OUTDOOR CANADA MAGAZINE FISHING SPECIAL MARCH APRIL 2024 by outdoorgroupmedia

2024

27HOT

HARDCORE

TOP-

SPOTS

SECRET TACTICS BASS

ALLNEW

•

• WALLEYE • LAKERS • MUSKIES

FISHING GEAR! SAVING FUNDY’S

FISHING SPECIAL 2024 $9.99

www.outdoorcanada.ca

ATLANTIC SALMON DISPLAY UNTIL AUGUST 31, 2024

BROWN TROUT • ASIAN CARP SCARE • INFLATABLE BOATS

OFF-ROAD

2023 GRIZZLY EPS SE CANADIAN EDITION Confident, Comfortable, Capable 10 Year Belt Warranty I 2,500 lb. WARN® Winch I Electric Power Steering

Discover More Yamaha – Genuine Parts & Accessories, Service and Finance Professional rider depicted on closed course. The riders shown are highly skilled, professional riders, and their actions are not intended to be duplicated in any way. Ride within the limits of your skills and experience, never beyond them. Never engage in stunt driving or riding. Avoid excessive speed. Always wear required and/or recommended riding gear. Never drive or ride under the inﬂuence of alcohol and/or drugs. Ride safely, respect and protect the environment, and observe all provincial and local laws. Beginners should be extremely cautious and allow extra time and distance for manoeuvring and braking. Yamaha recommends taking an approved training course. Read your owner’s manual and product labels, and inspect your Yamaha vehicle before operation. Some U.S. models and/or optional accessories may be shown.

FISHING SPECIAL 30

F E AT U R E S

VOL. 52, ISSUE 1

EXPERT WATERS

Where do those in the know go to wet a line? Our hardcore angling contributors reveal their top fishing hot spots

Special

BY OUTDOOR CANADA CONTRIBUTORS

INSIDER INFO

Five pro anglers (reluctantly) reveal their top-secret tactics for bass, lakers, muskies and walleye BY GORD PYZER

30 D E PA R T M E N T S & C O L U M N S 8 OUTLOOK A new chapter for a long-time colleague BY PATRICK WALSH 10 JOURNAL Outdoor inspiration and information BY STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS 24 FAIR GAME The importance of sharing our waterways BY ROBERT PYE 26 FLY FISHING In praise of the sport’s ongoing evolution BY SCOTT GARDNER 27 ON THE WATER A deadly pro twist on drop-shotting BY GORD PYZER 28 BOWHUNTING Why laser rangefinders are a must BY KEVIN WILSON 29 IN THE FIELD How to tell Canadas from cacklers BY KEN BAILEY 66 HOMAGE The Sportspal canoe BY KEVIN SHACKELL

BEST FISHING GEAR

The year’s top new rods, reels, lures, electronics and accessories for helping Canadian anglers catch more fish BY GORD PYZER

BEST FLY GEAR

The year’s top new tackle, tying materials, apparel and accessories to make the most of fly fishing in Canada BY WAYNE PHILLIPS

58 24

COVER LINES 2024

20 Inflatable Boats

27HOT

HARDCORE

SPOTS

TOP-

SECRET TACTICS BASS

ALLNEW

• • WALLEYE • LAKERS • MUSKIES

FISHING GEAR! SAVING FUNDY’S

ATLANTIC SALMON

14 Asian Carp Scare

FISHING SPECIAL 2024 $9.99

www.outdoorcanada.ca

DISPLAY UNTIL AUGUST 31, 2024

BROWN TROUT • ASIAN CARP SCARE • INFLATABLE BOATS

30 27 Hardcore Hot Spots 40 Top-Secret Tactics 48 All-New Fishing Gear 58 Brown Trout 62 Saving Fundy’s Atlantic Salmon

COVER SHOT A SUCCESSFUL ANGLER HOISTS A CHUNKY LARGEMOUTH BASS FROM THE EARLY-SUMMER WATERS OF PIGEON LAKE IN CENTRAL ONTARIO’S POPULAR KAWARTHA LAKES REGION. PHOTO BY CHRIS HOCKLEY

OUTDOOR CANADA [ FISHING SPECIAL 2024 ]

ONE TRICKY TROUT

The challenges and rewards of finding and catching Alberta’s streamdwelling brown trout on the fly BY KEN BAILEY

SURVIVAL TACTIC

An all-new approach to saving endangered Atlantic salmon is underway in New Brunswick’s inner Bay of Fundy. Will it work? BY ZAC KURYLYK

W W W. O U T D O O R C A N A D A . C A | 3

ONLINE NOW www.outdoorcanada.ca

FISHING DUTCH MASTERS

During a fishing trip to northwestern Ontario, two novice muskie anglers from Holland caught a boatload of giant fish—and revealed a whole new perspective on muskie hunting in the process. Here’s how you can duplicate their success. outdoorcanada.ca/dutchmasters CAT FIGHTS

For a great scrap, look no further than the giant channel catfish of Manitoba’s Red River. This handy guide lays out the tackle, baits and know-how you need to hook up with these whiskered beasts. outdoorcanada.ca/catfights ON THE WATER ONLINE

Canada’s biggest fish

How do you boost your chances of catching true tackle-busters? Go where the big fish live. With so many excellent places to wet a line in this great country, however, the choices aren’t always so simple. For this comprehensive hot spots guide, we scoured record books, mined the internet, consulted with contributors and drew on our own experiences to pinpoint the best places to catch the largest of Canada’s 38 most popular sportfish. Now the rest is up to you! outdoorcanada.ca/canadasbiggestfish

CONNECT WITH US Join us on Facebook

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@OutdoorCanada @OutdoorCanadaW Follow us on Instagram

@outdoorcanadamagazine Follow editor-in-chief Patrick Walsh on X and Instagram @OutdoorWalsh Follow associate editor Scott Gardner on X

@OutdoorGardner

4 | OUTDOOR CANADA [ F I S H I N G S P E C I A L 2 0 2 4 ]

Outdoor Canada fishing editor Gord Pyzer regularly posts fishing tips, gear reviews and much more on his blog, “On the water online.” Check in often to stay on top of exciting developments in the world of sportfishing. outdoorcanada.ca/blogs

HUNTING BOWFISHING BASICS

Bowfishing is a great way to improve your archery form and accuracy, as well as help control invasive fish species. This quick primer reveals the basic gear and techniques required to get in on the action. outdoorcanada.ca/bowfishingbasics BUYING BINOCULARS

With so many options to choose from, finding the right binoculars to suit your hunting needs and budget can be tricky. Hunting editor Ken Bailey lays out the features to consider, including power, brightness, prisms and overall durability. outdoorcanada.ca/buyingbinoculars CANINE COVERAGE

Accidents and illnesses happen, making it inevitable your hunting dog will periodically need veterinary care. If you’re thinking about pet insurance, carefully consider these options and understand what you’re getting into. outdoorcanada.ca/caninecoverage W W W.O U T D O O RCA N A DA .CA

CANADA

FREE PREVIEW! MARCH 1-31

FEATURING CANADA’S MOST TRUSTED AND KNOWLEDGEABLE PROGRAMS

S PO RTS M AN CAN ADA .CA

From this day forward, Introducing the completely redesigned Fenwick family of rods There is no shortage of good things in the world today. Thanks to the advancement of technology and manufacturing, good is everywhere. Good is the new average. Good is the new standard. Good is the price of admission. There’s nothing inherently bad about good. It’s only that it is so plentiful and, as a consequence, unremarkable. From this day forward, we declare good to be our enemy. If good is the enemy of great, then we will work tirelessly to flush good from our thinking and our rods. Starting now, we no longer accept the terms of good’s offer, no matter how easy, agreeable, practical, cost-effective, or efficient those terms may seem. Good has no guts Good doesn’t want to push the envelope. Good just wants to lick the stamp. For decades, Fenwick has built a legacy of making high-quality fishing rods known for their trademark sensitivity. Today, we are throwing all of those perfectly good rods out. Because, at the end of the day, we know they could be better. We did not just redesign a few rods. We bet the entire farm and the lake and the river with it. With Fenwick’s famous sensitivity as our north star to guide us, the result is an all-new, entirely redesigned family of 264 rods spread across four performance series—Eagle, HMG, Elite

and World Class—crafted to provide ultimate sensitivity for every species and your specific technique. Good is inconsistent Good isn’t consistent or disciplined. Good is all over the place. Throwing out our entire product line and reinventing Fenwick from scratch has freed us to do something unthinkable. Something that is nonexistent in the fishing world—an entire brand of rods designed at the same time, by the same people, under the same vision to achieve consistent uniformity in performance throughout the entire family. Until now, rod brands have always been a mishmash of new and older designs with little consistency. By contrast, the new Fenwick line is designed to provide what we call “family flex.” This means that each rod’s match in specifications across each performance series shares the same action. If a rod fishes a ½-ounce jig perfectly to your liking, its counterpart will do the same. So you can fish up and down the Fenwick family, and every Fenwick will fish like a Fenwick. What separates the Eagle, HMG, Elite and World Class is a continual refinement of materials and processes. There is no good, better, best. We worked to make excellence our starting point and went upwards in sensitivity and lighter-weight materials from there.

