Northern Ontario
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WINNER
2017
3rd Edition
Bright Lake Longnose Kris caught this longnose gar unexpectedly from Bright Lake, Northeastern Ontario.
Kris Bain
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Margaree Valley
A REAL LIFE DISCOVERY CHANNEL Over 7,600 km of coastline, 6,700 lakes and 100 rivers. From speckled trout to bluefin tuna — Nova Scotia has ample fishing opportunities to suit every appetite. Take to the ocean or explore our inland lakes and rivers. All you have to do is relax and cast your line.
For information on angling regulations and opportunities visit: Novascotia.ca/Fish/Sportfishing
TRAM
Cont Proje Clien Publ Size: Inser Phot
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TRAMPOLINE BRANDING
Contact: Larry Bootland 902 405 4809 Project: 12759DC CNS Ontario ad Client: DDB Canada Publication: Angler’s Atlas Size: 8” x 10.5” Insertion Date: Photos/Logos: Hi res NOTE: All trapping is the responsibility of prepress
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NE
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CONTENTS
ON THE COVER!
W
IN
Kris Bain is our cover winner this year! He caught this longnose gar quite by chance!
Northern Ontario KEY MAP
O
ntario presents anglers with an almost overwhelming array of more than 400,000 lakes and waterways. The province’s northern region is a prominent part of that variety, its Canadian Shield lakes and cooler climate famous for metre-long, trophy-sized lake trout, northern pike and walleye as well as smallmouth and largemouth bass, muskie, and whitefish.
Lakes are deep and cool. Lying on the Canadian Shield and the boreal forest, the terrain is rugged and rocky, though often
FEATURES
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34
Discover Cochrane
Check out our feature on the Cochrane area! Lakes galore, and a wonderful Northern Ontario experience!
Dryden Adventures
Our feature on Dryden is packed full of resources and great places to go fishing.
Fly Fishing
Just one of the smaller lakes that are perfect for fly fishing. Experiment with those flies you’ve been working up all winter!
Nipigon
Did you know that Nipigon is the region of world record fishing? Take a look at our feature to find out more!
ST. MARYS RIVER
The St. Marys River is the place for fly fishing around Sault Ste. Marie!
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Fly fish for bass on warm summer evenings. Or spend a Saturday morning trolling around Ramsey Lake, and still be home for lunch. The waters around Sudbury are accessible and still offer great fishing.
2017-05-08 12:25 PM
AP
surprisingly accessible.
gentle
Fly fish for bass on warm summer evenings. Or spend a Saturday morning trolling around Ramsey Lake, and still be home for lunch. The waters around Sudbury are accessible In wintertime, ice anglers from and still offer great fishing. far and wide are drawn to Some of the largest lakes offer North Bay and Lake Nipissing some of the best fishing, like in pursuit of walleye, perch Lac des Milles Lacs, Lac des and whitefish. You Illes, and Lake Wabigoon. can rent an Then there’s the gem called ice bun- St. Marys River by Sault Ste. galow to Marie, which is not to be bring a missed for fly fishing! little com- You’ll never run out of fishfort to the ing opportunities in Northern e x p e r i - Ontario, and we’ve barely ence. scratched the surface. We’d
and walleye, pike, bass, pan fish and several trout species Huge lake trout, monster supply angling memories. pike and record-class Algonquin Provincial Park brook trout abound offers superb brook and lake in the James Bay trout fishing. frontier. In Algoma count r y,
love to hear about some of your other favourite fishing lakes! Head over to The Angler’s Atlas, and check out our new website! We’ve got new search functions, so you can even look for all of the lakes in the region that have your favourite fish in them. That’s just one of the great new features we’ve got in place for members. Recruit your friends, too, for chances to win! If you’d rather go mobile, we’ve got that, too! The Angler’s Atlas app is available for iPhone and Android, and offers lake maps and fish information on the go. Download and search for your favourites!
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PUBLISHER
Sean Simmons
PRODUCTION
Kathy Buhler, Jane Gauthier, Eric Pinfold, Jamie Svendsen, Alison Warner
CONTRIBUTORS
John Delean, Kevin Dergez, Kevin Green, Scott Jaeger, Andrew Kovala, Charlie McDonald, Brian Ramakko, Linda Rice, Rick Savage, Cindy and Hank Smoke, Gary Skrzek, Eliana and Walter Witwer
DIGITAL + DESIGN
Joel Knudsen, Clayton Green, Adan Uribe, Denise Tade, Eric Pinfold, Matt McLean, Raja Gunasekaran
ADVERTISING
Interested in advertising? Get in touch with us and we will develop an integrated program suited to your needs. Angler’s Atlas is owned by Goldstream Publishing Inc. Suite 210-500 Victoria Street Prince George, BC V2L 2J9 (250) 596-6277 mail@anglersatlas.com AnglersAtlas.com Northern Ontario Fishing, 2017: 3rd edition
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Arethusa Lake 782 Hectares (1,932 Acres)
A
rethusa Lake, south of Sioux Lookout, is one of many area lakes that are great for walleye and pike fishing. Like Abram Lake just north, it is deep enough for walleye, and has enough shallow water for great pike habitat. Arethusa Lake is a great wilderness lake. It does get busy at times, but the fish are plentiful and can be a decent size.
18 metres (59 feet)
Unknown
August 1971
Walleye tend to hang out more LAKE ACCESS in the southwest end of the lake, rom Ignace, Arethusa Lake near and in the narrows. is about 50 km north. The One nice thing about Arethusa road can be fairly bumpy, and Lake is that it’s fairly sheltered dusty, so drivers may want to from the wind. It’s a nice, calm cover their lake. While walleye tend to be boats. more active in the wind, the calmness of Arethusa Lake doesn’t seem to stop them.
F
Feet
There are several accommodation options in the area. Many different lodges are located on lakes in the area, and will do outpost packages for guests. There are also lots of camping options available.
Walleye will tend to be in deeper water, and it’s really helpful to get down to the bottom when going after them. Touch the bottom, and drag your leech slowly.
One popular method for going after walleye is to use Go-Getters, a set up with a lure and beads. Another option is to troll flats with slip rigs, and floaters with leeches.
