose, they can’t resist their urge you’re marking fish and start snapping certain situations. to pounce. This reaction from kitty the jig about a foot or two up from Biting? Sometimes, walleye just don’t care to isn’t because she loves us and want the bottom. Use your motor to slowly eat. This is often the case when lake’s to play; it’s in their DNA to react this work around the area, letting line out Try triggering a reaction with snap water temperatures are cool in early way and goes back to when Fluffy was as needed to reach bottom. This is jigging spring and fall, or when there is an part of the Big Cat family. Originally a called snap jigging. The key is to make overabundance of natural forage, like hunting instinct for survival, the reflex sure your jig drops back to the bottom A myth prevails that big fish in mid-summer. In these conditions, has been hardwired over thousands of on a semi-tight line. If you leave too (particularly walleye) must be caught get out the plastics, speed things up, years. This Big Cat reaction to stimuli much slack in the line, then you won’t with live bait. Many anglers are taught and trigger a reaction bite. This is the has been passed along to our pets in feel the strike and you will miss a lot that when walleye fishing is slow and perfect time to trigger their natural the form of play. of fish. On the other hand, if you keep they don’t want to eat, you need to instinct to react. A parallel instinct exists in game fish, too much tension on the line, your jig

Angling slow your presentation way down, including walleye. Like cats, walleye won’t fall quickly enough to trigger the Angling drop a minnow in front of their nose, Catlike instincts have been around for a long time and strike. and finesse them into biting. While it’s Similar to a house cat at play, walleye have also evolved to ambush things for true that many a big walleye have been have a reaction instinct they just can’t survival. The instinct to react to stimuli Snap to it caught on live bait, almost as many control. For example, many house is almost as prevalent in a walleye as it It will take some practice to get have been caught using artificial lures cats are known for ignoring much of is in Fluffy. Similar to a cat, the key to the technique just right, but you’ll and a special technique known as snap what we humans do, but as soon as we triggering a response from a walleye is know when you do! In tournament jigging. Once mastered, it will work enticingly dangle a string in front of to fluster it. Get things moving faster fishing, snap jigging has reached and more irregularly. The trick is to an elite level, with some pros move your lure sharply and quickly. using Jigging Rapalas and Shiver When that lure zips by a walleye in Minnows. These swimming jigs were a style and speed that is different originally designed for ice fishing but from what it is used to, it can trigger a tournament anglers discovered they reaction. You will be rewarded even on are ideal for triggering reaction strikes the days they hardly touch live bait. during cool open water periods, or

tario Fishi n g n On tario Norther when the fish seem to be lethargic Fishi n g n On tario Norther Snap jigging how-to due to an overabundance of forage. The next time you’re faced with cool Tournaments have been won by snap water conditions or if the walleyes jigging in 30 feet of water, when the that were biting yesterday seemed walleye would hardly touch live bait. to have disappeared, grab a jig out of The other advantage of snap jigging your tackle box that is one size larger without live bait is that you’ll spend than you would normally use with live more time with your jig in the water bait. For example, if conditions dictate fishing, and less time re-baiting. Plus, using a quarter-ounce jig and minnow, without minnows, it’s easier to keep then go up to a three-eighths-ounce your hands dry and warm. Bottom jig, leave the minnow off, and simply line: when the water is cool or the add a four- or five-inch bright colored, walleye seemed to be sluggish, lay off scented, twister style tail (like a Power the minnows and try this snap jigging Bait or Gulp Grub). technique. Next, drop your jig down to where

52 53 Angling Angling tario Fishi n g n On tario Norther Fishi n g n On tario Norther

54 55 Early Summer to help you become a Pike Master this to be hanging out near the mouths mottled side of a pike is really just summer. of bays, adjacent to the first drop off. weed camouflage. Pike like to sit Pike Trophy pike also like to set up shop on motionless in weed beds and ambush Think shallow shallow rock piles not far from deep prey that happens to swim by. Weeds by Gord Ellis Early spring sees many pike up in the water. Here they snack on walleye, that are associated with reefs or Early summer is a great time of year shallows spawning, but by the end of suckers and bass. River mouths are boulder beds consistently give up to be on the water. If you’re a pike May the really big fish are back in the also a great place to catch big pike, larger fish than weed without rocks. angler, or are interested in becoming depths. However, as the weeds come especially when the walleye and bass Rocky reefs are home to bass, walleye one, the early summer period provides up and forage fish like suckers, shiners start to make evening migrations into and perch, while weeds provide cover a great chance to catch a real monster. and perch get active, trophy pike the current. for those species and various types of Let’s face it: no matter what you return to the shallows. minnows. Put a reef and a weed bed think of them, there are few fish They may not be in the very backs of Look for weeds and rocks together and you have the perfect mix

Angling more explosive on rod and line than a bays, but they are often in less than Most of us probably know that pike of habitat for pike. Angling 20-pound pike. Here are just a few tips ten feet of water. Look for big hawgs like weeds. The green and cream However, this type of situation is tario Fishi n g n On tario Norther Fishi n g n On tario Norther

56 57 not easily found. Because the best on, even when they aren’t hooked. cheap ones will open right up. This is boatside and break off. The fact is, big reefs with weeds are often out of not a pretty sight. You truly get what pike are often very docile until they sight, many are not touched by the Don’t forget spoons you pay for with steel leaders. A steel get right up to the boat. Huge pike will majority of pike anglers. It should While there are many great ways leader of about a foot in length will do come in like logs, giving the impression be no surprise that walleye anglers to catch pike, spoons still top the list. for most pike fishing situations. If you they aren’t going to fight. Then they let often catch trophy pike; they fish the Spoons are especially deadly in the are trolling, an 18-inch leader may be a loose. rock and weed stuff regularly. Pike early summer, when the water has better choice, as pike have a bad habit Always assume there are several go where the food is. The larger the warmed enough to get the metabolism of rolling themselves up in the leader. good power surges in every gator and supply of food, the better a pike likes of the pike high. The throb and wobble A longer leader will reduce the chance don’t try to net or hand land a fish it. of a spoon is the most appealing action of them cutting the line on a roll. early. Let it tire out. Then net or grab to a pike on the prowl. You can either it under the jaw and bring it in. If you Who you calling a jerk? cast or troll a spoon; both ways work Don’t rush a big pike in put a big pike that’s still “green” into a