good is our enemy. Good settles for good enough Good is potential without ambition. Good is ability without sacrifice. It’s not one thing that makes a fishing rod great. It’s many. A culmination of dozens of deliberated choices that, when added together, become greater than the sum of their parts. Every detail and choice in the new Fenwick rods is driven by performance to provide anglers with ultimate sensitivity, allowing them to better feel what they can’t see. This starts with a true blank that runs from tip to butt with no separation. Though it’s harder to build, the result is an unimpeded, direct line of communication from your lure to your hand. Because sensitivity is felt in the hands, we studied how hundreds of different anglers hold a rod. Working with experts in surgical-tool ergonomics, we created a bulb profile that fills the hand more comfortably, providing more confidence and control and less hand fatigue. A full blank side exposure in the grip makes the rod feel more alive, delivering all the sensitivity of the rod blank more directly to your hands. Materials were painstakingly chosen for weight, balance and feel—from composite and standard cork to EVA foam.

While people often think that a sensitive rod is a result of it being lightweight, in reality, it’s a rod’s balance of weight that is most important. Each of the 264 rods has been meticulously balanced from tip to butt to provide remarkable sensitivity and feel. This attention to detail is even found in the paint: Environmentally friendly paints were chosen that are transparent for less weight and better performance. Good is gone Yesterday is history. Today we start again. From this day forward, good will find no quarter in our thinking or our rods. Good will find no neutral ground to pitch its tent. Good has no home here. Good has been escorted from the building. Because a legacy means nothing unless you are carrying it forward. If you are not pushing, expanding or challenging yourself and the field, you will never achieve something great— only a different shade of good. The world doesn’t need another good fishing rod. We’re here to make the best fishing rods humanly possible. Rods that make every minute on the water count. Rods that let you feel everything.

fenwickfishing.com

OUTLOOK

MARCH/APRIL 2024

BY PATRICK WALSH

A new chapter L

E S TA B L I S H E D 1 9 7 2

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & BRAND MANAGER Patrick Walsh

ONG-TIME READERS of Outdoor Canada are no doubt

familiar with the work of Bob Sexton, our affable managing editor. Bob joined us way back in 2001 as assistant editor, fresh out of then Ryerson University with a degree in magazine journalism. He was the first person I hired at Outdoor Canada, having only joined the publication myself a year earlier. It was an easy decision. Not only did Bob come highly recommended by Ryerson faculty, he also impressed me with his wit and candor during our first meeting. Nor did it hurt he came from Newfoundland, and knew his way around a fishing rod. In the ensuing years, Bob would go on to become our managing editor, diligently keeping everything on track. And in the process, he also earned several writing awards for his contributions. But more importantly, on a personal level, Bob became a great friend, joining me on numerous fishing and hunting adventures over the past two decades—and sharing a lot of laughs. So, it was with some regret when I learned Bob had decided to leave Outdoor Canada to pursue other opportunities—this is his final issue. And while we will be working hard to fill the giant void he leaves behind, we are at least heartened to know Bob will be spending more time with his nine-year-old twins, Sam and Ben, 12-year-old daughter, Maya, and wife, Norine Williamson. Their first order of business? A family vacation to Cuba. Enjoy, my friend. Here’s to an exciting next BOB SEXTON AND chapter, and even greater things to come. OC HIS YOUNG FAMILY

CONTRIBUTORS

MANAGING EDITOR Bob Sexton ASSOCIATE EDITOR & WEB EDITOR Scott Gardner ART DIRECTOR Sandra Cheung FISHING EDITOR Gord Pyzer HUNTING EDITOR Ken Bailey

PUBLISHER Mark Yelic NATIONAL ACCOUNT MANAGERS Rosemary Bubanovich, Jeff Coyle RETAIL AND CLASSIFIED ACCOUNT MANAGER Chris Holmes MARKETING MANAGER Desiree Miller DIRECTOR OF RETAIL MARKETING Craig Sweetman AD TRAFFIC COORDINATOR Michaela Ludwig DIGITAL COORDINATOR Lauren Novak CIRCULATION & CUSTOMER SERVICE Marissa Miller, Lauren Novak CONTROLLER Anthea Williams OUTDOOR CANADA IS PUBLISHED BY OUTDOOR GROUP MEDIA LTD. Outdoor Canada magazine (ISSN 0315-0542) is published six times a year by Outdoor Group Media Ltd.: Fishing Special; May/June; July/August; Hunting Special; November/December; and January/February. Printed in Canada by TC Transcontinental. SUBSCRIPTION RATES: Canada, one year (six issues), $24.95 plus tax. U.S., one year, $39.95. Foreign, one year, $69.95. Send name, address and cheque or money order to: Outdoor Canada, 802-1166 Alberni St., Vancouver, B.C. V6E 3Z3 MAIL PREFERENCE: Occasionally, we make our subscriber list available to carefully screened companies whose products and services may be of interest to our readers. If you want your name removed, contact us via the subscripton contact below. Publication Mail Agreement No. 42925023. Send address corrections and return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Outdoor Canada, 802-1166 Alberni St., Vancouver, B.C. V6E 3Z3 USPS #014-581. U.S. Office of publication, 4600 Witmer Industrial Estates, Unit #4, Niagara Falls, N.Y .14305. U.S. Periodicals Postage paid at Niagara Falls, N.Y. Postmaster: Send address changes to Outdoor Canada, P.O. Box 1054, Niagara Falls, N.Y. 14304-5709. Indexed in Canadian Magazine by Micromedia Ltd. EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS: We welcome query letters and e-mails, but assume no responsibility for unsolicited material.

Once again, you’ll find fishing editor Gord Pyzer’s fingerprints all over this issue, our annual Fishing Special. Along with a few Journal pieces and his regular column (page 27), Gord also shares one of his top fishing hot spots (page 32), some secret pro tactics (page 40), and the best new fishing gear for 2024 (page 48).

Kanata, Ontario’s Kevin Shackell began his writing career in 1980 with the Yukon News, later working for Tourism Yukon, followed by government communications jobs in Ottawa before retiring. An avid angler, he continues to write for the Whitehorse Star and other publications. See page 66 for his tribute to the Sportspal canoe.

Originally from Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley, wildlife photographer Dave Ellis and his wife have been living in Omemee, Ontario, since 2001. “With all of the lakes, rivers and nature areas here, it is a great place to be,” he says. A regular columnist with the Peterborough Examiner, Ellis captured this issue’s awesome Scene photo (page 10).

8 | OUTDOOR CANADA [ FISHING SPECIAL 2024 ]

Since retiring from teaching high school in 1999, Saskatoon contributor Wayne Phillips has devoted much of his time to writing, hunting, fishing, wild cuisine and conservation work. He has a particular affinity for fly fishing, sharing his expertise through workshops and numerous articles. On page 54, he picks 2024’s top new fly-fishing gear.

