Northern Ontario Fishing 2018

Northern Ontario

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2018

4th Edition

Sutton River Brookie Marc caught this brookie on the Sutton River near Polar Bear Provincial Park.

WINNER

Marc Yarascavitch

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ON WEBSITE AND MOBILE APP

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Photo by Angler’s Atlas member ryanenns fishing the Chilliwack River

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CONTENTS NE

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ON THE COVER!

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IN

Mike Yarascavitch (stdavidsboy) took this photo during his “the trip of a lifetime to the Sutton River near Polar Bear Provincial Park”. Mike says “the water was gin clear, cool and it was mostly sight-fishing pockets and riffles.”

Northern Ontario KEY MAP

FEATURES

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Nipigon Did you know that Nipigon is the region of world record fishing? Take a look at our feature to find out more!

Lake Nosbonsing Local resort owners share their expertise to maximize productivity and fun at this fishery.

Pickle Lake Great local fishing advice, plus a chance to win a lake front lot!

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.

2018-05-01 10:10 AM

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 surprisingly gentle and accessible.

Huge lake trout, monster pike and record-class brook trout abound in the James Bay frontier. In Algoma country, walleye, pike, bass, pan fish and several trout species supply angling memories.

Algonquin Provincial Park offers superb brook and lake trout fishing.

In wintertime, ice anglers from far and wide are drawn to North Bay and Lake Nipissing in pursuit of walleye, perch and whitefish. You can rent an ice bungalow to bring a little comfort to the experience.

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.

Some of the largest lakes offer some of the best fishing, like Lac des Milles Lacs, Lac des Illes, and Lake Wabigoon. Then there’s the gem called St. Marys River by Sault Ste. Marie, which is not to be missed for fly fishing!

You’ll never run out of fishing opportunities in Northern Ontario, and we’ve barely scratched the surface. We’d 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, Fraser Hayes, Jamie Svendsen, Alison Warner CONTRIBUTORS Tom Batiuk, Ray Bellefeuille, Shelley Bellefeuille, Nancy Davis, Kevin Green, Jamie Hussey, Andrew Kovala, Ellen Mackenzie, Charlie McDonald, Brian Ramakko, Linda Rice, Gary Skrzek, Cindy Smoke DIGITAL + DESIGN Joel Knudsen, Clayton Green, Eric Pinfold 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 St. Prince George, BC V2L 2J9 (250) 596-6277 mail@anglersatlas.com www.AnglersAtlas.com

NORTHERN ONTARIO FISHING 2018 4TH 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.

Algonquin Road, 2204 Algonquin Road, 705.523.1400 Elliot Lake, 9 Perini Road, 705.848.6336 Espanola, Hwy 6 North #50, 705.869.0333 Kapuskasing, 154 Government Road, 705.335.3453 Kirkland Lake, 13 Duncan Avenue South, 705.567.2115 Longlac, 105 King Street, 807.876.2243 New Liskeard, 64 Armstrong Street South, 705.647.6471 New Liskeard-Truck Center, 744043 Brazeau Blvd., 705.647.4110 North Bay, 303 Airport Road, 705.476.0005

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Sault Ste. Marie, 92 Second Line West, 705.575.6265 Sturgeon Falls, 156 Front Street, 705.753.3774 Sudbury - Garson, 1 - 2300 Maley Drive, 705.566.3519 Thunder Bay, 899 Alloy Place, 807.344.6512 Timmins, 1005 Algonquin Blvd. East, 705.267.2186 Timmins Commercial, 100 Laforest Road, 705.360.5496 Val Rita, Highway 11, 705.335.8496 West Bay, 6243 Highway 540, 705.377.5359

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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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T

he Nipigon area is packed full of lakes and rivers that Some road access from Beardare stuffed with fish of all types. more/High Hill Harbour, Anglers can go after walleye in concrete boat launches in Elizabeth and Frazer Lakes, or places. burbot in Jessie Lake. For every lake listed here, there are dozens 2 NIPIGON BAY more. World and Provincial Red Rock Marina for boat and records are held in this region, for road access. Brook, rainbow ling and brook trout. Your record and lake trout, coho, pinks, could be next! Smallmouth bass, whitefish, carp, perch and lake trout, walleye and pike are pike. waiting. Visit any of the local resources listed above to get set 3 ELIZABETH LAKE up for a memorable trip or to Walleye are abundant here. hang your hat and celebrate your Can be good for ice fishing, successful fishing in Nipigon. access by snowmobile.