Angling The jerkbait family is a wide one, and equally well. Use lighter weight, large So you’ve hooked a big pike. Maybe boat, you will pay a price. Tackle boxes Angling includes wooden baits like the Suick, bodied spoons in shallow water, and you were fishing for it, maybe not. But will go flying, hooks will be buried in Reef Hawg, Ernie and Smitty bait, and heavier spoons in deeper stuff. it’s a big one and you want to land it. bad places and you might even capsize an ever-growing number of plastic Weedless spoons like the Johnson The biggest mistake people make with a smaller boat. Don’t rush a big pike. baits such as the Sledge. Throwing Silver Minnow are great when the pike big pike is to try and rush the fish into Take your time landing it. jerkbaits is perhaps the most efficient are buried in the cabbage. Weedless the boat. If you try to land a big pike One last note: consider letting the big way of getting a big early summer pike spoons are also a good choice for kids when it’s “green”, then more often than fish go. We need them for the future. to hit. Some jerkbaits can be bought in who invariably throw their lures into not, that fish will make a power run at sizes up to 12 inches, but for pike, I’d the thickest tangles. Silver-bellied pike stick with about a six-inch lure. Even spoons are the choice on sunny days; the largest pike seem more interested brass on the darker days. As for spoon in “smaller” lures than do similar sized colour, yellow/five of diamonds, black/ muskie. white, hot orange/gold and firetiger There is no real action to a jerkbait, are all good choices. The classic red hence the name. To make the jerkbait and white Eppinger Dardevle spoon is

tario Fishi n g n On tario Norther come alive, you need to impart action. still the all-time classic pike killer. Fishi n g n On tario Norther The flat-bodied baits like the Suick need to be fished with a downward Steel leaders chop-stop action. Pop your rod down, You need to use a steel leader when reel up some slack and pop it again. you fish specifically for pike. The The Suick should dive down about five reason for using a steel leader is this: feet. Weighted lures will get deeper. the shape of a pike’s teeth allow them The rounded, baseball bat shaped to cut through monofilament and lures like the Reef Hawg can be fished braided line like scissors. You might with a snappy, downward rod action not lose every pike without a steel as well, but they will roll from side leader, but rest assured that you will to side. The slow rolling-over action get a bite-off sooner or later. Usually of these “glide baits” is great in cool this occurs when you are using the water and over reefs. You really need only lure that is catching fish. to set the hooks on all jerk-baits, as Steel leaders for pike need to be well pike will often clamp down and hold made and have a decent clasp. The

58 59 Brook Trout 101 of aquatic environments. Brook trout Use the smallest you can find. The floating sideways, which causes snags. can live in river and stream systems, purpose of the sinkers is to control In a larger river, brook trout will stay The Albany River Watershed, tiny first order tributaries, small the way your bait floats downstream. at the base of a rapids or waterfalls. with its fast cold waters, houses an ponds, large lakes and estuaries. With this method, your bait will be You may find them in deep pools but abundant supply of brook trout (a.k.a almost straight down from your float generally they like bubbles in the “brookies”). Many anglers, especially Fishing for brook trout as it moves downstream. Why? When water. Think about how to approach those who have angled only for First let’s discuss handling these a fish hits your line your float reacts the area you want to fish, as they walleye and pike, may still think of the fragile fish. Always wet your hands at once. It also keeps your bait just off spook very easily. brook trout as illusive. This guide is for before touching a brook trout. They bottom and it prevents your line from the first-time brook trout angler, and have very sensitive skin and if you hold as a refresher course for those who one with dry hands you will rub the have chased these prized specs before. protective layer of slime off their skin

Angling and the trout will die of infection. Angling Biology and habitat needs Fishing for brook trout is similar Brook trout are part of the trout and to river fishing for rainbow trout. salmon family and the char genus. Key Small spinners like #0 Mepps or distinguishing markings are cream- #0 Blue Foxes work best. They will colored spots on a dark background. also hit worms and natural bugs like The spots along the back (dorsal) are grasshoppers or mayflies. elongated and appear worm-like while Fly fishing with artificial flies is the spots below the lateral line are an excellent method. The most round, red and each is surrounded by a convenient bait for river fishing is the bluish halo. Berkley Trout Bait. It's a smelly dough Brook trout are native to eastern that molds like Silly Putty. A small jar North America, from Labrador and will last all day and it fits into your Newfoundland south to the southern pocket. Just roll up a small bit into a Appalachian Mountains of Georgia round ball the size of a salmon egg

tario Fishi n g n On tario Norther and South Carolina, west to Iowa and put it on your hook. When fishing Fishi n g n On tario Norther and Minnesota and north to eastern for brook trout, you should use 6- or Manitoba. The world record came 4-pound test line with really small from Lake Nipigon, just north of hooks. The most popular hooks for Thunder Bay, and many believe that trout are the Eagle Claw Laser Sharp Northwestern Ontario’s Albany River trout hooks. watershed offers the best brook trout A great way to fish the slow-moving angling in North America. pools or deep rapids is with a Saugeen Brook trout need lots of oxygen and River Trout Float Rig. You still use light a water temperature of 53 degrees or line with trout bait but the setup is a colder. Because of this, brook trout little different. You have to estimate actively migrate up and down the the depth of the water. Let say it's rivers all year looking for the right three feet deep. Put a trout float on conditions. Brook trout, like other your line about 2.75 feet up from your salmonids, have evolved in their hook. Every six inches you would want capacity to take advantage of a variety to put a very tiny sinker on the line.

60 61 FAQs trout commonly live for three to • How big do they get? How big a four years. A few make it to the brook trout gets is dependent on age of five or six years. what stream it comes from. The • What do they eat? Brook trout common size that many anglers are opportunistic feeders and catch from heavily fished streams will eat whatever they can find. In or lakes in the U.S. is 150 to 250 small streams they prefer aquatic mm (six to 10 inches), but in areas insects (nymphs) that live under of little fishing, they can get as the rocks and along the stream large as 400 mm (15 inches). bottom. Land insects, like ants and Heading north makes a difference. beetles, that fall into the water are Those that live along the shores of readily eaten, as are small crayfish.

Angling Lake Superior reach 600 mm (24 They will eat other small fish and Angling inches). The world record is a 6.6 minnows but only when they are kg (14.5 pounds) brook trout from easy to catch. few piscivorous ("fish-eating") fish calm and the sky is clear. Any Lake Nipigon here in Ontario. • What eats them? Brook trout have live where they do. Larger trout, other conditions will cause them • How long do they live? Brook few aquatic predators because especially brown trout, eat smaller to slow down. In early spring, the brook trout. They are more likely trout seem to feed in other parts to be eaten by such fish-eating of the day. In some lakes the trout birds as herons, and kingfishers. feed aggressively before dark. Otters and snapping turtles also prey upon them. • How do they reproduce? As a char, brook trout spawn in the fall among loose gravel in streams and rivers, or on groundwater upwellings in ponds and lakes. The

tario Fishi n g n On tario Norther peak of the spawning occurs in late Fishi n g n On tario Norther October to early November. Using their tail fins, a female constructs a shallow depression in clean stream gravel where she deposits her eggs. After a male fertilizes them, the female covers the eggs with gravel. There they incubate though the winter months and hatch out in the early spring. • What’s the best time of day to fish for brook trout? In the summertime, brook trout hit best in the morning between first light and 10:30am. They will hit better if the surface of the water is dead

62 63 Other Activiteis Other Activities Other

Chapter 3 Other Activities tario Fishi n g n On tario Norther Fishi n g n On tario Norther