1005 Algonquin Blvd. East, Timmins, (705) 267-2186 Highway 11, Val Rita, (705) 335-8496 154 Government Road, Kapuskasing, (705) 335-3453 2204 Algonquin Road, Sudbury, (705) 523-1400 6243 Highway 540, M’Chigeeng F.N., (705) 377-5359 156 Front Street, Sturgeon Falls, (705) 753-3774 Hwy 6 North #50, Espanola, (705) 869-0333 92 Second Line West, Sault Ste. Marie, (705) 575-6265
Northern Ontario 2017
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899 Alloy Place, Thunder Bay, (807) 344-6512 1 - 2300 Maley Drive, Garson, (705) 566-3519 9 Perini Road, Elliot Lake, (705) 848-6336 64 Armstrong Street South, New Liskeard, (705) 647-4110 303 Airport Road, North Bay, (705) 476-0005 100 Laforest Road, Timmins, (705) 267-2186 744043 Brazeau Blvd., New Liskeard, (705) 647-4110 13 Duncan Avenue South, Kirkland Lake, (705) 567-2115
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WONDERFULLY UNEXPECTED COCHRANE, ON
no is en te C de le Ja an
C it st fe ca w be re
W ce ch th up te in de m To to be pa en of fo m A AUDREY LAKE
M NETTOGAMI PENNINSULA
B BORDER LAKE
N PARTRIDGE LAKE
C BRAYLEY LAKE
O SAND LAKE
D ECHO LAKE
P SNARE LAKE
E EDGAR LAKE
Q TODAY LAKE
F FLOODWOOD LAKE
R TOMORROW LAKE
G FRENCH LAKE
S TWOPEAK LAKE
H KNIGHT LAKE
T UNKNOWN LAKE
I LITTLE DETOUR LAKE
U WHITIGO LAKE
J MAGISKAN LAKE
V YESTERDAY LAKE
K MIKWAM LAKE
W VERENA LAKE
L NETTOGAMI ISLAND
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Voted as one of the Top 50 small towns in Canada, by Flight Network and Expedia, Cochrane is a great place for families and outdoor enthusiasts. By providing a northern experience, visitors may partake is a number of outdoor activities while also enjoying all of the amenities of a larger center. Surrounded by many lakes and forests, Cochrane is a popular fishing and hunting destination and has recently welcomed legendary experts such as Bob Izumi and James Smedley. For novice and expert anglers, Cochrane is the perfect getaway.
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Cochrane is home to the Polar Bear Habitat, now the largest conservation area for studying polar bears in the world, which features a natural enclosure. The habitat encapsulates a natural lake and forested area, which allows researchers to observe how bears, who have been living in captivity, react in a natural environment. With a beach and lake located right in the centre of town, it’s no wonder that Cochrane plays hosts to a number of festivals throughout the year. The ten days leading up to Family Day, sees the Cochrane Winter Festival, during which one can take part in a number of activities including a fishing derby, dog sleds, horse drawn sleighs and maple taffy making. Moreover, during the Torch Light Parade, patrons march through town with torches, creating a massive beachside bonfire. In August, one can take part in Summerfest. Live music all weekend, canoeing, and mud bogs are just some of the activities available. If you’re looking for a mix of serenity and city life, make sure make Cochrane your next visit!
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Cochrane Air Service has over 30 cabins and services each of the lakes on this map.
John Delean and the team at Cochrane Air Service can help you plan the perfect fishing getaway. Pick the species you wish to target and Cochrane Air will help you pick the perfect lake. Due to the seclusion of the area, the season begins May long weekend and continues into the third week of September for moose hunting. Delean says what makes this area memorable is the fact that the lakes are very inaccessible and are therefore not often fished. The idea of fishing a lake where only a select number of people have been, is idyllic. While the fishing is described as easy, the lakes in the area an outdoorsman’s paradise - and the trophy sized walleye, pike, and even brook trout help a bit too! Interestly, it is a misconception that brook trout can only be found far north. However, Cochrane Air flies to four different locations packed full of brook trout. They are best targeted using rooster tails, spinners, and small red and white daredevils. If walleye is of interest, jigging is the best technique to use. Stick to the shallow areas and try using a jig with a twister tail. Walleye are often considered top water fish, so you may want to try using buzz baits. Northern pike can be caught using similar techniques and equipment to walleye .
Kesagami Wilderness Lodge has a reputation as being one of the top fly-in fishing lodges in North America and has been ranked the number one pike lake in Canada by Outdoor Canada magazine. The legendary fishing of Kesagami Lake, located inside Kesagami Provincial Park has grown in reputation since 1960. Being the first “catch and release” lodge in Ontario Kesagami Wilderness Lodge is known for trophy pike and huge numbers of walleye. The lake record for pike is a tie between two 54” fish in excess of 40lbs, the record walleye was over 33”. The lake record for the number of walleye caught in a day for a group of three anglers is in excess of 400 fish!
3
Fish are able to grow to such impressive sizes due to minimal activity on the lake and a short season. Generally, the season begins in late May and runs until the end of July. The lodge manager, Charlie McDonald, recommends using top water lures such as buzz baits for the trophy pike because the lake is so shallow. Other great bets for big fish are Johnson Silver Minnows and a variety of swim baits. Walleye are easily caught by drift jigging the various shoals and rock piles with simple twister tails and Mister Twister sassy shads. Anglers can troll small spoons and even jigs for walleyes as well.
Although the lodge has a strict catch and release policy for pike, guests may keep one or two walleye up to 18” for a deliWhether you are looking for that great pho- cious shore lunch – an essential part of to with a trophy sized walleye, or searching the wilderness experience. Surrounded by for a secluded lakeside retreat where you untapped wilderness and calm serenity, Kecan have the lake to yourself Cochrane Air sagami Wilderness Lodge is every angler’s Service can take you there. dream.
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Dog Lake (Thunder Bay) Approx. 100 sq. km.
117 metres (384 feet)
Unknown
D
og Lake is another popular lake that boasts not only great fishing, but also canoeing, hiking and other exceptional outdoor opportunities.
In the deep heat of summer, however, they will head for cooler water with the bait fish. The depth of the lake also appeals to the walleye preference for dark. Dog Lake is known for its wall- They tend to avoid the light, and eye fishing. There are many will usually be less active on parts of the lake that drop off bright, calm days. quite quickly, and also many Kevin Green, from Romppais shallow areas that offer walleye Outdoors in Thunder Bay, says rich habitat year round. that the fishing can also be good Walleye will take advantage of for pike, bass and whitefish. all of this. In the spring, they can LAKE ACCESS be found in the shallow areas. rom Thunder Bay, turn right They will be feeding heavily, onto Silver Falls Rd off and are more likely to take your Highway 102. At roughly 15 bait because they’re hungry. km down the road there is a nice beach area at Little Dog Lake (look left).
F
Unknown
Just past Little Dog Lake, turn left towards the power generating station to find the access point for the Silver Falls hiking trail. Even though the park is non-operating, the trail is maintained by the Thunder Bay Hiking Association. The trail leads to Dog Falls,
Feet
Kevin Green, from Romppais Outdoors, says that there are several boat launches around the lake. Stop by Romppais Outdoors to get more information.