LOCAL SPECIES

1 LAKE NIPIGON

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!

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

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Bowman Island Charters

807-886-2504

bowmanislandcharters.com

O

Hardy Baits

807-887-2306

N/A

P

Hamilton Baits

807-8571462

hamiltonbaits. webs.com

Q

Bear Trak Outfitters

807-6315555

beartrakoutfitters.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

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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

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Dog Lake (Thunder Bay)

Approx. 100 sq. km.

D

og Lake is another popular lake that boasts not only great fishing, but also canoeing, hiking and other exceptional outdoor opportunities.

Dog Lake is known for its walleye fishing. There are many parts of the lake that drop off quite quickly, and also many shallow areas that offer walleye rich habitat year round.

Walleye will take advantage of all of this. In the spring, they can be found in the shallow areas. They will be feeding heavily, and are more likely to take your bait because they’re

117 metres (384 feet)

Unknown

hungry.

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.

They tend to avoid the light, and will usually be less active on bright, calm days.

Kevin Green, from Romppais

Unknown

Feet

Outdoors in Thunder Bay, says point for the Silver Falls hikthat the fishing can also be good ing trail. Even though the park is non-operating, the trail is for pike, bass and whitefish. maintained by the Thunder Bay Hiking Association. The trail LAKE ACCESS leads to Dog Falls, rom Thunder Bay, turn right Finally, if you continue down onto Silver Falls Rd off Silver Falls road past the generHighway 102. At roughly 15 ating station (stay right), Silver km down the road there is a nice Falls Rd turns into Shields Rd. beach area at Little Dog Lake Continue down Shields Rd until (look left). the next fork (go left) and conJust past Little Dog tinue until you reach the Silver Lake, turn left Falls campground area on Dog towards the power Lake. generating sta- Kevin Green, says that there tion to find are several boat launches around the access the lake. Stop by Romppais Outdoors to get more information.

F

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 2018

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Dogtooth Lake 2,727 Hectares (6,739 Acres)

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

46 metres (151 feet)

Unknown

Unknown

well-used.

There are some larger pools in Dogtooth Lake is known for its the centre. excellent pike and walleye fish- These are some of the best placing. The lake is very deep, es for walleye. They prefer the and quite narrow in most places. 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.

Feet

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 Dogtooth Lake, as well as other amenities. 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

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 2018

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Gowganda Lake

1,046 Hectares (2,585 Acres)

45 metres (148 feet)

454 metres (1,488 feet)

May 1973

G

owganda Lake has long been known as a productive lake, its name an Ojibway word meaning “place of large pickerel.”

One of the largest lakes in the area, Gowganda is Z-shaped and features 60 km of shoreline. The lake’s bottom structure — consisting of several basins with an average depth of nine metres — makes the lake productive for a variety of species, including walleye, pike, perch, lake trout, bass and, to a lesser degree, whitefish. A rocky shoreline, shoals, drop-offs, weed beds and submerged islands also favour Gowganda a great angling destination.

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 season begins as soon as the ice is gone.

Feet

spot for walleye in the lower curve of the lake. Check out all the map markers and add your own, too, at anglersatlas.com/lake/place/102244/ gowganda-lake. Now you can even post while you’re fishing using our new mobile app! It’s free for iOS and Android.