64 65 Other Activiteis Other Activities Other

Canoe and Kayak the noise of the city I could focus on fishing and numerous opportunities shoreline for some discovery of their the sights and sounds of the natural for the recreational paddler. Following own. Exploring the beautiful woods Paddling world around me. With each stroke of the little tributaries as they meander in search of nature’s treasures; fresh the paddle I could feel the stress of the from Whitewater Lake is a great way berries, a bird’s nest, or a game trail by Robert Patterson day-to-day melting away. Even though to practice different strokes and learn are all reminders that we are visitors In a past life, I had it made. Spending the farthest north I made it was the how to better handle a canoe or kayak. in this special place. You’ll create great the summers introducing others to Mattawa River, just north of Hwy 17, Getting the hang of these agile crafts summer memories for kids to share the joys of recreational paddling the relative quiet was something I will allow avid anglers a chance to with their friends.

tario Fishi n g n On tario Norther and taking energetic youngsters on longed for all year. search for unchartered fishing spots The next time you visit Whitewater Fishi n g n On tario Norther multi-day canoe trips throughout Coming further north to Thunder Bay away from the bigger lake. Lake, change things up a bit and swap the Ontario wilderness was great. for school I soon realised the magic Corporate groups and individuals out the traditional motor-powered Growing up in Toronto, it was hard was only a short trip away. Despite all looking for something new to add to boat for a canoe or kayak and a paddle. to really get beyond the hustle and my previous experiences, I was not the traditional fishing experience will If I’m there I’d be more than happy to bustle of the city without having to prepared for the vast undisturbed appreciate the challenge of navigating head out with you and explore some of travel great lengths, so I cherished wilderness that lay just beyond the in a kayak. Sharing the adventure the sights, or to find another seasoned the opportunities summer camps city. Catching a ride on the Otter, with others will help promote team paddler to tag along. Regardless of provided. I was blown away by the paddling spirit, enhance self-discovery, and your paddling abilities, the solitude Slipping the canoe into the lake, all potential I saw on my way to Striker’s inspire a willingness to tackle difficult and serenity of the northern wilds will was quiet and peaceful. The dip of Point. All those little lakes and rivers situations as people briefly reflect on leave its mark on you just as they have a paddle, the splash of a fish, or the just waiting to be explored -- it’s no the natural world around them. made a lasting impression on me. fluttering feathers of a bird were the wonder they call Wabakimi Provincial Family groups looking to add to only sounds to break the calming Park the canoe capital of Canada. their wilderness fly-in experience silence. Gliding smoothly across the In the middle of this paradise is can have lodge staff shuttle boats water I was in my element. Free from Whitewater Lake, which boasts great across the lake to an island or distant

66 67 camera is readily accessible it makes is a polarizer – a filter that screws it easy to stop and get a few shots on the lens and removes the sting without breaking stride. of harsh light from the image. Like Being prepared to shoot at all times looking through a pair of sunglasses, makes sense in a wilderness setting a polarizer accentuates blue sky and because you never really know when clouds and adds saturation. Like an a photo-worthy situation will present angler’s polarized fishing glasses, it itself. Don’t wait till you’ve hooked and also removes the glare from water. landed a trophy northern pike to start This is particularly useful when taking rooting around in the bottom of your release shots of fish because they pack. When a bull moose runs across a will be much more visible even when swamp it’s usually too late if you have submerged.

Other Activiteis Other to think of what pocket the camera Activities Other is in. Waterproof hard plastic camera Tips for low light cases are great because they can rest Wildlife sightings, big fish and on the floor of a boat, along the bank scenic landscapes will often present of a river or even in the damp moss themselves in the low light of early of a swamp. Keep the camera close, morning or evening – or even on dark, protected and ready for action. stormy days. Low light situations can result in dramatic shots, but getting Keep an eye on the light them can be a bit more challenging. Photographing the like clouds, rain, fog, harsh light and Even on overcast days, a rule of Low light requires a slower shutter wind, it’s far easier to take a really thumb is to keep your back to the sun, speed which can result in blurry Wilderness bad photograph than a great one. so it shines on the subject, while being images due to movement of the But the same mercurial conditions careful not to cast a shadow into the camera or movement of the subject. by James Smedley that challenge us also give us the image. This is when you should consider Just about everyone flying into opportunity to take stunning outdoor On really bright days it’s a good turning up your ISO setting from

tario Fishi n g n On tario Norther Northwestern Ontario for a fishing, images. It’s the ever-changing idea to use fill flash. Popping up the say 200 up to 800 or more. The ISO Fishi n g n On tario Norther hunting or paddling trip brings along a conditions of the outdoors that make camera’s flash (or attaching a flash setting determines how sensitive the camera. photographing our wilderness trips unit) seems counter-intuitive in the camera sensor is to light. Photo quality We bring photography gear so we so intriguing. Here are some pointers bright light of afternoon, but flash is goes down as the ISO goes up, but the can photograph prize catches, capture on how to come back from your effective in removing harsh shadows, tradeoff is with faster shutter speeds wilderness beauty and document adventure with more keepers. especially if there are people in the and sharp images even in low light. As our experience to share with family shot. We’ve all seen shots of anglers darkness increases you can boost the and friends. We almost always come Be prepared and hunters wearing brimmed caps natural light with flash. home with a few excellent shots and, Packing a camera with good when the mid-afternoon sun is high in Another essential tool for tackling unfortunately, a lot of disappointing intentions is an excellent first step. the sky and their faces are blacked out low light situations, like sunsets and ones. Taking consistently good But don’t wait until the last day of the in shade. Although the fish or game late-night campfire scenes, is a tripod. wilderness photos is not easy. trip to pull it out. Even though you may may be the subject, it’s always nice to While the encroaching darkness Constantly changing light and be so enthralled with hunting, fishing, see who is in the photo. of evening can result in hauntingly weather conditions can make taking paddling or hiking that you don’t want beautiful images, even the slightest great photographs outdoors a real to stop to get a picture, it’s good to Sunglasses for the camera camera movement will cause an image challenge. In fact, with elements start shooting from day one. If the Another option for bright sunlight to blur. The best way to eliminate

68 69 movement, for crisp low light shooting, The best way to hold a fish depends is to mount the camera on a tripod. It’s on the species. While you can slide a another piece of gear to carry along on thumb into the relatively toothless the trip, but the results can be worth it. mouth of a bass, this is not a good idea with other species. Sliding an index Getting great fish shots finger behind the gill plate, being very If you are serious about getting careful not to touch the gill rakers, is good fish shots, it’s extremely helpful one way to control the head of toothy to have a fishing partner working fish like pike or walleye. Rather than towards the same goal. I usually let my hanging the fish vertically, sliding a partners know that if we get a decent hand under its belly allows a fish to be fish I intend to photograph it and will held horizontally or diagonally.