Finally, if you continue down Silver Falls road past the generating station (stay right), Silver Falls Rd turns into Shields Rd. Continue down Shields Rd until the next fork (go left) and continue until you reach the Silver Falls campground area on Dog Lake.
Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Ontario.
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Northern Ontario 2017
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m
Dogtooth Lake 2,727 Hectares (6,739 Acres)
46 metres (151 feet)
Unknown
Unknown
Feet
D
ogtooth Lake, near Kenora, is a popular lake for outdoor enthusiasts. Along with Dogtooth Lake, the many other lakes and park areas nearby are well-used. Dogtooth Lake is known for its excellent pike and walleye fishing. The lake is very deep, and quite narrow in most places. There are some larger pools in the centre.
These are some of the best places for walleye. They prefer the low light conditions, and while they are in shallower water in the early spring, for the most part they will hang in deeper pools. Some of the most popular walleye lures are Go-Getters. Dogtooth Lake, as well as the surrounding waterbodies, are very rocky and irregular, which are perfect for pike. The cover offers them hiding spots, where they are more easily able to hide from their prey. These feisty fish are not fussy about their food, and can be caught with almost anything. These same rocky areas are great cover for bass. Bass are found throughout the lake, and are often active even throughout the heat of the summer. Some of the best bass areas will be rocky, as the rocks and other submerged debris will allow the bass to take cover. Try casting right to them. They won’t necessarily chase your lure, but casting to them and making it easy for them increases your chances of a bite. LAKE ACCESS
F
rom Kenora, take the Trans Canada Hwy east to Rushing River Provincial Park. There you’ll find camping and other amenities.
Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Ontario.
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Northern Ontario 2017
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DRYDEN REGIONAL SPORTFISHING MAP
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
1
2
2 2 2 2 2
2
2 S STORMY LAKE A BEAVER LAKE
G DORE LAKE
M LONG LAKE
T SUNSHINE LAKE
B BIG SANDY LAKE
H EAGLE LAKE
N MAVIS LAKE
U THUNDER LAKE
C BLUETT LAKE
I GHOST LAKE
O MELGUND LAKE
V UPHILL LAKE
D BURR LAKE
J GOOD LAKE
P PEAK LAKE
W VERMILLION LAKE
E CANYON LAKE
K GORDON LAKE
Q RICE LAKE
X WABIGOON LAKE
F DINORWIC LAKE
L LAC SEUL
R RUGBY LAKE
Y ZEALAND LAKE
MORE INFO OR
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3
3 3
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LOCAL RESOURCES BUSINESS NAME
PHONE
WEBSITE
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Beaver Lake Camp
(807) 937-6748
www.beaverlakecamp.org
Best Western Plus
(807) 223-3201
www.bestwestern.com
Birchdale Lodge
(807) 227-5262
www.birchdalelodge.com
Birchland RV Park & Golf
(807) 221-9984
N/A
Bonny Bay Camp
(807)938-6696
www.bonnybay.com
Camp Brigitte
(807)216-8743
www.campbrigitte.net
Canadian Tire
(807) 223-4026
www.canadiantire.ca
8
Century Lodge
Canada: (807) 938-6863, US (269)-699-5792
www.centurylodge.com
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Chalet Inn Motel
(807 223-2335
www.chaletinnmotel.com
Comfort Inn
(807) 223-3893
ww.drydencomfortinn.com
Eagle Junction
(807) 755-2226
www.eaglejunction.ca
Extra Foods
(807) 223-4440
www.extrafoods.ca
Fin & Feather Resort
(807) 755-5200
www.finandfeather.com
Hideaway Motel
(807) 223-5329
www.hideawayinn.ca
Holiday Inn Express
(807) 223-3000
www.ihg.com
Huber’s Lone Pine Lodge (807) 938-6474
www.huberslodge.com
Indian Point Camp
(807) 937-6988
www.indianpointcamp.com
KA Sport and Tackle
(807) 223-2171
N/A
19
North Shore Lodge
Summer: (807) 755 2441, Winter: (807) 755 1468
www.northshorelodge.ca
20
Northwestern Tent & Trailer Park
(807) 223-4945
N/A
21 22 23 24 25
Pine Cliff Lodge
(807) 938-6410
www.pineclifflodge.com
QSL Tackle
(807) 223-5050
www.qsltackle.ca
Rugby Lake Lodge
(807) 937-5653
www.rugbylakelodge.com
Safeway
(807) 223-3276
www.safeway.ca
Sandy Point Camp
(807) 938-6921
www.sandypointcamp.com
26
Silver Water Wheel Lodge
(807)529-3373
www.sww-lodge.com
27
Thaddeus Lake Lodge
(807) 220-2030
www.thaddeuslakelodge. com
28 29
The Riverview Lodge
(807) 223-4320
www.theriverviewlodge.com
Timberland Motel
(807) 223-5395
N/A
30
Town & Country Motel
(807) 223-2377
www.townandcountrymotel.ca
31 32
Twin Towers
(807) 938-6569
N/A
WalMart
(807) 223-7190
www.walmart.ca
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Williams Lake Lodge
Summer: (807) 529-3031, Winter: (262) 736-4044
www.williamslakelodge.net
TYPE
N
orthwestern Ontario, with hundreds of lakes, streams and rivers, can leave anglers wondering where to start. The waters here are deep, cold and clear, with plenty of weedy, protected bays that fish thrive in. Out for a trophy catch? Wabigoon and Eagle Lakes are ideal. Good Lake is your “bass” bet, and check out Melgund Lake for its fish variety. Dryden and area has got you covered, outlining some of the hottest fishing spots in the region. Eliana and Walter Witwer, from Northwestern Tent and RV Park, say that Eagle and Wabigoon Lakes are two of the area’s best for fishing. Hank Smoke of Indian Point Camp on Wabigoon Lake tells us that all of the fish here are in the trophy-size range. The tea-coloured waters are perfect for walleyes’ sensitive eyes, and with its shallow and weedy waters; habitat for all species is prime, he adds. Hiring a guide really helps to make the most of your time here - the fish don’t get large by being easily caught! Other lakes, such as Eagle Lake, are deeper, colder, and clearer. Eagle Lake is well known for its walleye, muskie, pike and smallmouth bass. North Shore Lodge is an excellent place to start for all types of fishing. They note that you can catch everything from terrific table fare to a monster trophy. With islands, shoals, weeds and rocks, the fish habitat of Eagle Lake is one of the best in the region and its shores are home to the Eagle Lake Pow Wow each August long weekend. While you’re in the area, spend some time at Zealand Lake and the surrounding area. Camp Brigitte is a great place to launch your outdoor activities and enjoy family fun. Throughout the region you’ll find first-rate fishing for walleye, muskie, bass, pike and lake trout. Smoke of Indian Point Camp says that walleye fishing is one of the biggest draws and that the early season is the best time to head out. Scott Jaeger of North Shore Lodge, adds that the muskie in Eagle Lake are both huge and plentiful. Spend some time in the weeds with buck tails and spinner jigs in the early season, and bigger jerk baits and soft plastics near the rocky points and deeper water for fall. If its pike you’re after, Smoke suggests that anglers may want to target the early spring fishing, even before walleye season opens. He adds that the pike found in Wabigoon Lake are “exceptional eating”, unique, and well worth the trip. Bass, which are catch and release in many of the region’s lakes, are another ideal target. Anglers love bass for their fight. Soft plastics in weedy areas are a good bet. This overview barely touches on the amazing fishing that the Dryden area has to offer!
VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE OR
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tourism@dryden.ca 2017-05-08 12:25 PM
Gowganda Lake 1,046 Hectares (2,585 Acres)
45 metres (148 feet)
454 metres (1,488 feet)
May 1973
Feet
G
owganda Lake has long been known as a productive lake, its name an Ojibway word meaning “place of large pickerel.”
Montreal River, a great stream to fish for the pike and bass that lurk amid submerged logs, feeds into the lake from the southeast. You can catch walleye and pike early in the season here. Bass One of the larg- season begins as soon as the ice est lakes in the is gone. area, Gowganda According to reports on The is Z-shaped and Angler’s Atlas, there is a hot features 60 km spot for walleye in the lower of shoreline. The curve of the lake. Check out all lake’s bottom the map markers and add your structure — con- own, too, at anglersatlas.com/ sisting of several lake/place/102244/gowgandabasins with an aver- lake. Now you can even post age depth of nine while you’re fishing using our metres — makes the new mobile app! It’s free for iOS lake productive for and Android. a variety of species, LAKE ACCESS including wallowganda Lake is located eye, pike, perch, along Hwy. 560 west of lake trout, bass Elk Lake adjacent to the small and, to a lesser village of Gowganda, which lies degree, whitefish. at the northeast end of the lake. A rocky shoreline, shoals, drop-offs, Gowganda Lake Lodge offers weed beds and sub- full service amenities from boats merged islands also favour to a general store. Check out Gowganda a great angling their website at gowgandalakeldestination. odge.com for more information. They are open year-round, and offer fishing packages, as well as hunting and trail riding.
G
Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Ontario.
Northern Ontario 2017
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Hammer Lake 458 Hectares (1,132 Acres)
12 metres (39 feet)
412 metres (1,350 feet)
June 1972
H
ammer Lake is easily accessible, located just off the Trans Canada Highway north of Wawa. It’s a large lake, but it isn’t that deep.
Hammer Lake has lots of really good structure, shoal areas and islands. Both pike and walleye will be in the shallows, and in the weedy areas in the spring. As the weather warms up, both will begin to be more active. Try the areas around the islands. There is some good shallow water out from the big island in the middle, and some good rocky areas to the north. These are going to be ideal places for walleye in the summer. If you’re going after walleye, try some bright colours in the early season. Chartreuse, hot pink, and bright green can be good choices.
Later in the season, though, try more natural colours. Brown, black, white and olive can be useful at these times. A weighted jig with a twister tail is a common setup and can work well to catch fish.
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pike. Some larger spoons and crank baits are good for going after pike.
Hammer Lake also known for its canoeing opportunities. One popular canoe route starts in Hammer Lake and goes through several lakes before ending up just south of Obatanga Park. LAKE ACCESS
H
ammer Lake is about 65 km north of Wawa along the Trans Canada Hwy. Accommodations are available in Wawa, and Obatanga Park offers camping.
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Many of the same techniques in the same areas will catch pike, and often when anglers are going after walleye, they catch pike by chance. It can be a lot of fun, too, to use lures that are specifically geared towards Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Ontario.
Northern Ontario 2017
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Hawkeye Lake Approx. 11 sq. km.
37 metres (120 feet)
Unknown
H
awkeye Lake is a great lake right Hawkeye Lake is close to both Dog Lake outside of Thunder Bay. It’s close and Little Hawkeye Lake, both of which to several other excellent fishing lakes also offer great fishing. Also, at the northeast end of Hawkeye Lake, a small chanas well. Hawkeye is great for its walleye and pike, nel connects to Spike Lake.
March 1989
Feet
Kevin Green, from Romppais Outdoors in Thunder Bay, says that there are two boat launches on the lake. Reports are that one of them is fairly shallow.
Stop by Romppais Outdoors to find out more. and also for bass fishing. There is a really LAKE ACCESS good population of smallmouth bass in rom Thunder Bay, take Hwy 102 to Hawkeye Lake. 589. Turn left onto Hwy 591 and Kevin Green, from Romppais Outdoors follow it north. It becomes Gillbride Rd, in Thunder Bay, says that the fly fishing which leads around the western side of for top water smallmouth can be great. the lake. Hawkeye Lake Rd. east connects There are reports that there are whitefish to Gillbride, and leads around the other in Hawkeye Lake. The common advice side of the lake. is to head to the northeastern end of the There are many privately-owned camps lake. around the lake, though there is public
F
This is also where the walleye tend to access in places. hang out. Try dropping your jig right to the bottom of the lake. From there, drag it very slowly along the bottom, jerking it up every so often.
Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ŠProvince of Ontario.
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Hazelwood Lake 278 Hectares (687 Acres)
12 metres (40 feet)
Unknown
H
azelwood Lake is a great little spot. It’s close to Thunder Bay, has decent fishing and is home to pike and walleye. There are also perch in Hazelwood Lake. Kevin Green, from Romppais Outdoors in Thunder Bay, says that the lake is the
Unknown
focal point of the popular conservation area surrounding, and including, Hazelwood Lake.
Pike fishing can be good in Hazelwood Lake. Jigs and minnows are a good setup, particularly in the summer. Also in the summer, it may help to target pike in some of the drop-off areas. While these are more commonly walleye spots, you can sometimes find big pike there as well. Check out The Angler’s Atlas page for Hazelwood Lake at anglersatlas.com/place/116619/ hazelwood-lake. Add your tips and map markers and follow your favourite lakes for the latest news.
Feet
Drive. Follow Dawson Road (Highway 102) past County Fair Plaza to Hazelwood Drive. Turn right on Hazelwood Drive and follow it to the end at Hazelwood Lake Conservation Area. There are trails, a canoe launch on the southern arm, and a visitor centre. There is no camping, however it is close to Thunder Bay, and there are other camping opportunities around the city. There’s also a beach and picnic area at the boat launch.