LAKE ACCESS

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owganda Lake is located along Hwy. 560 west of Elk Lake adjacent to the small village of Gowganda, which lies at the northeast end of the lake.

Gowganda Lake Lodge offers full service amenities from boats to a general store. Check out their website at gowgandalakelodge. com for more information.

They are open year-round, and offer fishing packages, as well as hunting and trail riding.

According to reports on The Angler’s Atlas, there is a hot 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.

TOP LURES

CHOSEN BY OUR ONTARIO MEMBERS

Walleye

Favourite Crank Bait: Rapala

Northern Ontario 2018

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Hammer Lake

458 Hectares (1,132 Acres)

12 metres (39 feet)

412 metres (1,350 feet)

June 1972

Feet

H

weighted jig with a twister tail is a common setup and can work well to catch fish.

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.

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 pike. Some larger spoons and crank baits are good for going after pike.

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.

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.

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 Later in the season, though, try offers camping. more natural colours. Brown, black, white and olive can be useful at these times. A 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 2018

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Ivanhoe Lake Approx. 19 sq. km.

I

vanhoe Lake, 45 km west of Chapleau in Algoma County, contains trophy-sized 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.

21 metres (70 feet)

Unknown

Unknown

Feet

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

T

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 Try a deep-diving minnow store, boat launch and a crank bait, trolled in the mid- visitor centre. dle 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 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.

TOP LURES

CHOSEN BY OUR ONTARIO MEMBERS

Walleye

Favourite Spinner: Mepps Black Fury

Northern Ontario 2018

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Kesagami Lake 17,120 Hectares (42,255 Acres)

8 metres (26 feet)

Unknown

June 1984

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.

Metres

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/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.

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. LAKE ACCESS The largest pike on record is esagami Lake is a fly54 inches and lots have been in lake.

Kesagami caught bigger than 50 inches. Wilderness Lodge is the only Part of the reason for this is camp on the lake, and has the catch and release policy, been featured in many outdoor and the single, barbless hook magazines. See kesagami.com policy. While not regulations, for information. per se, these things help to retain the larger fish.

K

Walleye fishing can be equally rewarding. McDonald reports that anglers can sometimes 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.

TOP LURES

CHOSEN BY OUR ONTARIO MEMBERS

Northern Pike

Favourite Spinner: Mepps Aglia

Northern Ontario 2018

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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 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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m

Lac Des Milles Lacs 245 sq. km.

20 metres (65 feet)

Unknown

Unknown

Feet

large, and with so many channels, boaters should use a GPS if navigating any distance from a boat launch. He also reminds anglers that there are many Kevin Green notes that ice rock hazards in the lake. fishing on Lac des Mille Lacs There are several public boat is spectacular. Both pike and launches around the lake. walleye are easily caught through the ice. There are rental companies that will rent ice huts, even for overnight 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

L

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, cautions boaters that because the lake is so

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.

TOP LURES

CHOSEN BY OUR ONTARIO MEMBERS

Northern Pike

Favourite Jerk/Crank Bait:

Rapala Husky Jerk

Northern Ontario 2018

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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.

They’ll target both topwater

47 metres (155 feet)

357 metres (1,171 feet)

Unknown

habitat. Rice says that this is most apparent in the eastern part of the lake, where There are some monster there are signifipike in Lac Seul, too, and cant areas of spawnMoosehorn Lodge has the pic- ing habitat. tures to show it. Rice notes The underwater structhat the huge sizes are not that ture in Lac Seul is so typical of pike in the lake, complex that a really good depth finder is probably a though they are there.

Rice adds that the fly fishing handy thing to have if you’re on Lac Seul is terrific. “You boating on the lake. There are can fly fish for anything, any- innumerable sheltered locawhere on Lac Seul,” she says, tions that are fine for small “and it’s probably best early in boats. In fact, smaller boats the year when the fish haven’t may be ideal in many places on Lac Seul, because access begun to go deep.” and rocks can make it a difThere are also bass in Lac ficult trip otherwise.