Distributed by Comag Marketing Group. ©2024 Outdoor Canada. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any article, photo or artwork without written permission of the publisher is strictly forbidden. The publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material. Subscriptions and customer service: 1-800-898-8811 Subscriptions e-mail: service@outdoorcanada.ca Customer service website: www.outdoorcanada.ca/subscribe MAILING ADDRESS: Outdoor Canada, 802-1166 Alberni St., Vancouver, B.C. V6E 3Z3 General inquiries: (604) 428-0259 Editorial e-mail: editorial@outdoorcanada.ca Members of the Manitoba Wildlife Federation, Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation and Alberta Fish & Game Association must contact their respective organizations regarding subscription questions or changes.

W W W.O U T D O O RCA N A DA .CA

PRINCE CRAFT AD TK

W W W.OUTDOO RCANADA .CA | 9

JOURNAL

100th

Anniversary of the New Brunswick Wildlife Federation, originally launched in 1924 as the New Brunswick Fish and Game Protective Association; the current name was adopted in 1965. The group continues to follow its original mandate to “propagate, preserve and protect fish, game and forest.”

10.5 million 9 Pink salmon returning to B.C.’s Fraser River this past fall, much higher than the projected return of 6.1 to 8.6 million fish, says the Pacific Salmon Foundation. The province’s Strait of Georgia, meanwhile, saw a surprise return of millions of coho.

10 | O U T D O O R C A N A D A [ F I S H I N G S P E C I A L 2 0 2 4 ]

Invasive species newly added to the list of organisms banned in Ontario, including four types of fish, two aquatic plants, two crayfish and one mammal, a large rodent from South America called the nutria. To prevent their spread, it is illegal to import, possess, release or sell species on the prohibited list.

PHILIPPE AMELANT/WIKIPEDIA COMMONS (NUTRIA)

O U T D O O R I N F O R M AT I O N & I N S P I R AT I O N

SCENE Fish on! A hungry great blue heron in full breeding plumage successfully plucks a small muskie from the springtime shallows of Ontario’s Sturgeon Lake. PHOTO BY DAVE ELLIS

817,000

Wild fish, mostly herring, killed at B.C.’s open-net salmon farms in 2022, five times higher than in previous years, according to the Watershed Watch Salmon Society. Operators blame the spike on a new highpressure spraying process to remove parasites from the farmed fish.

70th

Anniversary of Princecraft, founded in Princeville, Quebec, in 1954 by brothers Lionel, Roger and Sarto Baril. Originally called Aluminum Boats and Canoes, the popular boat maker officially adopted the Princecraft moniker in 1994.

ON THE RECORD

“He understood the challenges of living in rural, isolated villages in winter.” The Ohio-based National Inventors Hall of Fame describes how 2024 inductee Joseph-Armand Bombardier (pictured) came to invent the snowmobile. Quebec-born Bombardier’s first winter vehicle was the seven-passenger B7, featuring skis up front and a track-and-wheel system propelling it along from the back. Then in 1959, he unveiled the much smaller, faster and affordable Ski-Doo, heralding the start of snowmobiling as a recreational activity. W W W . O U T D O O R C A N A D A . C A | 11

JOURNAL

TROPHY WALL

HOT SHOTS PHOTOGRAPHIC MEMORIES OF FUN DAYS AFIELD AND ON THE WATER

E ENJOY SEEING pictures of your fishing and hunting

accomplishments—and learning the stories behind them. Please e-mail us your images, along with any relevant details (who, what, where and when), and we’ll post them on Instagram and publish our favourites here.

Wielding a 10-weight fly rod, Maria Krall of Lethbridge, Alberta, brought in this 31½-inch laker on northern Saskatchewan’s Cree Lake last June. Says husband Dale Krall, who took the photo: “It is especially awesome to see women out there in nature fishing.” Agreed.

Proud dad Wally Woods says his then 10-year-old daughter, Tara, was “very excited” when she caught and released this nice northern last May on Pelican Lake near their home in Sioux Lookout, Ontario. Joining them that day were Tara’s older sister, Sierra, and mom Sabrina Patterson. Lyssa Dzama had the hot stick one day last September on Manitoba’s Eleanor Lake when she caught this 31-inch walleye, as well as a 19½-inch smallmouth. “It was very exciting, as I was the only one catching, with boats all around us,” says the Winnipeg angler, who was fishing with her husband at the time.

Angler Maddy Rasmussen of Chilliwack, B.C., was float fishing with pink soft beads on B.C.’s Vedder River at first light last September when she hooked into this nice chinook. She also caught a coho and a pink salmon that fine morning, all of which were safely live-released.

PLEASE E-MAIL YOUR PHOTOGRAPHS AND RELEVANT DETAILS TO EDITORIAL@OUTDOORCANADA.CA. ALSO BE SURE TO CHECK OUT OUR INSTAGRAM PAGE: @OUTDOORCANADAMAGAZINE.

12 | OUTDOORCANADA [ FISHING SPECIAL

2024 ]

While dock fishing with friends Zayde Gullion and Andrew Henderson on Alberta’s North Wabasca Lake last July, Jayde Christina of nearby Wabasca was taken by surprise when she hooked into this 46-inch pike. Overwhelmed, she handed her rod over to Andrew while Zayde manned the net. “I was so thankful for them taking over and taming this amazing northern pike,” Jayde says of the team effort.

Eleven-year-old Noah Lough celebrated his first big catch after tackling this six-pound smallmouth bass on Moira Lake near his home in Tweed, Ontario, last July. “Weight, measurements and pictures were taken before releasing this beautiful fish to spawn some more,” says dad Brennan Lough. St. Thomas, Ontario, angler Rebecca Nurton was all smiles when she boated this eight-pound coho salmon while fishing on Lake Huron two summers ago. With her at the time were her dad, twin sister Sandra and grandpa Derrick Nurton, who submitted the photo.

While shore fishing on Nova Scotia’s Fancy Lake last September, Charles Weiss fooled this chain pickerel with his favourite spinner-and-worm rig. “Twenty-five inches of colourful finned fury are exciting when they bite at shore at your feet,” says the Pleasantville, Nova Scotia, angler. OC W W W. O U T D O O R C A N A D A . C A | 1 3

JOURNAL IN SEASON OUTDOOR SMARTS

MOST WANTED HOW TO HELP STOP NOTORIOUS ASIAN CARPS FROM WREAKING HAVOC BY BOB SEXTON

BIGHEAD CARP Voracious eaters of zooplankton, detritus and small invertebrates, these are a deep-bodied fish with a large, toothless mouth and a very large head, where the eyes are located forward and low. The top half of the fish is dark grey, while the bottom is cream-coloured with irregular dark blotches. Bighead can push five feet in length, and weigh more than 80 pounds.

eye below centre of body

no barbels (whiskers)

BLACK CARP Capable of growing as long as six feet and weighing up to 200 pounds, black carp feed mostly on zooplankton, insect larvae and detritus when they’re young, then primarily mollusks as adults. Elongated with a pointed head and a small toothless mouth, black carp are mostly brown to black, but bluish-grey to white on the belly; the large, overlapping scales appear cross-hatched. GRASS CARP Also featuring large scales that appear cross-hatched, grass carp have a short dorsal fin and small eyes that sit in line with the mouth. Unlike non-invasive common carp, their mouth is jawed (not suckered), and they don’t have barbels. Mostly black to olivebrown in colour, they can weigh more than 80 pounds and push the tape to five feet. They feed mostly on aquatic plants. SILVER CARP Prone to vaulting out of the water at the sound of a boat motor, these deepbodied fish have a large, broad head, with a toothless, upturned lower jaw and low-set eyes. Silver with a slate gray head and a white belly, these phytoplankton-eaters can tip the scales at more than 80 pounds and reach four feet in length. OC

short dorsal fin

dark blotches

short dorsal fin eye level with mouth

no barbels (whiskers)

eye level with mouth

no barbels (whiskers)

eye below centre of body

large, dark crosshatched scale pattern

short dorsal fin

large, dark cross-hatched scale pattern

short dorsal fin

no barbels (whiskers)

VISIT WWW.ASIANCARP.CA TO LEARN WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND AN INVASIVE CARP.