LAKE ACCESS
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azelwood Lake Conservation Area is located 14 km north on Hazelwood
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Northern Ontario 2017
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Ivanhoe Lake Approx. 19 sq. km.
21 metres (70 feet)
Unknown
Unknown
Feet
I
vanhoe Lake, 45 km west of Chapleau in Algoma County, contains trophysized pike, walleye and jumbo perch along with abundant lake whitefish.
Although situated in the Canadian Shield, Ivanhoe is distinct from most shield lakes in that it has a sandy bottom along with a rocky structure. This makes it a good lake for walleye, which range from two to six lbs. Fish up to 10 lbs. are caught and released, reports Red Pine Lodge. Try a deep-diving minnow crank bait, trolled in the middle of the lake, about 25 feet down, or drift fish with a jig head and leech. Ivanhoe Lake is full of whitefish, which lurk in the deeper north end of the lake in the summer months. Pike feed on schools of whitefish in deeper areas of the lake.
Ivanhoe Provincial Park, which provides a boat launch and campground with 120 sites, borders part of the lake. The lake is fed on its south end by the Ivanhoe River, which offers good fishing for pike and walleye as well as whitefish. Many of the outlying kettle lakes are stocked with brook trout, but Ivanhoe is too warm for trout. LAKE ACCESS
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ake Hwy. 101 for 105 km southwest of Timmins before turning south and driving 5 km to the lake. There is camping, showers, a day-use area, laundry, park store, boat launch and a visitor centre.
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Kesagami Lake 17,120 Hectares (42,255 Acres)
8 metres (26 feet)
Unknown
June 1984
Metres
I
t’s no exaggeration to describe Kesagami Lake as a northern pike hot spot, Ontario’s premier trophy pike lake. This large and remote lake lies entirely within Kesagami Provincial Park in the remote James Bay lowlands north of Cochrane, Ont.
The lake is accessible only by float plane and is within a few hundred kilometres of the Arctic Circle.
As Charlie McDonald, manager of Kesagami Wilderness Lodge notes, the lake holds the Canadian record for largest caught and released pike, a record that has been broken unofficially several times since it was set 20 years ago. The largest pike on record is 54 inches and lots have been caught bigger than 50 inches.
Part of the reason for this is the catch and release policy, and the single, barbless hook policy. While not regulations, per se, these things help to retain the larger fish. Walleye fishing can be equally rewarding. McDonald reports that anglers can sometimes catch more than 100 fish a day. One pair set a daily record of more than 400 fish in 2010.
McDonald also notes that the fishing season is short, just over 8 weeks long, so anglers should get there while they can.
There are some great trip reports and photos on The Angler’s Atlas website. See anglersatlas.com/ lake/place/186139/kesagami-lake for details. Add your own map markers, photos and videos, now right from our mobile app. It’s available now on Android and iOS. LAKE ACCESS
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esagami Lake is a fly-in lake. Kesagami Wilderness Lodge is the only camp on the lake, and has been featured in many outdoor magazines. See kesagami.com for information.
Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Ontario.
Northern Ontario 2017
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A
Northwestern Ontario, and Lac des Mille Lacs is no exception. Green says that most anglers use live bait (generally minnows a n d
p t l y named Lac des M i l l e s Lacs is one of the Northwest region’s most popular lakes, and for good reason. Lac des Milles Lacs is large enough to accommodate the considerable fishing pressure, and still retains some good sized fish.
worms), crankbaits, spinners, spoons and jigs. One untraditional method for pike involves using Senkos and Sluggers, which are large, plastic baits.
In the early part of the year, walleye are more likely to be in small groups or even solitary.
One of the many nice things about fishing Lac des Milles Lacs is that there are many spots that are sheltered, making this large lake a good time even if your boat is small. Kevin Green, from Romppais Outdoors, says that Lac des Mille Lacs has, “bloss o m e d into a good smallmouth bass fishery.”
Lac des Mille Lacs is not crystal-clear. The stained colour makes it easier for walleye to see their prey, making it more likely that they will be active, even during daylight. All sorts of techniques work well in the lakes of
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Northern Ontario 2017
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Lac Des Milles Lacs 245 sq. km.
20 metres (65 feet)
Unknown
Unknown
Feet
that because the lake is so large, and with so many channels, boaters should use a GPS if navigating any distance from a boat launch. He also reminds Kevin Green notes that ice anglers that there are many fishing on Lac des Mille Lacs rock hazards in the lake. is spectacular. Both pike and There are several public boat walleye are easily caught launches around the lake. Stop through the ice. There are by Romppais Outdoors in rental companies that will rent Thunder Bay and talk with the ice huts, even for overnight helpful staff for locations of public access points. accommodations.
However, in the summer, they tend to stay in schools, and where you find one, you’ll likely find lots more. Spring fishing may require more movement (or more patience), but in the summer, anglers who hook into a school of walleye can be set for hours.
Make sure your gear is up to the challenge if you’re going after pike. Their razor-sharp teeth are apt to bite through light lines.
worthwhile to shake things up a bit and try targetting pike in a walleye zone. It has been said that a tube jig let down in a rocky drop off, will cause a pike strike.
There are many lodges and camps around Lac des Mille Lacs. Most offer boat rentals and launches.
LAKE ACCESS
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ac Des Mille Lacs is about 160 km northwest of Some of the best walleye spots Thunder Bay along Hwy 17. are around the Savanne River. Also try Rock Bay and Sand Access to the lake is via the Point. Green reminds anglers Savanne River and by various to be aware of the regulations gravel roads wich branch off and slot sizes for walleye. south of HWY. 17 to tourFor pike, who are generally ist outfitters and public access solitary creatures, there is a points. Most of these roads are lot of traditional pike habi- posted along HWY 17. Upsula tat: shallower, weedy areas. is located about 10 miles west However, sometimes it’s of the Savanne River.
Kevin Green, from Romppais Outdoors, cautions boaters
Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Ontario.
Northern Ontario 2017
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Lac Seul 1,657 sq. km.
O
ne of the most fabulous reasons to fish Lac Seul is its huge muskie. There are many muskie lakes in Ontario, though pike and walleye are more common in the northwest.
Lac Seul is becoming wellknown for its muskie population. Linda Rice is the owner of Moosehorn Lodge. She notes that you may not catch muskie every time out, “but when you do, they’re huge.” Rice, by the way, holds the ladies’ world record for largest muskie. Rice says that Lac Seul is almost like 4 separate lakes. “In the eastern sections, we’ve got muskie, pike, bass, perch and walleye. But in the west, there are lake trout and whitefish.”
Muskie can be found in weed beds to submerged logs, reefs, sand and rocks. Like pike, they have very sharp teeth, and you’ll want to make sure your gear is heavy enough to manage their size.