Seul, mostly in the southeast.

Leeches, minnows and cray- Rice says that the fishing is fish can all be effective for consistent all year, though for bass, depending on the time walleye, it’s really good right around the opening of the seaof year. son.

Some consider Lac Seul to be the “walleye capital of the world.” That may sound LAKE ACCESS like an exaggeration, howhere are numerous pubever, there is no denying that lic access points, boat Lac Seul is fabulous walleye launches and beaches around

Feet

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.

T

Lac Seul, as well as dozens of privately-operated lodges and camps. For detailed access directions, call one of the lodges around the lake, or stop by your local tackle shop.

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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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 2018

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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.

blades. Try the mouth of the French River in the springtime.

Trolling along the shoreline is generally productive.

more.

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.

Callander Bay, near North Bay at the southeastern end of the lake, is productive for walleye Stocking associations are and smallmouth bass. Weed engaged in attempts to manage beds along the the lake’s walleye population. shore are a good Hundreds of huts can be scatAngler’s Atlas members have spot. South B a y tered around the lake on a good marked up the map for Lake on winter’s day, although Nipissing with all sorts of hot there were spots, boat launches and

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 chartreuse 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.

TOP LURES

CHOSEN BY OUR ONTARIO MEMBERS

Jigs

Northern Ontario 2018

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Walleye

+

Berkley Gulp

Live Minnow Grub

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Nippissing Lake Approx. 873 sq. km.

52 metres (171 feet)

196 metres (643 feet)

Unknown

Metres

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 access points and boat launches

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 are along the western shores of

around the lake. The lake is about 350 km or a three- to fourhour drive from Toronto. There are plenty of lodges, cottages, resorts, guide services and campgrounds that dot the shore.

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 Manitou Islands, and on 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.

TOP LURES

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Bass

Favourite Soft Body (using a drop shot) Yamamoto Senko

Northern Ontario 2018

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2018-05-01 10:10 AM

Lake Manitou

10,460 Hectares (25,848 Acres)

49 metres (161 feet)

229 metres (750 feet)

L

ake Manitou is the largest lake on Mantoulin Island, measuring 104 square km, and has the distinction of being the largest lake in the world on a freshwater island. There are more than 100 lakes on Manitoulin, making it a great destination for anglers.

July 1975

the bridge, follow Highway 540. You’ll head somewhat southerly on Manitowaning Road towards Provincial Secondary Highway 540 (Meredith Street in Little Current).

Turn left from Meredith Street onto Worthington Street and follow Highway 540. Highway 540 leads to Gore Bay, but you will not go that far. You follow Highw a y

Camp Mary Anne is a perfect launch point for fishing this lake, as it is right beside extensive shoals, where some of the best perch fisheries are - especially in September and October.

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540 westerly a distance of 29.6 km.

At the intersection of Provincial Secondary Highway 551, turn left (south) along Highway 551, a distance of 6.8 km.

Turn left onto Rockville Road and proceed easterly 2.6 km.

At that point, Rockville Road veers to the left and you are at Camp Mary Anne Road.

Proceed another .5 km and you will be at Camp Mary Anne.

If you’re not there for the perch, you can enjoy the lake trout fishery which benefits from a stocking program.

Or try your luck with LAKE ACCESS bass fishery, which can grow f you travel from the mainquite large. land, you will reach the IsTrout in the 2 to 6 pound land by crossing the historic range are most commonly railway/car swing bridge at caught, but some lakers can Little Current. During the range over 20 pounds. summer season, it opens evLake Manitou also offers ery hour on the hour to allow boat traffic. Once you cross excellent pike fishing.