Other Activiteis Other enlist their services as a subject in the Gripping a fish where the body tapers Activities Other photo. Getting a great shot depends down toward the tail with one hand largely on the experience and skill of and supporting the creature under the subject because it can be difficult the belly with the other works well. to hold a live fish in such a way that it The fish can be lifted out of the water. looks good and is not harmed. Or better yet, get down at water level On an angling trip to Northwestern to photograph submerged or semi- Ontario you can be pretty certain submerged fish in their element. This of catching and releasing plenty of is also a great situation for release Watch the horizon Be sure to fill the frame with only trophy fish. Live fish must be held shots, when you can snap shots as a Tilting the camera at an angle to the the subject and those things that properly and with authority, especially fish swims away with a thrust of its tail. horizon can result in off-kilter images help to enhance it. A common when hoisting them for a photograph. where the shoreline or water surface mistake is to include way too much appears to be on a slant. Although a background. The classic example is of tilted horizon can be used to great an angler holding a trophy fish; you effect in some situations, on-the- end up with an image of a tiny angler

tario Fishi n g n On tario Norther water images of fish are best shot with and fish against a huge landscape. Fishi n g n On tario Norther the camera level to the horizon. There’s nothing wrong with including background in a fish shot, but a broad Composition expanse of real estate only detracts Before pressing the shutter, decide from the prize walleye or brook trout. what you want to include in an image Don’t be afraid to fill the frame with and where to place it within the frame. fish and fisherman or even a tight Placing the subject dead center rarely close-up of just the fish. works. The result is often a stale Along with the trophy fish, capture image. For a more dynamic shot, place some trophy photos to back up all the subject – whether it’s a fish, an the memories and stories of your animal, a waterfall or a sunset – about Northwestern Ontario adventure. one third of the way into the frame and use the lines, shapes and textures of the landscape to lead the eye through the image.

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Other Activiteis Other lakes that make great birding spots. Activities Other You’re bound see or at least hear www.SummerFunGuide.ca something neat. 1000’s of Listings • Coupons • Newsletter Even the serious angler is inspired to Itinerary Builder • Event Calendar be the occasional backyard birder. All it takes is some extra looking around. Search Online Who knows? Perhaps in the not-too- & Online as a trophy fishing destination, but distant future you will even start 1-866-385-1550 Birding [email protected] lesser-known are the 300+ species of checking bird species off your list. Where “twitchers” are born birds that call this region of wilderness their home – often returning to the You might not be a true twitcher same breeding and nesting spots (not to be confused with tweeter or each spring. In the fall, as many as five twerker!), a type of birder interested billion individual birds – including 40% in adding as many birds as possible to of North America’s waterfowl – stop

tario Fishi n g n On tario Norther your list. But at one point or another, in to Ontario’s Northern Boreal Forest Fishi n g n On tario Norther many of us have stopped to take notice on their journey south to warmer of a feathered friend passing through wintering grounds. the yard. Whether it’s gazing up at an Inside the 55 million acres of Ontario eagle circling overhead or watching forests all sorts of birds breed and a common finch search for seeds, fatten up for their migration south. birding is a sport that over 51 million With birds zipping through the canopy, people in North America participate in clinging to branches, and calling from regularly. perches, it’s hard to know where It’s easy to see why – there’s no to look as you take in all the sights equipment necessary. Having a set of and sounds of the forest. The mix of binoculars, note pad, camera, and field sounds is almost overwhelming but guide may help you know what kind of beautiful at the same time. Twitchers bird you’re looking at, but all you really can make out the distinctive croak need are your own eyes and ears. of a female golden eye; the hammer Northern Ontario is mainly known tap of a sapsucker; the discord of

74 75 Moose Hunting were the only people on a wilderness freezer is stocked for a year. importantly, our trip was a milestone lake choked with walleye, soaring in our father-son relationship. by Scott Earl Smith eagles, and a robust moose population. Charity potential I witnessed my son harvest a My son and I just returned from a For seven days this was our private Not only can you fill your freezer, you magnificent animal and watched him fly-in moose hunt in the far north resort. I’m not sure what the fair can fill someone else’s too! Last year I experience both joy and sadness, of Ontario. We were a lively cast of market price is for a personal piece chose to give a portion of my harvest jubilation and sorrow. In some ways it characters, with my friend Curt from of heaven, but for our dollar it was to families in my community that was a passage into adulthood. Oregon and two of his friends, Jack definitely worth it. needed and appreciated good meat. This year’s trip was also successful. and Russ. These guys are no ordinary This included a couple with five young The backaches, muscle pain and all- people: Curt runs a large agricultural No extra costs children and a moderate income. around exhaustion that goes with the supply company, and is my son’s Secondly, no one in our group had Don’t know someone like that? Put it harvest of a moose were relieved by father-in-law. Jack owns and operates to buy land with a cabin, or a quad- this way: If you have the wherewithal unrestrained laughter, high-fives and

Other Activiteis Other a 4,000-acre Oregon farm. And Russ, runner, or a boat, motor and trailer. No to find and harvest a moose, then back-slapping. We all experienced Activities Other a blue-collar paper mill worker, avid need for our own camp tent and stove, surely you can summon the skills to both new and deeper friendships. hunter and musician, once farted generator, gas, or countless other find someone who needs and enjoys We exchanged television for star continuously for 12 seconds. I believe sundry items to make the trip happen. wild meat. gazing and a brilliant display of the he holds the record for that state. All big-ticket equipment was supplied northern lights. We traded take-out During our week-long hunt we and included in the cost for the trip. Memories and friendship pizza for deep-fried walleye. harvested two magnificent bull moose. We did need a rifle, cartridges, Finally, what price do you put on Moreover, we flew back to civilization Moose, being the largest member of rubber boots, warm clothing, sleeping great memories and friendship? On with smiles on our faces. Not sure if the deer family, gave us the largest bag – and a “wee pilla” for our stress- last year’s fly-in my son, Timothy, we lost any weight – but certainly the haul of food we’d experienced in a swollen heads. Things that all hunters harvested a bull moose with a trophy weight of the world had been removed single outdoor adventure. need anyway. 54-inch rack that scored just shy of from our shoulders. Yes, our trip cost a pretty penny. But We also needed a small truckload of 185. This lands squarely in the top What kind of price tag can you put on was it cost effective? beans, sausages, eggs, bacon, fish crisp, 100 in the Ontario record book. More that? Well, for starters, our hunt netted cooking oil and carbonated beverages us 1,150 pounds of moose meat (including Alka Seltzer). But once

tario Fishi n g n On tario Norther presently hanging cooly in a local again, everyone needs to eat whether Fishi n g n On tario Norther butcher shop. And this is only part of you are at home or on holiday. So food the trip’s return on investment. is basically cost-neutral. Mental health A whole lotta meat Healthy hobbies provide a respite We also packed in some moose meat from work-related everyday stressors. from last year’s fly-in hunt. Everyone People that live long lives are usually in our party raved about the taste those who are passionate about and tenderness of the moose meat something other than their jobs. A – noting it was the best they’d ever trip where you are immersed in your had. Better than elk, deer or caribou. hobby affords a time of personal I enjoy moose more than beef. It has rejuvenation. virtually no fat content and no harmful On our fly-in trip we had no cellphone additives. Moose is the ultimate or internet service, no calls from the free-range, antibiotic and additive- office, and no traffic jams. In fact we free meat. Harvest a moose and your