47 metres (155 feet)
357 metres (1,171 feet)
Unknown
Feet
tat. Rice says that this is most apparent in the eastern part of the lake, where there are significant areas There are some monster pike in of spawning habitat. Lac Seul, too, and Moosehorn The underwater strucLodge has the pictures to show ture in Lac Seul is so it. Rice notes that the huge complex that a really sizes are not that typical of good depth finder is probpike in the lake, though they ably a handy thing to have if you’re boating on the lake. are there. Rice adds that the fly fishing There are innumerable shelon Lac Seul is terrific. “You tered locations that are fine for can fly fish for anything, any- small boats. In fact, smaller where on Lac Seul,” she says, boats may be ideal in many “and it’s probably best early in places on Lac Seul, because directhe year when the fish haven’t access and rocks can make it a t i o n s , difficult trip otherwise. begun to go deep.” call one of There are also bass in Lac Rice says that the fishing is the lodges around Seul, mostly in the southeast. consistent all year, though for the lake, or stop by your Leeches, minnows and cray- walleye, it’s really good right local tackle shop. fish can all be effective for around the opening of the seabass, depending on the time son. LAKE ACCESS of year. They’ll target both topwater and sinking lures. Spinner baits, blades and bucktails are all good. Try a Top Raider or one of the Pig line of baits. A Suick in topwater is an essential.
Some consider Lac Seul to be the “walleye capital of the world.” That may sound like an exaggeration, however, there is no denying that Lac Seul is fabulous walleye habi-
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here are numerous public access points, boat launches and beaches around Lac Seul, as well as dozens of privately-operated lodges and camps. For detailed access
Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Ontario.
Northern Ontario 2017
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m
Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ŠProvince of Ontario.
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Lake Of The Woods 5,362 Hectares (13,251 Acres)
27 metres (90 feet)
290 metres (950 feet)
L
ake of the Woods seems a lot like a thousand lakes in one, with hundreds of bays, coves, islands and streams just in the Kenora area alone. When we think Lake of the Woods fishing, the diversity is equally impressive.
“If I were to say why I like fishing in Lake of the Woods, it would be because of the number of species available at any one time. There’s lake trout, perch, crappie, muskie, bass, pike, walleye -- a huge number of fish,” says Rick Savage of Lake of the Woods Sports Headquarters in Kenora. Lake of the Woods has all types of habitat, which helps to make it more diverse. There are a lot of places in the lake where the bottom is sandy. There are shallows that are weedy, and great habitat for pike and walleye. There are rocky areas, and spots with underwater cover that can work for bass.
“Walleye are moving throughout the lake right about now, too, and there are some really good catches being reported,” Savage says. “Go down about 35 feet deep, with minnows, leeches and worms.”
Bass fishing is really good in the early season, and while they’re spawning, fishing is catch-andrelease only. Once the spawn is finished, after July 1st, retention is allowed. “Of course, everyone has their own preferences, but for smallmouth
June 1971
Feet
bass, people generally use plastics, crankbaits, that kind of thing,” Savage suggests.
One of the best spots for shore fishing is at the dam on the Winnipeg River.
“Not on all parts, but later in the year, there are places where there’s an algae bloom, and that really colours the water. Times like that, you’ll want to step up the colours, add some flash and noise to your lures,” he notes.
To get on the water, Woodlake Marine, on Hwy 17 West, will help you out with new and new-to-you options of all sizes. Stop by and see what they’ve got to offer!
“In clear water, which is the area all around Kenora, I recommend using natural colours, and you want to mimic the feed that’s available, whether it be insects or forage fish,” he adds.
“Lake of the Woods is big, it’s beautiful, and you’re not limited to one kind of fish. You can do it all here,” Savage says.
Before you go, stop by and see Rick Savage and the knowledgeable staff at Lake of the Woods Sports Headquarters. They’ve got the gear you need, the fishing reports to keep you current on the best catches and spots. They’re located on Lakeview Drive in Kenora.
LAKE ACCESS
There are dozens of different boat launches as well as shore fishing spots, whether it be from land or islands.
Please note: This map covers barely a portion of Lake of the Woods, and has no depth contours. This map is an outline only, and must not be used for navigation.
Rick Savage, from Lake of the Woods Sports Headquarters in Kenora, says that right in town, the easiest and best boat launches are at the Kenora Rec Centre, and at Keewatin Ramp. Both have good parking and good launches. There’s also a launch at Anishinobe Park.
Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Ontario.
Northern Ontario 2017
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NIPIGON REGIONAL
1
SPORTFISHING MAP
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE
1-877-596-1359
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2017-05-08 12:25 PM
1 LAKE NIPIGON Some road access from Beardmore/High Hill Harbour, concrete boat launches in places.
2 NIPIGON BAY Red Rock Marina for boat and road access. Brook, rainbow and lake trout, coho, pinks, whitefish, carp, perch and pike.
3 ELIZABETH LAKE Walleye are abundant here. Can be good for ice fishing, access by snowmobile.
4 FRAZER LAKE Another great lake for walleye fishing accessible by Frazer Lake Road.
5 JESSIE LAKE If you’re looking for burbot (ling), Jessie Lake is the place to go. Provincial record burbot came from Jessie Lake!
6 LOFQUIST LAKE Road access from Cameron Falls Road. Stocked Nipigon strain brook trout, splake, walleye, and burbot.
7 BLACK STURGEON LAKE Walleye, pike, smallmouth bass and perch are the draws here.
8 BLACK BAY Part of Lake Superior, boat launch and access from Hurkett, ON.
9 OSKAWE LAKE Gravel road access and boat launch. Walleye and pike.
10 COX LAKE Gravel road access and boat launch. Smallmouth bass, perch and pike.
11 NIPIGON RIVER Concrete and gravel boat launches, shore fishing. World record brook trout caught here!
T
he Nipigon area is packed full of lakes and rivers that are stuffed with fish of all types. Anglers can go after walleye in Elizabeth and Frazer Lakes, or burbot in Jessie Lake. For every lake listed here, there are dozens more. World and Provincial records are held in this region, for ling and brook trout. Your record could be next! Smallmouth bass, lake trout, walleye and pike are waiting. Visit any of the local resources listed above to get set up for a memorable trip or to hang your hat and celebrate your successful fishing in Nipigon. LOCAL SPECIES
B
rook Trout – The world record brook trout came from the Nipigon River. Cooler water is best, and early spring is the time to try. Steelhead (Rainbow Trout) – Aim for river tributaries with Rapalas and Little Cleos to target these gorgeous fish. Lake Trout – Think cold. And deep. Lake trout are slow-growing, deep-loving, cold water fish. Downriggers in deep lakes can help you get to these lunkers. Walleye – Mike Pobrislo from Canadian Tire suggests a white Twister Tail or Fire Tiger to go after walleye. Worms and minnows work well as bait. Burbot (Ling) – Not pretty, but they taste incredible! Mike Pobrislo from Canadian Tire says that dead smelts on a jig are the way to go for burbot, also known as ling.