14 | O U T D O O R C A N A D A [ F I S H I N G S P E C I A L 2 0 2 4 ]

NORTHERN PIKE

Giant, knee-knocking pike are notorious for following your lure, then quickly fleeing as soon as they see the boat. That explains why I’ve never caught a big northern on a boat-side figure-eight, as I regularly do with their muskellunge cousins. Instead, the high-percentage time to catch pike is during the early to mid-stage of your retrieve. Knowing this, I make the longest cast possible with a big suspending jerkbait (my favourite is the largest Rapala X-Rap), which I can work super erratically to imitate a panic-stricken baitfish. Once I attract and entice a pike to give chase, I’ll stop the bait dead in its tracks and let it suspend in the water column. The pike will then typically run into the motionless lure, open its mouth and devour it. On some days, though, the followers will viciously attack the jerkbait as it rises during the pause. Under that scenario, I swap out my usual hand-tied fluorocarbon leader for the lightest tieable stainless steel leader I can find (typically 13- to 17-pound-test) so the weight of the leader doesn’t slow down the bait’s ascent. I also replace the heavier stock treblehooks with lighter, razor-sharp trebles. During bright sunny days, on the other hand, these big toothy critters often want the jerkbait to dangle dead still in place. For that situation, I stick one or two lead Storm SuspenDots or SuspendStrips on the belly of the bait—immediately in front of the first treblehook—so it hangs perfectly horizontal. On the largest, fastest-rising jerkbaits, I’ll even attach a light bell sinker to the front O-ring or wrap the hook shank with lead wire to keep it neutrally buoyant. Regardless of the conditions, it’s the pause that perks up the pike and triggers them to bite. —GORD PYZER

W W W. O U T D O O R C A N A D A . C A

ASIAN CARP CANADA (CARP); GORD PYZER (PIKE)

IKE ENEMIES AT the gate, invasive carp are threatening to populate the Great Lakes. Collectively known as “Asian carps,” bighead, black, grass and silver carp are notorious for outcompeting native fish and destroying habitat, including wetlands. The most imminent threat comes from grass carp, which have reproducing populations in two U.S. tributaries of Lake Erie; so far, bighead, black and silver carp remain confined to the Mississippi River. Should these fish-farm escapees become established in the Great Lakes, they would also severely damage the region’s US$556 million a year sportfishing industry by harming everything from bass to muskies. Anglers can serve as the first line of defence against these aquatic invaders, however, and that starts with being able to identify them. Asian Carp Canada offers the following pointers.

Canada’s backyard is waiting. keepcanadafishing.com @keepcanadafishing Keep Canada Fishing

Coming soon June 29-July 7, 2024

JOURNAL

FIREARMS REVIEW

QUICK SHOOTER

A LEUPOLD VX-6HD SCOPE COMPLETED THE PACKAGE

SAVAGE’S STRAIGHT-PULL IMPULSE PROMISES FAST FOLLOW-UP SHOTS BY MARK HOFFMAN

VER THE PAST decade or two, Savage has established a reputation for manufacturing accurate bolt-action rifles at a competitive price. The gun maker’s most recent addition to its ever-expanding line is the Impulse, which has the distinction of being the only American-made straight-pull centrefire on the market. While the straight-pull concept is not new, the design of the Impulse certainly is. The engineers at Savage must have burned a bit of midnight oil while developing this rifle, as it boasts 13 patented innovations. Essential to the success of the Impulse is the bolt, which features a unique locking mechanism referred to as HexLock. The design utilizes six ball bearings that secure the bolt into a machined recess in the barrel extension; a plunger is seated forward in the interior of the bolt body to force the ball bearings outward, locking the bolt in position when closed. This design allows for very quick straight-pull extractions of fired brass, making for faster follow-up shots. Shooters can even adjust the position and angle of the ambidextrous bolt handle to suit their orientation. Of course, the Impulse also includes Savage’s Accufit stock, which includes five interchangeable comb heights and four length of pull inserts. Once you’ve established the right height for an optimum scope-reticle sight picture, you no longer need to make further adjustments or stock alterations. Talk about customization made simple and inexpensive. Adjustable from 1.5 to four pounds, the Accutrigger is another included Savage feature, this time aimed at safety. Fully adjustable and totally creep-free, it allows the shooter to set a very light trigger pull without jeopardizing safety. Other notable features include a Proof Research carbon-fibre-wrapped stainless steel barrel that’s threaded 5/8-24, a muzzle brake, an aluminum receiver with an integral one-piece 20 MOA rail, and Accustock technology with threedimensional aluminum bedding. The rifle also sports sling swivel studs and a two-position tang safety.

16 | O U T D O O R C A N A D A [ F I S H I N G S P E C I A L 2 0 2 4 ]

MARK HOFFMAN (SHOOTER, TARGET); SAVAGE (RIFLE); LEUPOLD (SCOPE); KEN BAILEY (CUTTHROAT); MATT BENSON (SMALLMOUTH); JAMES MEGER (BROWN TROUT)

TEST RESULTS

I best begin with a caution. This is a very different action, so it’s advisable to take the time, as I did, to read the instruction manual before attempting to assemble and shoot this rifle. My test model was the Impulse Mountain Hunter in 6.5 Creedmoor. Once I had the lowdown on the operational intricacies, I utilized the included spacers and third highest comb for a perfect customized fit and eye-to-reticle scope alignment. Meanwhile, the rifle’s integrated rail and a set of Zeiss Precision Ultralight medium-high rings made mounting the Leupold scope (see next page) a simple task. In total, the combination weighed in at nine pounds even, with a trigger pull weight of three pounds three ounces. Quite simply, this rifle’s action was designed for speed and there’s no doubt it achieves that. Also catching my attention was the generous amount of scope clearance this straight-pull offers. As a comparison, I measured the bolt handle/scope clearance on a standard Savage 110 action at a mere quarter-inch, but this is a non-issue with the Impulse. Intuitively, I also questioned how the Impulse would cycle rounds and clear spent brass—no problem there, either, as it ejected shells a good three to five feet. At times, I found the bolt would de-cock after removal, with the ball bearings extended. To re-cock, you simply grab the bolt body with one hand and pull back on the bolt handle with the other until it locks in the rearward position, with the ball bearings retracted. The bolt must be in that position to insert it back into the action. Despite this rifle boasting a Proof Research carbon-fibre barrel, the accuracy still surprised me. To be more precise, the 11 hunting factory ammo groups averaged 0.698, while the two match ammo groups averaged just a tad tighter at 0.540. The star of the show was Winchester Deer Season, with a 0.358-inch group. When overlapped, all 13 groups— encompassing 39 shots in all—did not exceed 1.5 inches. Those are simply outstanding results. For hunting deer-sized game with the Impulse, I would opt for Winchester Deer

Season 125-grain, and for larger game, Hornady Precision Hunter 143-gain ELD-X would top my list with its 0.582 accuracy.

FOR THE COMPLETE RANGE TEST RESULTS, GO TO WWW.OUTDOOR CANADA.CA/IMPULSETEST.

THE RIFLE SPECS

• Calibre: 6.5 Creedmoor • Total length: 44.75″ • Weight: 7.16 lb • Barrel length: 22″ • Twist rate: 1 in 8″ • Length of pull: 12.75″ to 13.75″

• Drop at comb: Adjustable with 5 included combs

• Magazine capacity: 4

G E TA W AY S

LIVINGSTONE RIVER

Alberta’s most popular spot for cutthroat trout, the Livingstone River consistently produces chunky cutties along with the odd bull trout. Fly anglers enjoy success tossing bushy dry flies into the pools and runs at every turn. For advice on the hot flies of the day, contact the Crowsnest Café and Fly Shop in nearby Coleman. www.crowsnestcafeandflyshop.ca —KEN BAILEY