76 77 Aerial Tours information about the area. Soon enough, we’re ready for takeoff. by Marlene Wandel The Beaver, heralded as one of the top It’s a gloomy, lashing-rain kind Canadian engineering achievements of summer morning the day I’m of the 20th century, soon leaves the scheduled for a float plane flight over water and points its orange nose the harbour. Heading to the harbour east to the Sleeping Giant. Massive where the tour is to start, I hope in freighters drop away below us, looking vain for the weather to miraculously less like industrial giants and more like improve. It doesn’t, but the mood at toy boats. the tour office is bright. Landmarks that normally reward “Let’s wait a bit,” the friendly staffers hours of hiking and paddling appear

Other Activiteis Other conclude. And so we do. Soon enough, effortlessly below us. We have indeed, Activities Other there is a window of opportunity in an as the John Magee poem says, “slipped expanding patch of blue sky. the surly bonds of earth”. The lilacs The orange de Havilland Beaver, flowering on the north end of tiny, affectionately known as the “Harley uninhabited Hare Island are bursting Davidson of planes” is waiting at the with color as they pass below. The dock. Soon we’re in motion as our Thunder Cape observation tower viewing of landmarks leaves me craft is exhilarating. We’re exempting pilot, the ever-cheerful Guy Cannon, peeks out above the canopy, and, as thrilled with our perspective, if ourselves from gravity, though we motors around the harbour, giving if on cue, an eagle soars beneath us, admittedly a little queasy. The stay firmly put in our seats. It’s not just the nine-cylinder piston engine time implying for a fleeting second that we lighthouse at Trowbridge Island is the lifting off and being airborne that to warm up. Meanwhile Guy warms are one of them. no longer home to the legendary elevates the experience; it is also the up the cabin with a seemingly endless Guy’s willingness to maneuver the Maureen Roberson, the colourful and change in perspective. The topography supply of anecdotes, stories and aircraft into position for optimum welcoming island caretaker that left of Sawyer Bay, Talus Lake and the her mark with legions of kayakers. But Chimney, as we pass over them today it is not deserted. Tiny siteseer without breaking a sweat, are not

tario Fishi n g n On tario Norther figures on the dock wave to us as we what is surprising. It’s the underwater Fishi n g n On tario Norther circle back for a better view. topography – barely knowable with At Silver Islet, the horizon drops our mere human apparati – that away, over and over. There is a perfect is so illuminating. These rugged intersection of sight line and sunlight hills underwater, peaks we see just which allows you to peer down into below the surface that sometimes history. The underwater mine shafts break through as islands, are like and submerged infrastructure are, secrets revealed. From the seats of for a moment, clearly visible before a bush plane imbued with Canadian the sunlight reflecting off the water backcountry history, we are afforded dazzles and obscures it all. What an intimate view of the Canadian appears from the ground to be a wilderness both above the water and small island populated with a patch below it – and that is a little bit like of scrubby trees holds mysteries best magic. seen from above. Flying in this small but powerful

78 79 ces ces Resou r Resou r

Resources tario Fishi n g n On tario Norther Fishi n g n On tario Norther

80 81 Remember the water is cold, so look Northern pike will slide off their for big fish in shallow dark bottomed- spawning flats and head to adjacent bays. This is a great time to fish pike as deeper water in search for food. many anglers will put their skills to the Pike will use standing cover to their test sight fishing for cruising giants. advantage to ambush their prey. They Walleye also spawn in the spring, simply lie in wait for an unsuspecting when the water temperatures are in meal to swim by. the mid 40s. What’s great about the Pike are voracious feeders and will early walleye season is they don’t eat most anything they can fit in their

ces seem to travel too far from their jaws. Pike will eat baitfish, mammals, ces spawning grounds once they drop amphibians, birds and even other their eggs. Electronics are key here as smaller pike. For anglers, this is a great

Resou r anglers will be able to mark fish just time to experiment with different Resou r off the bottom in both rivers and lakes. techniques. Topwater, live bait, fly Water is cold, so slow presentations fishing, trolling and jigging are all are key. exciting ways to catch northerns. Spring brook trout are often finicky Walleye also move deeper, into the when the water is very cold. Much like cooler, darker areas of the lake or the northern pike, look for brookies in river. Deeper walleye will be relating shallower bays, relating to structure. to submerged structure such as Northern Ontario With all this uncertainty, people still In rivers, look to pools and tail-outs humps, saddles and secondary points. put faith in the lodge, throw caution to of runs. Though brook trout are At this time of year, anglers with Climate and the wind and put down the deposit to coldwater fish, in early spring, they portable sonar will find success faster come back and make more memories. are less likely to chase a lure or bait. than those who are blind casting. Fishing Seasons There are ways to maximize your Slow presentations are key to fooling a Walleye are often seen stacked up, chances of having a successful funky brookie. relating to the submerged structure. by Mark Melynk adventure fishing trip, whatever the Summer walleye are lazy, so getting Late spring to early summer

tario Fishi n g n On tario Norther Many people who enjoy wilderness weather. an offering in their strike zone is Fishi n g n On tario Norther adventure trips plan ahead. They book The important thing is to come When spring turns into summer, this crucial. Deep diving crank baits and early to ensure they get the dates they prepared. Good fishing depends on the is the best time for families to get combination rigs of bottom bouncers want, often year after year. There are weather and how you approach it. away. School is out; moms and dads with a spinner and live bait can crack many reasons for this, including time are looking forward to burning up the walleye code. Think leeches, of year for weather, fishing seasons Spring vacation time. It’s perfect for getting minnows or nightcrawlers, and don’t and even when the kids are out of Throughout the soft water fishing everyone out on the water for a week discount a drop shot rig to keep soft school. season, Northern Ontario experiences away from the daily grind. When it plastics or live bait in the zone. But no one can predict the future. vast differences in weather patterns. comes to summer fishing, it’s often Brook trout are a coldwater fish Most of the variables are out of your Ice starts to come off lakes in early to more about the overall experience, and are very susceptible to mortality control. You could have a fish-packed mid-May and water is at its coldest. which with luck will also include as the water gets warmer. However, week one year and nary a bite the For many species, this is the time to volumes of fish. many river systems remain cool next. The bluebird, no rain, warm spawn. Northern pike will have just As the water warms up the fish enough for anglers to target these week that was, could be followed by finished up their yearly spawning change their ways and behavior. jewels of the north. Brook trout will hurricane-like cold fronts with rain ritual and will be looking to regain Anglers must adapt accordingly to find seek the cooler areas of the lake or driving down sideways. strength and mass after the ordeal. fishing success. river, look for temperature changes