Pike – You’ll often find pike in the shallows, and sometimes hook them without trying. They love big, flashy, bright coloured lures, but they aren’t fussy and will chase anything that moves! Whitefish – Whitefish can be found all over the region. Mike Pobrislo from Canadian Tire says that small Swedish Pimples and white Tube Jigs are among many effective choices.
MORE INFO
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LOCAL RESOURCES BUSINESS NAME
PHONE
WEBSITE
A
Nipigon Marina and Campground
807-887-3040
www.nipigon. net/visitors/ attractions/nipigon-marina/
B
Stillwater Tent and Trailer Park
807-887-3701
stillwaterpark.ca
C
Beaver Motel
807-887-3132
beavermotel.ca
D
Pinecrest Motel
1-877-8023808
pinecrestmotel.ca
E
Locking Horns Motel
807-887-1750
N/A
F
Birchville Motel
1-866-2824843
birchvillemotel. com
G
Town and Country Motel
807-887-2382
N/A
H
Crabby Andy’s Motel and Restaurant
807-889-1488
N/A
I
Sunnyside Cabins
807-887-5739
sunnysidecabins.ca
J
Zechner’s Food Mart
807-887-2910
N/A
K
Canadian Tire
807-887-3131
canadiantire.ca
L
Quebec Lodge
807-886-2603
nipigonriveradventures.com
M
Nipigon River Bait and Tackle
807-889-0707
nipigonriver.com
N
Bowman Island Charters
807-886-2504
bowmanislandcharters.com
O
Hardy Baits
807-887-2306
N/A
P
Hamilton Baits
807-8571462
hamiltonbaits. webs.com
Smallmouth Bass – Glenn Hart, from Nipigon River Bait and Tackle, says that Topwater Baits are best for bass. Try light green and white. Coho Salmon – Coho start running in mid-August, and are present in the Nipigon River all the way to November. Try lures in rainbow colours. Chinook Salmon – Chinook run through the river in late summer and early fall. Rainbow or brown trout imitations can work well.
TYPE
ACCESSING NIPIGON
N
ipigon, Ontario is located one hour east of Thunder Bay, six hours west of Sault Ste. Marie and two hours north of Grand Portage, Minnesota. Access Nipigon from Highway 11/17 or the Thunder Bay International Airport. Visit the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) online at www.ontario. ca to access provincial fishing regulations and learn more about fishing in Ontario.
nipigon.net
2017-05-08 12:25 PM
V
ast Lake Nipissing — meaning “big water” in Algonquin — is the gateway to northern Ontario, home to more than 40 different species of fish, which is reflected in the many fishing lodges that dot the shoreline. The lake has a surface area of 873 sq. km and is the third largest lake in the province, excluding the Great Lakes, yet it’s also a shallow lake with an average depth of only five metres. The City of North Bay lies on the lake’s northeastern shore.
chartreuse blades. Try the mouth of the French River in the springtime. Trolling along the shoreline is generally productive.
Stocking associations are engaged in attempts to manage the lake’s walleye population. Angler’s Atlas members have marked up the map for Lake Nipissing with all sorts of
hot spots, boat launches and more.
Callander Bay, near North Bay at the southeastern end of the lake, is productive for walleye and smallmouth bass. Weed beds along t h e
shore are a good spot. South Bay on the southeast side of the lake provides ideal habitat for walleye and muskie early in the season before they migrate to deeper water. It’s also popular for ice fishing for pike, perch and herring. Hundreds of huts can be scattered around the lake on a good wint e r ’s
Nipissing is fishing central in Ontario. Fishing season begins in May and June with openings for muskie, walleye, pike and bass. Fishing activities in general contribute
more than $60 million annual to the provincial economy. Walleye, smallmouth bass, muskellunge and northern pike are the main sport fish species. There are also pickerel, whitefish, yellow perch, burbot and cisco or lake herring to be had. For walleye, try trolling worm harnesses with
Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Ontario.
Northern Ontario 2017
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Nippissing Lake Approx. 873 sq. km.
52 metres (171 feet)
196 metres (643 feet)
Unknown
Metres
Manitou Islands, and on the north shore of West Bay.
Angler’s Atlas members also note that the middle of the lake, and the southern shore, are all great spots. Ice huts and bungalows are available for ice fishing in the winter. LAKE ACCESS
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ake Nipissing is right on the edge of North Bay, and there are numerous
day, although there were fewer this past season due to regulation changes. Check the guide before heading out.
The western end of the lake is known for its king-sized muskies, averaging in the mid30 inches but fish up to 50 inches have been caught. Muskie fishing is most popular in summer and fall. Some suggested spots
access points and boat launches around the lake. The lake is about 350 km or a three- to four-hour drive from Toronto. There are plenty of lodges, cottages, resorts, guide services and campgrounds that dot the shore.
are along the western shores of Cache Bay and South Bay, around Goose Island and Gull Rock.
Smallmouth bass range up to 3-4 lbs. They are caught in Callender Bay, around the
Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ŠProvince of Ontario.
Northern Ontario 2017
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Ramsey Lake 874 Hectares (2,160 Acres)
21 metres (69 feet)
Unknown
Unknown
Feet
R
amsey Lake is located right within the city of Sudbury. It supports a really good fishery, even in such an urban setting. Brian Ramakko, from Ramakko’s Source for Adventure, says that there are pike, bass, walleye and perch in Ramsey Lake. “There are so many
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shoals in Ramsey Lake, that almost anywhere, there are bass. There is a great population of smallmouth bass,” he emphasizes.
“You do have to search for them. What they’re after all depends on the season. In the early season, off the shoals, I usually use crankbaits, sometimes body baits. In August, they’re all over, and I use surface baits then, too,” Ramakko suggests. “Cast towards the shore, yes, but also cast away from there. They may surprise you when they’re out in the cooler water,” he adds.
walleye for sure tend to come out more at night,” he notes.
“Try jigging minnows. Go to the bottom. Really make sure you’re touching the bottom, and drag it slowly,” says Ramakko.
With pike, he says that they really prefer the weed beds. “They want shallow water in the spring. Go deeper in the summer. Find the “For walleye, people go out really structure and go from there.” early, and then really late, even at “The quality of the pike fishery night. There are lots of boats on will surprise you,” he adds. “The the lake, and lots of activity, so the pike are healthy, chunky, and
they’ve got good colours, especially for a downtown lake.”