I

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 2018

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Lake Nosbonsing 1788 Hectares (4420 Acres)

“L

ake Nosbonsing is an angler’s paradise, open year round and offering many fishing opportunities without the challenges of the big water. It’s an irregular shaped lake that is approximately seven miles long and it covers 1,600 acres in area.” Ray and Shelley Bellefeuille, owners and operators of Big Moose Camp invite fishing enthusiasts to come and enjoy the beauty and sport fishing this lake has to offer. Packed full of walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, small and largemouth bass, and yellow perch,

14 metres (45 feet)

240 metres (780 feet)

Unknown

Lake Nosbonsing offers an weighing more than 50 pounds!

The weed beds and bays allow exciting fishing experience.

Considered the biggest chal- for a perfect habitat for these lenge, and one of the main attrac- fish to grow to trophy size. tions in Lake Nosbonsing are There are a number of effective the walleye. “The peak action techniques for muskie fishing, usually hits after the opener in but the most popular is trolling.

May, but for those who are expe- “Utilizing spinnerbaits to troll rienced in catching this dynamic through the many weed flats and fish, it can continue throughout the bays can be extremely effecthe summer. Some popular tech- tive. Also, trolling crankbaits niques include drift fishing with among the many deeper humps live bait, Kwikfish and trolling and breaklines can be effective.”

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(Lake Nosbonsing Road) and turn left at the stop sign to Astorville. Drive for 5km, then turn left onto Astorville Road.

After 4km, turn right onto Big Moose Road for 2.9km to reach Big Moose Camp.

There is a public boat launch located at 60 Big Moose Road in Corbeill. For more information about fishing at Nosbonsing as well as visiting Big Moose Camp, visit www.bigmooseLAKE ACCESS Rapalas” note Bellefeuille. camp.com or give them a call at Muskie are the largest species ravelling on Hwy 11, take 705-752-3738. living in the lake, with some exit 329 onto Hwy 654

T

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 2018

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2018-05-01 10:10 AM

Pickle Lake

1060 Hectares (2620 Acres)

J

amie Hussey of the Pickle Lake Economic Development Office says while the biggest attraction is the northern pike, anglers can also find perch and small walleye in the lake. What makes this waterbody stand out however is the very low angling and boating traffic allowing anglers to spend an entire day uninterrupted by others.

18 metres (60 feet)

Unknown

are most active, are the best for pike fishing. She recommends a white Mister Twister paired with a skirted spoon, and notes that pike are “all over the place.”

Pickle Lake has a sand base with a number of drop off points.

These drop off points are where the fish tend to be, and are great starting points for anglers.

Pickle Lake will host a fishing derby on May 26th, 2018 from Hussey says that mornings 9-4pm. Registration includes and evenings, when the bugs a day of fishing, dinner, and a dance to follow for $100.

Alternatively, dinner and dance tickets are available separately.

The grand prize for the derby is a cottage lot located right on

Unknown

Feet

Pickle Lake! Registration ends LAKE ACCESS on May 11, 2018 head to http:// rom Sioux Lookout, head picklelake.ca/pike-derby-mereast on Hwy 516 and then chandise/ for more information north on Hwy 599 to the Town and to register. of Pickle Lake. Once in town, There are 26, one acre cottage head to the end of Beach Rd lots available for sale around to launch our boat. There is a the lake, which make for a great camping and RV site at the end angler getaway with perfect of this road. access to the lake. These are seasonal lots which range from $6,000 to $10,000. Call (807928-2034) or email (edo@picklelake.org) Ellen Mackenzie, Pickle Lake Economic Development Officer for more information.

F

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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2018-05-01 10:10 AM

Rainy Lake 93200 Hectares (230302 Acres)

50 metres (160 feet)

338 metres (1110 feet)

I

f you want a world-class destination for bass, walleye, pike and crappie, Rainy Lake is it. With 2200 islands, three distinct areas and 300 square kilometers of water, Rainy Lake tops them all in the western end of Ontario.