LEUPOLD VX-6HD 3-18X50 CDS-ZL2

This premium hunting scope features a high-definition optical system that improves clarity for high contrast and true colour images, while the Twilight-Max Light Management System enhances low-light performance by improving transmission throughout the entire visible spectrum. Additionally, the GuardIon hydrophobic optical coatings help prevent finger stains, as well as repel water drops, dust and dirt. The lens edges are also blackened to further improve contrast and reduce stray light, while the DiamondCoat 2 adds an extra layer to protect the optics from scratches. This scope’s 30mm main tube is crafted from ultra-durable, lightweight 6061 T6 aluminum. It is water- and fog-proofed with secondgeneration argon-krypton gas, all but eliminating the effects of thermal shock. As well, the scope’s ability to withstand the most intense recoil and abuse is assured by its twin bias spring erector system, which provides 30 per cent more holding force. My test model included an Illuminated FireDot Duplex reticle, with eight levels of intensity. It includes Motion Sensor Technology that automatically switches to standby mode after five minutes of inactivity, then reactivates as soon as the rifle is moved. This feature eliminates the need for extra movement when a shot is at hand, while increasing the bat-

ST. MARY LAKE

tery life. Other features include Leupold’s Custom Dial System, which offers a free custom elevation dial matched to your rifle’s ballistics. Once it’s installed, all that’s required is range determination, adjustment of the dial for that range, and a dead-on hold for the shot of a lifetime. My test model also offered a 6:1 zoom ratio, ZeroLock 2 elevation and ZeroLock windage dials that lock in place so they can’t accidently rotate off zero. As well, it came with a reversable throw lever for quick magnification adjustments, aluminum flip-back lens covers, and a transferable lifetime warranty (with two years on the electronics). OC

THE SCOPE SPECS • Magnification: 3-18x • Length: 13.5″ • Weight: 22.9 oz • Tube size: 30mm • Objective lens: 50mm • Elevation/windage adjustment: 75 MOA

• Field of view (@100 yards): low 38.3′, high 6.4′

• Eye relief: low 3.7″, high 3.8″ • Reticle: Illuminated FireDot Duplex

This amazing bass fishery on B.C.’s gorgeous Salt Spring Island flies under the radar in a province dominated by trout and salmon angling. However, local bass pro Matt Benson (pictured) says he often catches five-pound smallmouths on back-to-back casts. He says he has the most luck using 3⁄16-ounce Ned rigs with 1/0 hooks. The St. Mary Lake Resort can serve as a good bass base camp. www.stmarylakeresort.com —GORD PYZER

GEORGIAN TRIANGLE

Known as the Georgian Triangle, the Ontario region cradling the south end of Georgian Bay is the place to visit for a chance to catch the brown trout of a lifetime. The vice-president of the South Georgian Triangle Anglers’ Association, James Meger (pictured), says the fishing is exceptional from ice-out until May. He recommends trolling thin flutter spoons in green, blue, chartreuse and fluorescent orange. www.georgianfishing.org —GORD PYZER W W W . O U T D O O R C A N A D A . C A | 17

JOURNAL DOG SENSE

ANGLING ACTOR

ELIAS EDRAKI RECHARGES WHEN FISHING

PERCH PLAY A STARRING ROLE IN ELIAS EDRAKI’S FISHING OBSESSION BY BOB SEXTON

HEN MONTREAL-BORN Elias Edraki isn’t acting, rapping or providing voices for animation, video games and commercials, he says he’s either fishing or thinking about fishing. Just how hardcore is he as an angler? During his wedding vows five years ago, he teased his wife that he taught her to fish so he would get partial credit for any lunkers she caught. “You might say I’m obsessed with it,” says Edraki, whose acting credits range from TV’s Degrassi: The Next Generation to the recent romance flick Tehranto. First hooked on angling at age 11 when his dad took him ice fishing in Alberta, the 39-year-old Newmarket, Ontario, entertainer often fishes several times a week, usually on his home waters of nearby Lake Simcoe. We asked him to share his thoughts on the appeal of fishing, as well as his tips for catching perch, his favourite fish. BENEFITS According to Edraki, wetting a line helps him handle his intense work schedule. “I think that fishing is my escape. It’s essentially my reward for my hard work,” he says. “You can set your problems aside when you get out there on the water and stop thinking about everything that’s going on in the world. Fishing allows me to relax and recharge, which is really important.” TACKLE To target perch, Edraki recommends a light set-up, starting with a

light-power, fast-action spinning rod paired with a 1000- or 1500-series reel. On the business end, he uses a small live shiner or a two-inch soft-plastic minnow pinned to a 1⁄16th-ounce jighead. For line, he uses six-pound-test braid because of its increased sensitivity for detecting subtle bites, even from jumbo perch. “They just suck it in in one shot, so you have to set the hook immediately or they spit it out,” he says. TECHNIQUE Since perch are a schooling fish, Edraki notes, you may have to hit a few spots to find them, but once you do, they’ll usually bite right away. And if you don’t get a hit within five minutes, he says, move on. To find perch, he looks for drop-offs, weedbeds and rock piles in 15 to 25 feet of water. “I drop my jig all the way to the bottom and reel up about a half-foot.” ATTITUDE When things are not going your way out on the water, it’s crucial to always keep matters in perspective, Edraki says. “It’s really important to remember that you’re not out there just to catch a fish,” he stresses. “You’re out there to take in the fresh air, to spend time with your family and friends, to practise FOLLOW ELIAS EDRAKI’S CAREER patience, to appreciate nature and to build AND ANGLING OUTINGS AT WWW. INSTAGRAM.COM/ELIASEDRAKI. new memories.” OC

18 | OUTDOOR CANADA [ FISHING SPECIAL 2024 ]

VISION QUEST

Over time, dogs have developed highly efficient prey-hunting characteristics, including eyesight that’s largely superior to that of humans. But while they excel at detecting motion and seeing clearly in dim light, dogs cannot distinguish between red and green. Fortunately, that is less important during the prime hunting times of dawn and dusk, when shades of grey predominate. To properly train dogs to become even better hunters, however, you do need to take into account their limited colour vision. Here’s how. SIGHT TRAINING If a dog can see and mark a falling bird, he’s usually able to easily retrieve it. To train your dog to retrieve, command him to sit and watch while you toss bumpers, coloured specifically for the conditions at hand. Namely, use white bumpers to contrast against green or brown vegetation, and black bumpers to stand out in snow. That way, your dog will be able to easily see the bumpers when you finally give the command to retrieve. SCENT TRAINING As the name suggests, a blind retrieve is made when a dog doesn’t see the bumper (or bird) as it falls, and can’t see it on the ground. To train your dog to make a blind retrieve, use an orange bumper, which is easily visible to the human eye yet nearly invisible to the dog, especially on green or brown vegetation. Simply plant the orange bumper in the training area when your dog is not watching, then direct him in the general direction toward it. Not being able to see the bumper, he will be forced to use his nose to find it. To add realism and enhance the training session, add bird scent to the bumper or attach an actual wing. And if the dog goes off course, give handling commands and corrections. —LOWELL STRAUSS

FOR THE BEST TIMES TO FISH AND HUNT, CONSULT OUR SOLUNAR CHARTS AT WWW. OUTDOORCANADA.CA/TIMES.

W W W.O U T D O O RCA N A DA .CA

ELIAS EDRAKI (EDRAKI); LOWELL STRAUSS (DOG)

FIELD GUIDE

T A B L E FA R E

WALLEYE MULLIGATAWNY A CANADIAN FRESHWATER FISH SPIN ON AN ANGLO-INDIAN FAVOURITE RECIPE & PHOTO BY CAMERON TAIT

FTEN SERVED IN pubs, mulligatawny is a classic soup from India with British influences stemming from the colonial era. Lightly spiced, yet hearty, it is traditionally made with chicken, root vegetables and apples, but why not shake things up? Swap out the chicken for walleye, and you won’t be disappointed. Serves 4.

1] Heat oil in a pot over medium heat, then add onion and garlic and sweat until translucent. 2] Add carrots, peppers, apples, curry and fennel seeds to the pot, stirring occasionally for five minutes before adding rice, coconut milk and stock and bringing to a simmer. 3] Add diced walleye, salt, pepper and chili flakes to the pot and continue simmering for 15 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed. 4] On a sheet pan, place pancetta on baguette slices and bake in a 350°F oven until golden brown. 5] Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with microgreens and serve with baguette and pancetta. OC

FOR THE GLASS Beau’s Lug Tread from Ontario is a golden lagered ale with balanced characteristics of malt, apple, fresh-cut hay and a slight hoppy bitterness. Served well-chilled, it finishes clean and dry, and pairs nicely with this subtly spiced dish.