82 83 resulting from springs or inflows of fish will seek out warmer areas of cooler creeks and rivers. the lake or river and gravitate there. If you are fishing rivers for brookies, Warmer bays hold bait and therefore deep dark pools will hold fish as will will hold pike. deeper runs. Spinners, streamers, flies Fall walleye are a little more and minnow imitation lures are the challenging than in the summer and ticket for summer brook trout. spring. Early fall, they can often be found in their summer haunts, but as High summer the temperatures drop, the fish have

ces The hot and lazy days of summer are to adapt. So do anglers. Fall is time ces often the easiest time to be outside in to experiment, so bring every trick in Northern Ontario. The bugs are gone the book and throw it at them. Jigging

Resou r (or at least significantly diminished), deep, shallow crankbaits, live bait and Resou r warm rains are a welcome occurrence, bottom bouncers will help figure out and the summer storms of the north finicky fall walleye. are often spectacular. Brook trout fishing is quite limited That said, in the north, the sun is in the fall in many northern regions. brutally sharp and sunburns are Brook trout are fall spawners and are frequent if not prevented. If fishing therefore out of season to target after from a boat or standing in a river, around the middle of September. remember the sun will hit from above Fall weather can be unpredictable to as well as below, reflecting off the say the least. Pre-winter storms arrive water’s surface. Sunscreen or long early in the north and often anglers sleeve and pants are a must. If fishing can find a fresh layer of snow on their barefoot, don’t forget the tops of your boats. Just like the spring, layering is feet. key to being comfortable when fishing in the fall. Fall tario Fishi n g n On tario Norther Fishi n g n On tario Norther As the leaves turn color and begin to fall, so do the water temperatures. This is often some of the best fishing of the season. Northern pike strap on the feedbag in preparation for the upcoming winter. As the water temperatures drop, habitat for baitfish starts to die off. When targeting fall northerns, search out the remaining green patches of weed. Brown weeds are dead and therefore no longer producing oxygen, so baitfish will search out oxygen-richer areas (green weeds), and the pike will follow. Bait is key at this time of year. Warm water

84 85 Eating and dipped in hot sauce, the options are Drinking on infinite -- so long as you like walleye! Shore lunch a Wilderness A shore lunch is a signature experience of any wilderness fishing Fishing Trip trip. Outdoor cooking is an art in itself. The challenge of starting a fire and Ask any angler what they remember getting it to the perfect temperature

ces about their trip. First is always the for cooking takes some skill but ces fishing, followed very closely by the a shore lunch is an epic event; a food. quintessential Canadian experience.

Resou r Many full service lodges provide Fresh air always heightens the Resou r hearty, home cooked meals. Organic? appetite after a day in the wilderness You bet. Free range? Of course! It’s -- and makes food always taste that boat-to-table in the purest sense. much better. Nothing is better than eating freshly In days of old you’d have prepared caught fish for a shore lunch or having your shore lunch yourself with it featured in one of the lodge’s whatever you brought along. These At high noon you’ll head to the lunch a must have. starters or appetizers. days full service lodges offer a full spot and enjoy a true feast. Feel free to 2. Wind. “White rabbit, white From bacon-wrapped walleye to shore lunch prepared by the staff, dine and dash, leaving the staff to take rabbit!” Does that trick really walleye au gratin or coconut walleye giving you more time on the water. care of the cleanup. As a guest, you’re work? Try and keep out of the off the hook. wind so that the smoke doesn’t Shore lunches can be as simple sting the eyes. or complicated as desired. Many 3. Oil temperature. There’s a fine line anglers are true traditionalists who between hot enough and burnt prefer fried fish and potatoes, beans oil. Once the oil burns it’s no good.

tario Fishi n g n On tario Norther and corn. But there’s so much more Keep in mind: oil temperature will Fishi n g n On tario Norther you can do with the ingredients: drop as you add food. A good way fish cooked in foil with a variety of to test is with the fries or some aromatics, butter and wine. Chowders, flour. If it bubbles and rises to the dry rubs, the list goes on... top, it’s good to go. And don’t forget the drink! Consider 4. Cook in batches and keep warm in pairing with a favourite local craft beer covered plates or dishes. or wine. A crisp Chardonnay to cut 5. Enjoy! the grease of the fish or hoppy IPA will certainly do the trick. Things to keep in mind while cooking outdoors are: 1. Fire. Make sure it’s burning well and is evenly distributed under the grate. This keeps the heat as even as possible. Dry wood is also

86 87 Fishing the fishing hot spots for you, but just as importantly, also ask them to mark Equipment and potential hazards such as underwater Packing List rocks or dangerous rapids. GPS and compass When angling out in the Northern Take a compass or hand-held GPS Ontario wilderness, it’s best to expect to make sure you’re aware of your the unexpected and be prepared for surroundings at all times. Garmin

ces any eventuality. Getting stuck out makes a dependable and affordable ces in the bush overnight is rare but not unit called the GPS 60 which retails unheard of. Getting wet when you for under $200. If you don’t want to

Resou r didn’t plan on it can be uncomfortable, spend that kind of money but you Resou r but quickly becomes dangerous would still like a navigational aid for when the temperature drops or a rain your trip into the bush, Silva makes shower kicks in. In the wilderness, some dependable compasses and their Mother Nature can be unpredictable Guide 460 is a good choice. but things will turn out in your favor if you’re prepared with the right gear First aid kit and Band-Aids and equipment. It’s always a good idea to have a fully See The Northern Ontario Tackle Box stocked first aid kit at camp, especially (page 90) for tackle recommendations. if you’re staying at a remote outpost. However, it’s also a good idea to keep Essential gear and equipment for a a few Band-Aids in your tackle box for wilderness fishing trip those unexpected encounters with Lifejacket/PFD (personal floatation pike teeth. For some reason those device) darn cuts from northern pike always

tario Fishi n g n On tario Norther seem to bleed forever. Fishi n g n On tario Norther Always be sure to take a lifejacket or PFD in the boat with you (it’s the law) Side cutters and make sure it’s easily accessible Speaking of the devil, if you’re in the at all times. Stearns and Mustang are bush and a thrashing pike happens to both dependable brands. The most bury a hook in your hand, a good stout important thing to consider when pair of side cutters can become your buying a lifejacket or PFD is to make best friend. It’s almost impossible to sure it fits properly, especially if you’re remove one set of rapala hooks from a buying one for a child. thrashing northern while the other set of hooks are embedded in your hand. Lake map If this happens you can simply push Your lodge will provide maps for the the hook through and cut off the barb area lakes. Study the map before your to remove the hook. trip to become familiar with the lake. Ask the folks at base camp to mark Insect repellant

88 89 Waterproofs Hats and gloves Even on the warmest days, a popup Bring a hat, mitts and gloves - shower can come through and chill the including a pair of rubber or neoprene air. At best a cold wind on wet skin can gloves for riding in the boat. These will ruin the fun, at worst it causes serious keep your hands dry and break the risk of hypothermia. wind while boating. PVC or rubber rain gear is best for stopping driving rain but it doesn’t Long sleeves breathe, which makes a rainy but Long sleeve shirts are important to

ces warm day uncomfortable. Breathable prevent sunburn and protect from ces rain gear, although expensive, is by far insect bites and scratches. Quick-dry the best option. Don’t forget rain pants shirts are perfect - they provide all