Some of the best fishing is in the spring. There’s a twoweek period or so where the walleye sanctuaries are open and the fish are still there. Batiuk says that they stay where the food is. If the water is staying cooler, and Tom Batiuk, of HSM the bait fish are still there, the Outdoors, says he has walleye will hang out. been fishing Rainy Lake Some of the best fishing since 2006. “I’ve been fish- in Rainy Lake is for bass. ing this lake for years and I “There is an absolutely amazstill haven’t fished it all,” he ing top water bite for bass,” muses.

Batiuk emphasizes. “You can Rainy Lake is a top bass catch 4 lb bass all day long.” lake. In fact, for all species of fish, Rainy Lake produces huge fish and huge numbers, which isn’t common.

Try popper baits, he says.

“Cast, let the weight go, snap it so you get a pop, and pause. Snap and pause. Bass In the north, the clearer water just love that.” is interestingly enough, a Batiuk’s favourite fish, better walleye spot that the though, is crappie. “For table darker coloured water of the fare, they’re way better than South Arm. walleye, even,” he says.

Batiuk says that if you want “They can be tricky to find, trophy walleye, go north. but once you do, they’re easy If you’re looking for larger to catch.”

Unknown

Feet

slip bobber, or a hair jig with a slip bobber about 18 to 24 inches up. Cast into the shallows. It’s as easy as that, says Batiuk.

similar to summer fishing.

Crappie, for example, just need the three Cs: current, cover and chow. The fish will find a piece of structure in the There is a great deal of mud, like a submerged log, underwater structure in and will hang about for the Rainy Lake. Batiuk says that bug life. fish really love transitions. “There’s so much more,” he Walleye, for example, prefer says, “and there are good broken rocks with structure guides and outfitters all to smooth areas. They follow around the lake who will help the shiners into the main lake you get to it.” basin.

Crappies like weed, to sand, to mud transitions, whereas pike like mud and clay.

Bass, he says, like weed, rock and sand transitions. Know what’s under the water, and you’ll have a better chance of catching the fish.

LAKE ACCESS

R

ainy Lake is located at Fort Frances. The Trans Canada Hwy crosses the lake.

There are several guides and outfitters in and around Fort Frances and Rainy Lake.

There are so many ways to catch fish in Rainy Lake, Batiuk says. “If you want a trophy pattern, try jerkbaits in July. Or, try spinner baits into pencil weeds for wallnumbers of good eating fish, Crappie spawn in water eye. People don’t generally Batiuk would take you to Red around 63 degrees F, and can think of that option.”

Gut Bay. be caught with a light jig and Fall fishing, he notes, is very 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 2018

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Note: Map is of east end of Rainy Lake only. For a more complete map, visit The Angler’s Atlas at anglersatlas.com/place/140958/rainy-lake

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 2018

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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 A d v e n t u re , says that there are pike, bass, wall-

Your choice for used vehicles.

DrivingForward.com

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eye and perch in Ramsey Lake.

“There are so many 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,”

want shallow water he adds. in the spring. Go deeper in the summer. Find the structure and “For wallgo from there.” eye, people go out real- “The quality of the pike fishery ly early, and will surprise you,” he adds. “The then really pike are healthy, chunky, and late, even at they’ve got good colours, espenight. There cially for a downtown lake.” are lots of boats on the lake, and lots of activity, so the walleye for sure tend to come out more at night,” he notes.

LAKE ACCESS “Try jigging minnows. Go to umerous points provide the bottom. Really make sure access to Ramsey Lake. you’re touching the bottom, and The primary access point for drag it slowly,” says Ramakko. Ramsey Lake is at the southwest With pike, he says that they real- side of the lake, near Science ly prefer the weed beds. “They North, off Ramsey Lake Road.

N

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.

Your choice for used vehicles.

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Twin Lake (Lower) Approx. 10 sq. km.

34 metres (110 feet)

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.

Unknown

week or two after ice out and go back down stream below Relief Lake waiting for the May Flies to hatch.”