TO WATCH CAMERON TAIT PREPARE HIS VARIOUS DISHES, GO TO WWW.OUTDOORCANADA.CA/FOOD.

• ¼ cup olive oil • ½ yellow onion, diced • 2 cloves garlic, chopped • 2 peeled carrots, medium dice • 1 each red and yellow pepper, medium dice • 1 red apple, medium dice • 2 tsp curry powder • 1 tsp fennel seeds

• ¼ cup long-grain rice • 500 ml coconut milk • 1 litre chicken stock • 3 walleye fillets, one-inch dice • Kosher salt and pepper, to taste • Pinch red chili flakes • 4 toasted baguette slices • 4 pancetta slices • Lettuce microgreens

W W W . O U T D O O R C A N A D A . C A | 19

JOURNAL THE GOODS

AIR CRAFT FROM BOATS TO PADDLEBOARDS, THESE INFLATABLES ARE TRUE FISHING MACHINES BY THE EDITORS

NFLATABLE WATERCRAFT ARE easy to stow away, transport and pack into remote waters, but they’ve been slow to get their due as effective fishing vessels. The latest inflatables, boasting tougher-than-ever materials, and designed specifically for angling, aim to change that. Here are a few next-generation models well-suited for fishing in Canada.

EXCURSION PRO K1 ($339.99)

Intex, www.intexcorp.com Key features: Ten-foot kayak made of tough, three-ply PVC; adjustable seat; floor-mounted foot pegs; detachable rod holders and phone/camera mount. The promise: “High-pressure inflation provides extra rigidity and stability.”

PIONEER PRO PACKAGE (US$1,395-US$1,595)

ISLE Surf & SUP, www.islesurfandsup.com Key features: Converts from paddleboard to single or tandem kayak; comes in three sizes (up to 450-pound capacity); includes paddle, seat, fin and wheelie backpack. The promise: “Endless customization with a wide range of accessories.” 20 | O U TD O O R CA N A DA [ F I S H I N G S P EC I A L 2024 ]

ANGLER BAY 1-4 PERSON (US$299.99)

Airhead, www.airhead.com Key features: Constructed of heavy-duty vinyl; swivelling oar locks, two rod holders and trolling-motor transom mount; holds up to four people. The promise: “Electronically welded seams factory tested for quality assurance.”

RACKHAM AERO BACKWATER BUGSLINGER (US$1,549) Bote, www.boteboard.com

Key features: Military-grade PVC skin and rigid composite-fibre core; 12′ 4” in length; includes Rail Rac accessory tracks/receivers, paddle, seat and travel bag. The prom ise: “Unmatched stability and capacity.”

STEALTH 2.0 (US$5,105)

Flycraft, www.flycraftusa.com Key features: Ultralight multi-piece aluminum frame; five-chamber raft; self-bailing; high-pressure floor and lean bar for standing casters; numerous accessory options; two seats. The promise: “Float virtually anywhere.”

N E W & N OT E W O RT HY

PIKE PRO (US$1,395)

NRS, www.nrs.com Key features: Twelve-foot six-inch kayak with aluminum-frame seat; rigid keel insert and EVA foam deck pad; includes five YakAttack mounts for fishing accessories. The promise: “Limitless rigging options to fit your fishing style.”

NAPIER LITE PACK

OSG CLEARWATER (US$1,649)

Oustcast Sporting Gear, www.outcastboats.com Key features: Capacity of 450 pounds; raised, high-back seat; shallowwater oars; three Scotty mounting pads; weighs just 35 pounds; fits on a car roof or pickup bed. The promise: “Ready for big water and lots of gear.”

STRYKER PRO 320 ($4,099.88)

Stryker Boats, www.strykerboats.com Key features: Made of high-grade thermowelded PVC; 10½ feet long, with a 2,053-pound capacity; aluminum transom rated for a 15-horse motor; includes seven Scotty accessory bases. The promise: “Perfect for one to two people plus gear.”

Known for its innovative vehicle camping tents, Napier has added the Napier Lite Pack ($299) to its line-up for “adventurers seeking an offgrid experience beyond the comfort of their vehicle.” All packed into a convenient carrying bag, the Lite Pack includes two sleeping bags and a lightweight two-person tent with storm flaps, gear pockets and a rainfly. Napier, www.napieroutdoors.com RUX 70L

With a capacity of 70 litres, the B.C.-designed RUX ($369) is a rugged, weatherproof, soft-sided container for storing and hauling gear. Described as “part bag, part box,” it sports a rigid frame, yet easily collapses flat when not in use. Other features include a folding lid, grab handles, removable backpack straps and a reinforced foam bottom. Rux, www.rux.life KING TIDE 6

WHY DO WE SOMETIMES SHOW U.S. PRICES? FIND OUT WHY AT WWW.OUTDOORCANADA.CA/COST.

Wide-fitting with a medium-wrap, Costa’s King Tide 6 sunglasses (US$419) are made for hot, sunny days on the water, complete with non-skid nose pads, sweat drains, removable side shields and venting to keep the polarized lenses fog-free. The scratch-resistant, water-repellent lenses come in five colour options for various fishing applications. Costa, www.costadelmar.com ROD CADDY

MANUFACTURERS

IA.T.A.K 110 (US$1,399)

Wilderness Systems, www.wildernesssystems.com Key features: Eleven-foot dropstitch kayak; Ergo Boost folding seat; adjustable foot braces; aluminum accessory rail; four Scotty mounts; battery-powered inflator included. The promise: “The rigidity of a hardshell kayak.” OC

Invented by Canadian Stu Smith and his late father, Dave, the Rod Caddy ($29.99) allows anglers to carry twopiece rods hands-free without worrying about tangles and broken tips. Comprised of two reinforced polymer tubes to protect the tip and butt sections, the simple device is secured in place by an adjustable neoprene shoulder strap. Rod Caddy, www.therodcaddy.com W W W.O U T D O O R C A N A DA .C A | 21

FA I R G A M E BY GRUENEFELD BY GRUENEFELD ROBERT PYE BY GEORGE GEORGE

OUR WATERWAYS ARE FOR EVERYONE TO SHARE, PROTECT AND ENJOY

T FIRST, THE old man seemed intrigued by the giggles and high-fives as I helped two eight-year-olds, my son Charlie and his friend Iva (pictured above), reel in their catches. But as we continued fishing from my boat in view of the onlooker’s waterfront home, his body language became aggressive, and was soon matched by his foul mouth. Foot-stomping down to his dock, the man grew even more hostile, escalating from throwing out vulgarities to throwing out a dangerous object. I swiftly got the kids out of harm’s way when he grabbed a pre-rigged rod and fired a heavy, treble-hooked stickbait directly at our boat. Harassment of any kind should never be tolerated, and that includes the harassment of anglers (and hunters, for that matter). And when necessary, it should involve the police. In my home province of Ontario, in fact, harassment of anglers or hunters can lead to charges under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, which states it’s illegal to interfere with anyone who is engaged in lawful hunting, trapping or fishing activities. The “mean old man” incident, as my son still describes it eight years later, is now water under the fishing boat as far as we are concerned. It was the first, and hopefully last, ugly encounter we’ve ever had in terms of sharing the great outdoors with others. For the most part, our experiences along cottage shorelines, at public boat launches, on portages and so on have been patient, kind and cooperative. We’re all trying to enjoy the outdoors safely and responsibly, after all, and that’s a message everyone needs to understand.