Resou r - there’s nothing worse than sitting in these benefits, can be converted into a Resou r a wet boat with no rain pants. short sleeve shirt when necessary, and also look dressy enough for dining at Layers night. Layered clothing is the key to unpredictable weather. Start with Pack light! a wicking layer against the skin Fly-in fishing trips mean strict weight This is a real convenience item, One of the most important items to (polypropylene is far superior to restrictions on personal baggage, so especially at dusk on an early keep in your tackle box. It may be for cotton at removing moisture from the pack as light as possible. Bring just one summer’s evening in Canada. something as harmless as somebody skin), followed by layers of insulation set of clothes for evenings around the However, if you ever run into forgetting to bring the camp matches you can add or remove as the weather cabin. Everything else should have a problems and get stuck on the water to a shore lunch. But if somebody falls changes, and finally a protection layer vital outdoor function. or in the woods overnight, a full can in the water on a cold early spring on the outside. of good repellent might just save your day, or you have motor problems and sanity. 80% DEET should be adequate have to wait for someone in your party

tario Fishi n g n On tario Norther for most situations in Ontario. Always to find you, dry matches or a lighter Fishi n g n On tario Norther check the label for allergic reaction can mean the difference between a statements and proper use with temporary inconvenience and real children. trouble. Flashlight and headlamp Dry storage bag Lights are handy to have when you’re Cameras, maps, GPS, compass, rain out past dusk and need to retie or suit, extra clothes and even a stocking untangle your fishing line. Even if you cap and gloves if it’s early or late in don’t plan to stay out late, it’s a good the season can all be stored in the idea to carry a light. A flashlight will bag. If you do run into an unexpected provide security and, in the worst case, situation while fishing, it’s nice to make a good tool to signal someone know all your important gear is safe, for assistance. dry and ready to be used. Lighter or waterproof matches Essential fishing clothing

90 91 weights from one eighth to half one quarter ounce to one ounce. ounce. My favourite are the Lindy No • Canadian approved jig colours Snagg slip sinkers. Give them a include flame red, metallic gold, little slack and they usually come yellow, neon fire tiger and pink. right out. Plastics Bottom bouncers • Twisters and curly tail grubs are • Basically a weight on a wire bent the go-to plastic. Have a selection at 90 degrees - a great tool for

ces of 3 and 4 inch Mister Twister or trolling spinners, cranks and live ces Berkley Power Grubs on hand. bait. Have a selection of bottom • Scented shads and plastic minnow bouncers from one to three

Resou r baits like the Gulp Minnow are ounces. Bring a selection of #4 #6 Resou r very powerful and often work as and #8 bait holder hooks, a dozen well as live bait without the mess barrel swivels and some leader of constantly re-baiting. Gulp material such as 8 pound test and Power Crawlers are great Berkley Vanish. for trolling with spinners and you won’t have to keep changing the Spinners The Northern described for one species may just as bait. Some other good plastics • Little Joe spinners with red or easily catch another. I can’t tell you include the Yum family of twisters silver blades, Northland Tackle Ontario Tackle how many nice walleye I’ve caught on and tubes. single blade Rainbow spinners. spoons, and how many monster pike For casting, it’s hard to beat a Box have eaten a three inch jig and twister. Crankbaits #3 Mepps Aglia. Even one ounce by Gord Ellis When fishing in Canada, expect the • I’d definitely have a selection of #5 spinner baits will catch walleye unexpected. and #7 Rapala Shad Raps (perch/ when they are in the weeds or on One of the hardest things to do is silver/fire tiger), as these are one the tops of reefs. The walleye angler’s tackle box

tario Fishi n g n On tario Norther pack tackle for a Canadian wilderness of the best trolling baits ever Fishi n g n On tario Norther Jigging spoons fishing trip. We all have a lot of tackle Jigs made for walleye. Wally Divers these days and the temptation is to and Wally Demons in the same • An oddball technique, but I’ve bring all of it, just in case. Trouble • Northland Fire Ball Jigs - with shades as the Shad Raps are also caught walleye on jigging spoons is, tackle is heavy and takes up a lot the short hook - are the best for great for trolling up nice walleye. when nothing else was working. space. If you are going in to a remote fishing walleye with live bait like For casting, the Rapala Husky Jerk The best all around spoon is a half area, weight becomes an issue. All minnows. is a fine choice, as are the Rapala X ounce silver Hopkins Smoothie. those extra worm weights and crappy • Stand up jigs such as the Lipstick Rap and Smithwick Rattlin’ Rogue. Other good jigging spoons include jigs start to add up. and Tip Up Jig are good with both • Lipless crankbaits like the Rattle the Swedish Pimple, Kastmaster The following is my recommended twisters and live bait. When using Trap and Frenzy Rattler are great and Krocodile. Clip them on and tackle box for wilderness fishing in plastic baits only, round head jigs for covering water and tend to drop the spoon to the bottom. Northern Ontario. This list includes with a large hook are the best catch big fish. Jerk the spoon hard, letting it many of my favourite baits, but may be choice. flutter back down to the bottom. missing some of yours. Add or remove • It’s tough to beat the Northland Live bait rigs Strikes will be bone jarring! to this list as you wish. Gumball jig when fishing grubs or • For live bait rigging, have a Keep in mind that the lures and tackle twisters. Have a selection of jig selection of walking sinkers from

92 93 The pike angler’s tackle box bodies in that order. Bring a Spoons selection of Northland Buckshot Rattle Jigs ands Swimming jigs in • A couple dozen half to one ounce half ounce to one ounce plus some spoons from three to six inches 5/0 worm hooks. will cover most situations. You should have a varied selection Flies including: Eppinger Dardevle red • If you’re fly fishing, have some and white; Len Thompson five Dahlberg Divers, Lefty’s Deceivers

ces of diamonds (yellow and black); and any large white streamer ces Lucky Strike Toronto Spoons of three to five inches. The flies (silver/brass); Northland Jaw should be tied on quality hooks

