SEINE SYSTEM

HITTING THE WATER WITH TV’S FISH’N CANADA SHOW

BY ANGELO VIOLA & PETE BOWMAN

NORTHERN ONTARIO’S ATIKOKAN area could easily be classified as an unsung hot spot when it comes to fishing destinations. We say that because to the west lies Rainy Lake and Lake of the Woods, to the north is Lac Seul, and to the east is Lac des Mille Lacs and Lake Nipigon. And that’s to name just a few of northern Ontario’s famed fisheries. But while it may be lesser known, the Atikokan area features a bevy of smaller fish-filled lakes and rivers offering a multitude of different gamefish. And sure, it may be somewhat off the beaten path, but ah, the solitude!

On a recent Fish’n Canada shoot, we ventured to Atikokan’s Seine River system, setting up our base of operations at Branch’s Seine River Lodge on Banning Lake. From there, we also had access to Calm, Perch, Chub and Little McCauley Lakes, all of which offer excellent fishing opportunities; we concentrated on Calm Lake to film our program.

In particular, we targeted an area towards the main part of the lake just as you clear Banning Narrows. That’s where lodge guests had reported seeing a spectacular display of smallmouth bass busting the surface while crashing into big balls of ciscoes. We just had to check it out, of course, and ended up having an amazing day of fishing.

All of the stories were true. Not only did we see the odd ravenous school of smallies piercing the surface, we also saw the bass slicing into giant bait balls thanks to our LiveScope sonar unit.

Our lure of choice was the one-ounce Yo-Zuri 3DB TwitchBait, which we knew would be a multispecies slayer—and it was. We pounded the smallies, catching them on practically every cast. It was just amazing to spot the schools at the surface, as well as all the way to the bottom, then slide and glide our TwitchBaits right through them. What a fishery! OC

Getaways

LAC MONTGOMERY

Lying some 400 kilometres northwest of Montreal, Lac Montgomery is one of 30 lakes you can fish within a 272-square-kilometre private territory leased by family-run Wapus Lodge. My fly-fishing friend Nicole Tracey Lewis says she had the time of her life there catching four-pound-plus brook trout, noting that assorted small wet flies were the ticket. You can also catch walleye, pike and lakers. 1-888-949-2787; www.wapuslodge.com

—GORD PYZER

BOUNDARY DAM RESERVOIR

Saskatchewan’s only bass lake, Boundary Dam Reservoir receives the hot-water discharge from nearby Estevan’s power plant, allowing for ice-free fishing throughout much of the year. The long growing season produces largemouth bass weighing up to eight pounds, walleye up to nine and northern pike topping 15. Angling educators Jason and Jeff Matity can provide good local intel. www.getfishing.ca

–GORD PYZER

PRINCE RUPERT

Although Prince Rupert, B.C., marks the end of the Yellowhead Highway, it’s also the gateway to spectacular saltwater fishing in the Hecate Strait. All five species of Pacific salmon feed their way through here en route to their spawning grounds, but the waters are best known for giving up huge chinook. Enormous halibut and other bottom fish are also on tap. (250) 624-5637; www.visitprincerupert.com

—KEN BAILEY

For The Glass

With its aromatic blend of peach, melon and fennel, Beronia’s silken Verdejo from the Rueda region of Spain pairs well with this recipe’s fish, cheese and asparagus. Serve well chilled.