Ramakko’s Source for Adventure has been in business for 31 years, locally owned. The staff are very knowledgeable, and keen to share. Stop by for all of your fishing needs and great advice. LAKE ACCESS
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umerous points provide access to Ramsey Lake. The primary access point for Ramsey Lake is at the southwest side of the lake, near Science North, off Ramsey Lake Road.
Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Ontario.
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Twin Lake (Lower) Approx. 10 sq. km.
L
ower Twin Lake is remote, yet accessible. Fabulous fishing for trophy walleye, as well as perch, whitefish and pike. There are also brook trout in the lake. Gary Skrzek, from Walleye Heaven (walleyeheaven.com), says that Lower Twin Lake (and its counterpart, Upper Twin Lake), is known for the size of the fish rather than the numbers.
“Fish of all sizes get caught but there are an unusual amount of large Walleyes over 10 pounds and Northern Pike over 20 pounds. The reason for the large sizes is the availability of massive amounts of Whitefish to feed on,” Skrzek reports. If you’re able to get to the lake for the appearance of the brook trout, you’re in luck. Skrzek notes that it’s a fleeting occurance. “In early spring large Brook Trout come up the drowning river through Relief Lake and Tooth Lake,” he says.
34 metres (110 feet)
Unknown
On rare occasions, they can be found at the west end of Lower Twin Lake where the Drowning River runs out. When they are there, “they are only there for a week or two after ice out and go back down stream below Relief Lake waiting for the May Flies to hatch.”
June 1973
variety of weeds including Wild Rice and Spider Legs, among others. LAKE ACCESS
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experience. Lower Twin Lakes Lodge (lowertwinlakes.com) and Twin Lakes Outfitters (twin-lakes-air.com) are two such places.
rom Nipigon, take the Trans Canada east The Drowning River, which Hwy for about itself offers excellent fishing, flows through Upper Twin Lake, 193 km. into Lower Twin Lake, and exits at the southwest end of Lower Twin Lake. The underwater structure of Lower Twin Lake makes for excellent fish habitat. There are sandy areas, r o c k y structure and a
T u r n north onto Blueberry Road for about 45.3 km. Turn left onto Twin Lakes Rd. and drive about 4 km in. The road goes between Upper and Lower Twin Lakes. There are lodges and outfitters in the area, all of whom will be able to set you up for a spectacular northern fishing
Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Ontario.
Northern Ontario 2017
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abigoon Lake is a vast network of islands, bays, and sheltered shorelines. Whether you’re after shallow-loving walleye or the deeper loving muskie, you’ll find several spots that fit your criteria. Northern pike, smallmouth bass, and crappie can all be caught here as well. Nancy Davis, owner of Bonny Bay Camp located on the eastern side of the lake says that fishing for muskie is top notch. These fish tend to hang out is deeper water when compared to walleye, but are best targeted in the weeds. Davis says that fishing is best during the fall and prefers to use topwater lures. These fish are
known to get quite large late in the season, best to head out early morning. Due to the fact they prefer deep water, muskie need to be targeted from a boat.
Walleye is another vastly popular species of the lake. Part of the reason for great walleye fishing is the water colour. Walleye have very sensitive eyes, and prefer low light, cloud cover, and dark water. However, due to the clay bottom, the sunlight is unable to penetrate the water. Cindy Smoke of Indian Point Camp located on the western side of the lake jokes that “noon on the goon” is a great rule of thumb when fishing for walleye. Fishing is best between 10am and 2pm. Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Ontario.
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No
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Wabigoon Lake 10521 Hectares (26000 Acres)
14 metres (47 feet)
330 metres (1,083 feet)
Unknown
Across the lake, Nancy and Len Davis at Bonny Bay Camp offer expertise, cabin and boat rentals, camping and rv sites. Check them out at www.bonnybay.com or call (807) 938-6696.
Both Davis and Smoke agree that jigs and minnows are the best way to catch a walleye. Smoke recommends using bright colours like orange or white. “The brighter the better” she adds. Stay in the shallows, the largest walleye tend to be in 2-3 feet of water. Winds have been known to pick up on the east side of the lake, so be sure to look for changes in weather. Moreover, there are a number of shallow,
Feet
LAKE ACCESS
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abigoon Lake is located right at Dryden. Other options are to stay at one of the many lodges around the lake. There are also several accommodations located right in the town of Dryden.
rocky areas in which anglers should avoid. For more information about the lake, boat and cabin rentals, as well as a place to launch contact Cindy and Hank Smoke at Indian Point Camp, (807) 937-6988.
Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Ontario.
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St.Marys River T
water.” Kovala says that lots of 6 pounds. I catch them on the fly in different patterns will work, and the spring,” he adds. small flies are best. “Up here, there are smaller runs, In the main part of the river, and you have to hit them at the Kovala says that there are wall- perfect time. You could be the only Andrew Kovala has spent the eye, and that lots of people love to person on the river a lot of the time. past several years getting to know fish for walleye in different parts That doesn’t necessarily increase your chances of catching fish; the river and the fly fishing oppor- of the river. tunities. An avid angler and fly- Kovala loves the fishing opportu- they’re untouched rivers and they tier, Kovala loves the St. Marys nities around the Sault. “Lots of aren’t stocked.” River for its combination of easy the lakes around the Sault are very “Lots around the Sault is unspoiled, access, excellent fishing, and the limited in their access, with zero and you just have to go and do some lack of fishing pressure. camps or anything. There are lots exploring and discovery for yourhe St. Marys River in Sault Ste. Marie is a world-class salmon and steelhead river. For fly fishers, the St. Marys River Rapids is the premier place to go.
RIVER ACCESS
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t. Marys River Rapids are right in Sault Ste. Marie and accessible only from the Canadian side. Access is through a series of trails on Whitefish Island (see inset map below). Please remember that the rapids can be swift and should only be accessed by seasoned river anglers.
“We do most of our fly fishing of lakes full of smaller lake trout self. That’s what’s fun about it.” in the rapids. We do fish from and really big speckled trout, up to boats downstream of that, but we wade in the rapids.... Wading is extremely dangerous. I like the rapids because you can go fishing in places that not many people want to go to. But once you know the rocks and pathways, you can wade the entire thing.” Kovala notes again that it’s very dangerous, and there are a lot of deep pools over your head. In the rapids, you can fish for Atlantic salmon, big rainbow trout, pink salmon and chinook. “Atlantic salmon are in the rapids when the water is warm, and they’re absolutely perfect for big, two-handed fly rods. You fish full-floating lines and small flies. You swing them like bug imitations, right onto the sufrace of the
Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Ontario.
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