SHARING THE RESOURCE

My family fishes, swims, boats, paddles, camps and even duck hunts hundreds of days of the year on dozens of public lakes and rivers, many of which have seen a monumental increase in recreational activities and shoreline development. And the COVID-19 pandemic added even more pressure and congestion along our waterways. As demand for the lake lifestyle continues, so, too, must common sense and basic courtesies that promote respect for the environment, as well as for others who also find recreational and mental health benefits on the water. It involves learning how and when to give a wide berth to waterway activities beyond our own. The lake is for everyone. There’s simply no time, or value, in being divisive. Fishing organizations, lake associations, local governments and concerned waterways residents should instead work together on tackling issues such as invasive species, pollution, blue-green algae blooms and even public access. On that latter point, let’s ad2 4 | OUTDOOR CANADA [ F I S H I N G S P E C I A L 2 0 2 4 ]

PROMOTING GOOD RELATIONS

Frankly, I empathize with waterfront residents. Sure, they don’t own the navigable waters beyond their shorelines, but they work hard to pay their property taxes, and they’re doing their part to protect the healthy waters we all need. I can appreciate their interest in the fishing activities taking place on the lake, often right in front of their homes or cottages. If a vehicle were to turn around in my driveway and idle nearby on the public road, for example, I’d pay attention until I knew my family and property were safe. Good conversation prevents nasty confrontation. As anglers, we can take pride in our fishing pastimes, which bring strong economic benefits and conservation awareness to many waterfront communities. At the same time, we have a role in promoting positive relations with landowners, and bridging the communications gap between those who love to fish and those who have other outdoor passions. Whether it’s enjoying the lake from a Muskoka chair or from a casting deck, when it comes to looking after our precious waterways and watching out for the safety of each other, we are all in the same boat. OC ROBERT PYE FISHES THROUGHOUT ONTARIO’S KAWARTHAS REGION.

W W W.O U T D O O RCA N A DA .CA

ROBERT PYE

Playing nice

RESPONSIBLE ANGLING IS KEY

dress the need for reasonable truck and trailer parking around improved public boat launches that, by the way, shouldn’t burden regular families with outrageous fees. Throughout my fishing life, I’ve enjoyed making connections with waterfront property owners, many of whom actively volunteer in lake stewardship initiatives, such as water-quality monitoring, loonnesting counts, fish habitat restoration and community fish hatcheries. Cottagers and year-round waterfront residents are also on the frontline of protecting lakes and rivers by keeping their private shorelines naturalized to prevent run-off and erosion. And many waterfront properties support critical habitat for species at risk, which is another reason all anglers and boaters need to help keep their wakes down.

F LY F I S H I N G BY BY SCOTT SCOTT GARDNER GARDNER

that Pflueger launched a new version a few years ago. It was decent, but cheap-looking and too expensive, totally missing the spirit of the original. At least that misfire highlights how much better fly reels have become. Today, $100 will get you a reel that’s smooth and tough enough for even Canada’s biggest gamefish, bringing high performance to the everyday angler. In a way, that’s the true legacy of the Medalist.

HOW FLY FISHING CONTINUES TO EVOLVE, AND MOSTLY FOR THE BETTER

NE OF THE coolest things about fly fishing is that it’s been around so long. If a group of fly anglers time-travelled from the mid-1800s to today, they’d instantly recognize our gear and be able to use it. While the overall form of fly fishing remains the same, however, it has been constantly evolving in other ways. This is now my 38th season, so I’ve witnessed many changes in gear, ideas and attitudes. A few I lament, but most of them I applaud. Here’s my personal take on where fly fishing has been and where, I hope, it’s going.

DOUBLE-TAPER LINES Over the last 30 years, powerful weight-forward lines have replaced the previous standard—double-taper lines—and not always for the better. While weight-forward lines are essential for long casts, windy conditions and delivering large flies, that’s not how most Canadians fish. For distances of 30 feet or closer, double-taper lines are significantly easier to cast and more accurate than weight-forward lines. They also mend much better. Double-taper lines start thin, gradually widen to the midpoint, then taper down again in a mirror image of the front half. And once the front end of a doubletaper line wears out, you can reverse it, giving you two lines for the price of one. Double-taper lines are wildly out of fashion these days, however, and many novice fly anglers have never even heard of them. But if you mostly fish small rivers, double-taper is still the best choice. I love the weight-forward lines on my bigger rods, but they’re a hammer, and in a lot of fly fishing, you’re better off with a scalpel. PFLUEGER MEDALIST Black, with a distinctive cream handle, the Pflueger Medalist was a plain, yet oddly elegant reel made in Akron, Ohio, and sold at hardware and sporting goods stores everywhere. I’d wager that between the 1930s and the late ’80s, half of North America’s fly anglers had one. The Medalist was inexpensive and amazingly rugged, and over the decades, its design barely changed. I have one my grandfather bought in 1965. It sat in a shed for 20 years until I started using it, and it still works fine today. But the Medalist’s time has passed, and that’s okay. What bums me out is 26 | O U T D O O R C A N A D A [ F I S H I N G S P E C I A L 2 0 2 4 ]

DIVERSE SPECIES One time when I was a teenager fly fishing for bass and sunfish in a roadside pond, a few drivers stopped their cars to helpfully explain there were no trout in that spot. They weren’t mocking me; they just couldn’t comprehend why someone would fly fish in a pond. But it was simply the best water close to my house, allowing me to cement the basic skills I still use. Trout are the most popular target for fly anglers, and they’ll probably remain so as long as we still have cold and clean water. At the same time, however, those of us who also embrace fly fishing for other species are at least no longer considered complete freaks. Outliers, perhaps, but not dangerously insane. That’s an example of the biggest, most positive change I’ve seen—an increasing openness to new ideas, expanding the boundaries of where and how you can fly fish, and even who can be a fly angler. It’s added a richness and energy to fly fishing that’s essential if the sport is going to survive and thrive, and I hope it continues. OC ASSOCIATE EDITOR SCOTT GARDNER EMBRACES ADVANCES IN FLY FISHING.

SHUTTERSTOCK (FLY REEL); B.A.S.S./SEIGO SAITO (GALLANT)

Positive change

THE MEDALIST MARRIED QUALITY AND AFFORDABILITY

VESTS AND PACKS Over the years, I’ve had three flyfishing vests, and hated them all. The pockets added bulk in awkward places, and they were almost unwearable when loaded with heavier items. So, the first time I tried on a fly-fishing pack, featuring both large and small storage compartments, as well as a wide, padded strap (or straps) to distribute the weight, I was sold. Apparently, I wasn’t the only one who secretly loathed vests, since today I see more anglers with packs. So long vests, and good riddance.

O N T H E W AT E R BY GORD PYZER

Need for speed

COOPER GALLANT’S HOT NEW TACTIC IS A WINNER

UP YOUR DROP-SHOT GAME WITH THIS EXCITING NEW PRO APPROACH

RIGINALLY DEVELOPED BY Japanese commercial fishermen to keep their baits off the bottom away from crabs, drop-shotting took the recreational fishing world by storm in the early 2000s. While the tactic has become especially popular among bass anglers, it has also been embraced by walleye, trout and panfish fanatics. Regardless of the target species, drop-shotting is typically viewed as a slow and sedate way to catch fish. There’s more than just one way to drop-shot, however. Just ask Cooper Gallant (above), the latest Canadian stick to tear up the Bassmaster Elite Series. Using a novel presentation that could best be described as “speed-shotting,” the 26-yearold finished fourth—and nearly won—last year’s Elite event on Lake St. Clair.

GIVING CHASE For this technique, Gallant cranks his electric trolling motor to full speed and pitches a nose-hooked X Zone Hot Shot Minnow to every fish he spots on his sonar screen—some as far away as 80 feet. Unlike the way most people dropshot, he chases the fish down, never taking his foot off the motor. “I am a maniac when it comes to being on the trolling motor,” Gallant says with a chuckle. “On St. Clair, I found an area the size of four football fields and none of the fish were stationary. They were all moving on clean patches of sand, where there was nothing else on the flat. It’s not like they were holding against a boulder. When I get in situations like that, I put the electric on 100 and go looking for them.” The way Gallant sees it, you have to show fish something different or fish in a different way when you’re among a group of boats, or in a pressured situation. Just like a bounty hunter from an old Western, he’ll chase a big bass (or walleye or lake trout) that he spots on his sonar, constantly pitching a drop-shot rig in its face until he gets a bite. Surprisingly, he does the same thing when he spots suspended fish hanging just under the surface in deep water.

says, noting that’s especially the case with big, unpressured fish out deep. “They see the sinker, check it out, spot the swimbait and eat it. If you put that same swimbait on a ball head jig, it won’t work the same way. It doesn’t have the same wobble.” To perform similar feats of dropshot magic yourself, Gallant says it’s essential to use a seven- to 7½-foot spinning rod with a parabolic bend. For example, he uses a G. Loomis IMX-PRO series rod when he’s fishing down to 25 feet and throwing weights as heavy as 3⁄8 ounce. If he’s fishing deeper, using heavier weights and making longer casts, he’ll switch to his Shimano Expride ML, which has more backbone and handles heavier half- and 3⁄4-ounce weights. According to Gallant, the larger spool on a 3000-size spinning reel is also a must-have for making long casts and catching up to charging fish. “I don’t know what it is,” he says, “but when you hook ’em down deep, the first thing they want to do is race to the surface and jump. That 3000-size reel lets you pick up line quickly.” And with this innovative and effective way to drop-shot, speed definitely counts. OC FISHING EDITOR GORD PYZER PICKS 2024’S TOP NEW TACKLE ON PAGE 48.