Resou r Breakers (fire tiger) and a few from 2/0 to 5/0. Weed guards on Resou r Gator Spoons (fire tiger). Other a fly never hurt. Bring lots of thin good choices include the ACME wire leader material. Aqua Spoon in brass and red. As for weedless spoons, the Johnson Cranks and jerks Silver minnow is hard to beat. • Rapala Super Shad Raps in pearl and red/white and Lindy’s Big M Spinners in fire tiger or silver shiner are • You’ll need a handful of the both deadly pike trolling lures; following: Mepps Musky Killers Rapala’s Husky Jerk is a great (silver/black); Lindy Musky Roller shallow water pike bait; the six (red blade, black tail); 1.5 ounce and eight inch size Suick in sucker Buchertails (black dressing/silver or black is a classic jerkbait best blade or black dressing/red blade), used over weed beds or rock reefs. Giant Tandem Spin (chart/yellow) For twitching, the six inch Jake or

tario Fishi n g n On tario Norther and Northlands Œs Buzz-Ard Grandma bait is a good one for big Fishi n g n On tario Norther Buzzer (white/silver). I’d also pike. recommend bringing a couple one ounce white spinner baits. These Steel leaders are awesome in the weeds and are • Two dozen - good quality 12-18 a great spinner to troll. inch steel leaders of no less than 50 lb. test. Make sure the snaps Soft plastic are Berkley Cross Lok. • Plastics are deadly when pike are shallow. I like mostly big stuff, like Other pike fishing must-haves the six to eight inch Berkley Power • Needle nose pliers, surgical Grubs; Power Lizards; Jerk Shads hemostats, bolt cutters, jaw and Inshore Minnows. Also the spreaders, file, 60 inch measuring Lindy Gator Tube is worth a try in tape, slime towel Lindy Fish deep water. Best plastic colours Handling Glove, waterproof are white, pearl and chartreuse camera and first aid kit.

94 95 Northern Ontario other thing about live bait is you have Some are vivid blue, others are more I hear people talk about “grass pike”, to keep re-baiting your hook. This just subdued. They are not very common, claiming they are different (smaller Angling FAQs wastes time, especially when the fish but in Dawn Lake and D’Alton Lake, and whiter) than northern pike. Are are really biting. You will catch more you will find good numbers of them. there really two pikes in the area by Gord Ellis fish over the long haul using scented lakes? baits. Is long lining for walleye more No. Grass pike are just small northern Is live bait really better than scented productive than cast and retrieve? baits? pike. They may look different due to What is a blue walleye, and how So much depends on the situation. water temperature and their youth Live bait is amazingly good in tough prevalent are they in area’s lakes and Cast and jig offers better accuracy but but were probably dubbed “grass streams? ces fishing conditions, particularly when when walleye are spread out on flats, pike” as the small northern pike do ces the water is cold in the early spring A blue walleye is a colour phase of or when they are not hitting jigs and tend to be found in very shallow, and fall. A jig and minnow is a killer the normal yellow walleye. The blue live bait rigs, trolling is a killer. Walleye weedy areas. Small pike are also very

Resou r then. But in most lakes in Northwest colouration is caused by a bluish do seem to like seeing a spinner blade slimy. Some people have other names Resou r Ontario, live bait simply isn't required pigment in the slime of the fish. Why flash or a crankbait swim in the same for "grass pike" including hammer to catch good fish. And in the summer, this occurs is something of a mystery. direction and at the same depth. handles, snakes and snot rockets. The keeping live bait fresh and lively takes These fish do not seem to be related This is best achieved by long lining or chain pickerel, however, is a fish that a lot of effort and special handling. to the now-extinct blue walleye of trolling. Trolling and long lining also is a real, true "grass pike" but it is a The scented baits like Berkley Gulp Lake Erie. Blue coloured walleye are allows anglers to cover a lot of water. different species. The chain pickerel are so good that they can replace live found in many Northern Ontario lake If you can't find fish by casting jigs, isn’t found in Northern Ontario. bait in warm weather conditions. The systems, including Whitewater Lake. trolling is a great way to locate them. When do both walleye and pike Are pike territorial, and do they travel spawn? Is it under the ice? in schools or packs? Both are spring spawners. The pike The common assumption is that all are first, and will spawn under the ice. huge pike are loners. But quite often The walleye follow, but usually the the largest pike are found with other ice is off the lake when they spawn. big fish close by. It’s likely that most But again, not always! On the opening

tario Fishi n g n On tario Norther monster pike are loners and territorial, day of 1996, the walleye in Northern Fishi n g n On tario Norther but big pike like certain key conditions, Ontario were moving up rivers that so the presence of one monster pike is were often partially covered with ice. often indicative of other big fish being The lakes of the north were almost all around. If you catch one big pike, make frozen that long weekend in May. An sure you work the area thoroughly. old-time saying is "when the frogs are In the spring, the best pike bays often croaking, the walleye are spawning." have a half dozen big ones hanging That is usually spot on. around. The good thing about having big pike together is they tend to What is your experience of Lake compete with each other for food and Nipigon for sport fishing? it’s not uncommon to see two twenty Lake Nipigon is an amazing, world pounders racing after a spinner. class sport fishery. It has trophy Also, when a big pike is hooked, the lakers, huge pike and the world’s others will often get active and more greatest trophy brook trout fishery. interested in hitting. Where else can you back a 20 foot

96 97 boat in and still have a real shot at a lake is huge, but rather sterile. There the products have improved and now really have to back off the drag and 50 pound laker or 8 pound spec? It are not endless big fish to be caught most of my walleye and pike rods are take it easy getting snags off. I still use is a classic cold water fishery and is and kept. That said, there aren’t many loaded with either Berkley Fireline monofilament when I fish trout. Trout largely unchanged by man. Luckily, places I’d rather spend a late summer or Stren Super Braid. I tend to use 20 tend to be more line shy and have Nipigon has now been protected day. pound Super Braid for walleye and 30 softer mouths. from overuse and commercial fishing. pound Fireline for pike. The lighter It is a hard lake to fish and much of What do you think are the tests are too thin in diameter and It seems the ice is going out earlier the best fishing is remote, which has advantages or disadvantages of are not fun to handle. You get great each year and lake levels are lower helped protect the area but there is braided fishing line? sensitivity with braid, and excellent than just a few years back. What is going on here? ces now increasing fishing pressure on the I didn't like braid much at first. It hook setting power. The downside ces lake. If there is any lake in Ontario that seemed too stiff and would get many is the stuff is hard on tackle and Two words: global warming. deserves special - restrictive - fishery wind knots, etc. The first braids also unforgiving. I break about twice as

Resou r regulations, it is Lake Nipigon. The had terrible knot strength. However, many rods as I used to using braid. You Resou r tario Fishi n g n On tario Norther Fishi n g n On tario Norther

98 99 About Wilderness North

For over two decades we have welcomed anglers to our lodges and cabins in the heart of the Northwestern Ontario wilderness. Today we continue to offer world class service in our remote and pristine environment for pro anglers, amateurs, outdoor enthusiasts and the whole family. Over the years, our guests have taught us that trips to our part of the world are not only about fishing but also about the thrill. Seeing a huge bald eagle scoop a fish out of the lake, getting caught out in a storm or reeling in a trophy catch. These are all amazing experiences that become even more memorable when they are shared with friends and family. With bases in Thunder Bay, Armstrong and Nakina, we are able to make our adventures more accessible for those who reach us by air or road. Whether you are a family, a group of friends or even business associates, we have something for you. We have packages and choices designed to meet every budget and adventure need. We would love to welcome you to Wilderness North and our family of guests, as we have been doing for over 20 years. Ready to go? For reservations or more information please get in touch. tario Fishi n g n On tario Norther Fishi n g n On tario Norther

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