June 1973

Feet

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 experience. Lower Twin Lakes Lodge (lowertwinlakes.com) and Twin Lakes Outfitters The underwater structure of (twin-lakes-air.com) Lower Twin Lake makes for are two such excellent fish habitat. There are places. sandy areas, rocky structure and a variety of weeds including Wild Rice and Spider Legs, among others.

The Drowning River, which itself offers excellent fishing, flows through Upper Twin Lake, into Lower Twin Lake, and exits at the southwest end of Lower Twin Lake.

LAKE ACCESS

F

rom Nipigon, take the Trans Canada Hwy east for about 193 km. Turn north onto Blueberry Road for about 45.3 km. Turn left onto Twin Lakes R d .

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 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.

TOP LURES

CHOSEN BY OUR ONTARIO MEMBERS

Northern Pike

Favourite Spoon: Williams Wabler

Northern Ontario 2018

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Wabigoon Lake 10521 Hectares (26000 Acres)

14 metres (47 feet)

330 metres (1,083 feet)

Unknown

Feet

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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Wabigoon Lake 10521 Hectares (26000 Acres)

W

abigoon Lake is a vast network of islands, bays, and sheltered shorelines. Whether you’re

14 metres (47 feet)

330 metres (1,083 feet)

Unknown

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.

Nancy Davis, owner of Due to the fact they prefer Bonny Bay Camp locat- deep water, muskie need to ed on the eastern side of be targeted from a boat. the lake says that Walleye is another vastly fishing for popular species of the lake. muskie is Part of the reason for great top notch. walleye fishing is the water T h e s e colour. Walleye have very fish tend sensitive eyes, and prefer to hang out low light, cloud cover, and is deeper water dark water. However, due when compared to the clay bottom, the sunto walleye, but light is unable to penetrate the water. Cindy Smoke are best 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. 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.

Both Davis and Smoke

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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, rocky areas in which anglers should avoid.

LAKE ACCESS

W

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.

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

he 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.

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 Andrew Kovala has spent a lot of deep pools over your the past several years getting head. to know the river and the fly In the rapids, you can fish for fishing opportunities. An avid Atlantic salmon, big rainbow angler and fly-tier, Kovala trout, pink salmon and chiloves the St. Marys River nook. for its combination of easy “Atlantic salmon are in the access, excellent fishing, and rapids when the water is the lack of fishing pressure. warm, and they’re absolutely “We do most of our fly fishing in the rapids. We do fish from 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

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work, and small flies are best. doesn’t necessarily increase In the main part of the river, your chances of catching fish; Kovala says that there are they’re untouched rivers and walleye, and that lots of peo- they aren’t stocked.”

ple love to fish for walleye in “Lots around the Sault is different parts of the river. unspoiled, and you just have Kovala loves the fishing to go and do some exploring opportunities around the Sault. and discovery for yourself.

“Lots of the lakes around the That’s what’s fun about it.”

Sault are very limited in their access, with zero camps or anything. There are lots of lakes full of smaller lake trout and really big speckled trout, up to 6 pounds. I catch them perfect for big, two-handed on the fly in the spring,” he fly rods. You fish full-float- adds. ing lines and small flies. You “Up here, there are smaller swing them like bug imita- runs, and you have to hit them tions, right onto the sufrace of at the perfect time. You could the water.” Kovala says that be the only person on the lots of different patterns will river a lot of the time. That

RIVER ACCESS

S

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.

2018-05-01 10:10 AM

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2018-05-01 10:10 AM

MyCatch

Take part in MyCatch and help fisheries conservation across Canada

by Angler’s Atlas

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O T S S T AY

U R C A TC H TE

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ROES - THE

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RECORD

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SE

ET

Biologists will use this data in fisheries assessments.

CONSERVATION

ACROSS CANADA AnglersAtlas.com/mycatch FIND AN EXCITING

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CLUB

Photo by Angler’s Atlas member bmurphy at a hike-in lake somewhere in the Rockies.

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2018-05-01 10:10 AM