K ABY WALLEYE

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

BY ANGELO VIOLA & PETE BOWMAN

IF YOU’RE TALKING about waterbodies with a ridiculous number of walleye of all sizes, then Kabinakagami Lake has to be a part of the discussion. Perhaps better known as Kaby, this lake in the upper reaches of Ontario’s Algoma region has produced more keeper-sized walleye for us than most other fishing destinations we’ve ventured to.

Although there are also some big northern pike in Kaby—along with whitefish and jumbo perch—it’s the walleye that rule here. This is one of those rare lakes where you can literally drop a jig-and-minnow combo directly below your boat in seven feet of water, with your outboard still running, and catch shorelunch. We kid you not. We’ve done it, and the fish were delicious.

While staying at Pine Portage Lodge during our visit last year, we decided to change things up. Instead of jigging this time, we trolled large, walleye-specific Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnows off of deep structure and caught some better than average fish. That’s a pattern we’ll definitely use again on our next visit.

Although we didn’t catch any giant northerns last year, we’ve pulled some beauties out of Kaby during previous trips. The potential is always there for tackling a 40-inch-plus pike of a lifetime.

There’s plenty of fish-holding water to explore, too. Part of the James Bay drainage on the like-named Kabinakagami River, Kaby is 26 kilometres long and 12 kilometres wide, with an average depth of three metres (the deepest point is 15 metres) and more than 200 kilometres of shoreline.

To watch our latest shoot at Pine Portage Lodge, look for “Episode 539: Dredging Kaby Lake for Summer Walleye” on our website listed below, or search for “Trolling and Jigging for Deep Summer Walleye” on our YouTube page. You can also hear all about it on our Outdoor Journal Radio Podcast (“Episode 32: Fall Fishing Preview”) via our website.

When it comes to walleye fishing, Kaby won’t let you down. OC

LEARN MORE ABOUT KABY LAKE AT WWW.ALGOMACOUNTRY.COM AND WWW.PINEPORTAGE.CA. ALSO, VISIT US AT WWW.FISHNCANADA.COM, WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/FISHNCANADA, YOUTUBE.COM/@FISHNCANADA AND WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/FISHNCANADAOFFICIAL.

Getaways

Blackstone River

Alberta’s Blackstone is a beautiful river with a healthy population of cutthroat trout and decent numbers of bulls. The best vehicle access is where the river crosses the Forestry Trunk Road northwest of Nordegg, but if you’re willing to walk, there are tons of access points above and below that point. Chungo Creek Outfitters rents cabins and campsites, and offers guided trips. www.chungocreekoutfitters.com

—KEN BAILEY

BOWER LAKE

Easily accessible Bower Lake in Manitoba’s Turtle Mountain Provincial Park is modest in size, making it ideal for fishing from a kayak, canoe or car topper. Brimming with big rainbows and browns, the 52-hectare lake is part of the Pembina Valley Fish Enhancement program. Turtle Mountain Provincial Park has both electrical and basic campsites. www.outdoorcanada.ca/turtlemtn

—GORD PYZER

LAKE ST. JOSEPH

Northern Ontario’s Lake St. Joseph near Pickle Lake features spectacular wilderness-calibre fishing for walleye and pike without the need to fly in. For walleye, cast half- and 3⁄4-ounce bullet jigs dressed with five- and six-inch soft-plastic swimbaits. Use the same lures for giant pike, as well as big, gaudy spinnerbaits. The Old Post Lodge offers accommodation and guided fishing. www.oldpost.com

—GORD PYZER