S TAY V E R S AT I L E “There are so many ways I’ll fish a dropshot,” says pro angler Cooper Gallant. “When you have a technique that is so deadly and versatile, it is a fun way to catch fish.” At the Bassmaster Elite event on Lake Champlain last year, for example, he caught bass suspended in 50 feet of water by reeling a drop-shot-rigged swimbait through the upper column. Other times, Gallant will cast out a dropshot rig, let it hit bottom, then reel it in at a constant, slow speed. And still other times, he’ll deadstick the rig on bottom.

GEARING UP In addition to Hot Shot Minnows, Gallant also likes fluke-style plastics that match the smaller profiles of the minnows, perch and crayfish that bass, walleye and trout target. And if you think he worries about the fish seeing the weight dangling from the end of his line, think again. “It looks a little odd, but fish are so curious it doesn’t spook them,” Gallant W W W . O U T D O O R C A N A D A . C A | 27

BOWHUNTING BY KEVIN WILSON

On target

ACCURATE SHOTS DEMAND KNOWING THE DISTANCE

TO TAKE GAME AT VARIOUS DISTANCES, A LASER RANGEFINDER IS A MUST

ERCHED HIGH IN a spruce tree, I heard leaves crunching and spotted a heavy-footed mule deer making his way through the woods to my left. Fortunately, I’d already used my laser rangefinder to capture distances to various landmarks around me, so I knew he was 40 yards away. As the buck continued to approach, I grunted and he stopped, quartering away at 23 yards. At that, I released my arrow and the big buck was down. To accurately shoot today’s compound bows, you need to know the precise distance to your intended target, and that’s where the modern laser rangefinder comes into play. Here’s how and why you should be using one to help make clean, accurate shots when hunting.

PROVIDING PRECISE MEASUREMENTS If you hunted with a bow in the early ’90s, you might remember the old dial-up rangefinders. To operate one, you looked through a sight window and rotated a dial until the object you were looking at came into focus, or the two images aligned. The number on the dial would then be the distance to your target. While dial-up rangefinders were fairly accurate, they were cumbersome to use. What a difference a couple of decades makes. Today’s laser rangefinders are precise, compact and easy-to-use, and they can be adjusted to compensate for variable conditions. A far cry from those early mechanical models, they are loaded with practical features. While rifle hunters also use rangefinders, they’re a necessity for bowhunting, when a difference of just one or two yards can send an arrow off target. That’s especially so at distances further than 40 yards. By calculating precise distances, laser rangefinders remove the guesswork, allowing bowhunters to instead focus exclusively on drawing and making an accurate shot. By simply centering a target in the viewfinder and pressing a button, you can quickly and easily determine various distances when you’re on a stand or in a blind. And if you’re still-hunting or stalking game, you can constantly assess changing distances so you’re prepared when an animal steps in to range. REMOVING THE GUESSWORK While bowhunters seldom need to measure shot distances beyond 60 yards, it’s sometimes necessary to confirm longer distances as you close in on the animal you’re hunting. For my own purposes, I want a rangefinder that’s capable of accurately capturing distances out to at least 700 yards. My Bushnell Prime 1800 6x24mm, for example, measures distances out to a 28 | O U T D O O R CA N A DA [ F I S H I N G S P EC I A L 2024 ]

mind-blowing one mile. It can accurately read reflective surfaces to 1,800 yards, trees to 1,000 yards, and deer or other big-game animals out to 700. Another reason I chose this particular model is the fact its LCD display fluidly morphs the reticle display between black and red to best contrast with the background I’m viewing. Among the many other features available on today’s rangefinders, one of the most useful is the ability to compensate for angles. This feature accounts for varying terrain, providing the true distance to a target on both uphill and downhill shots. This is an especially valuable feature when you’re hunting steep topography, or shooting from an elevated stand. Most of today’s dedicated laser rangefinders also allow the user to switch between rifle and bow modes, providing accurate readouts that account for arrow or bullet drop, as well as the angle and ballistics. Another great feature on modern rangefinders is the option to adjust sensitivity settings. For example, I can set my Prime 1800 for either brush or bull’s eye mode. As the name implies, brush mode ignores foreground objects such as brush, trees and branches, and instead only provides distances to background objects. As for bull’s eye mode, it acquires the distances of small targets without inadvertently measuring the distance of background objects. Without hesitation, I would say every bowhunter should be using a laser rangefinder. They’re relatively affordable and reliable, and they’ll increase your odds of making accurate and ethical kill shots—and that’s what really counts. OC ALBERTA BOWHUNTER KEVIN WILSON ALWAYS USES A LASER RANGEFINDER.

PRICE POINTS I’ve seen laser rangefinders such as the Pursuit 850 listed for as little as $100, and the Halo XL600 for just $200. On average, though, most quality mid-class dedicated laser rangefinders will run you between $300 and $400. In that class, a few options worth a closer look include the Bushnell Prime 1800, the Sig Sauer KILO 1600 and the Vortex Crossfire HD 1400.

IN THE FIELD BY KEN BAILEY

Goose smarts

CACKLERS ARE CLEARLY SMALLER THAN CANADAS

KNOWING THE KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CANADAS AND CACKLERS

KEVIN WILSON (HUNTER); MANUFACTURER (RANGEFINDER); KEN BAILEY (GEESE)

T WAS A simpler time when I grew up. We had only two or three television stations to choose from, we played outdoors with little supervision until the streetlights came on, and we didn’t worry about offending someone every time we told a joke. And for those of us who hunted, there were only two types of Canada geese, greaters and lessers. I don’t have to tell you that things have changed since then, and that includes how science, waterfowl managers and, by default, hunters classify these geese today. Prior to 2004, all 11 of the recognized Canada goose subspecies were considered to be Branta canadensis. In 2004, however, the American Ornithological Society determined there were actually two distinct species of our iconic blackand-white geese. The four smallest of these birds were reclassified as cackling geese (Branta hutchinsii), while the other seven remained as Canada geese. The four subspecies of cackling geese all breed on the tundra of Canada and Alaska, with three of them found almost exclusively in the Pacific flyway. The exception is the Richardson’s cackling goose (Branta hutchinsii hutchinsii), sometimes referred to as the Hutchinson’s cackling goose. It nests across much of the central Arctic and migrates to its winter home in the south-central U.S. (Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma and Missouri) through the Central and Mississippi flyways. As such, it’s the subspecies of cackling goose most encountered by Canadian hunters.

TELLING THE DIFFERENCE At first glance, Canada and cackling geese look very much alike, but their differences—both physical and behavioural—are actually quite distinct. The most obvious difference is their overall size. Cackling geese range in weight from three to five pounds; they’re only slightly larger than a well-fed mallard. While there is the occasional overlap, even the smallest of the Canada goose subspecies, the lesser Canada goose (Branta canadensis parvipes), averages in the five- to seven-pound range. Cackling geese also have conspicuously short necks and noticeably smaller bills in proportion to their bodies; their bills look positively stubby. Along with the celebrated white cheek patches they share with Canadas, cacklers also often have a distinctive white ring at the base of their neck that can vary greatly in size. In flight, they can be distinguished by their relatively longer wings and more rapid wingbeats. Cacklers are highly vocal birds, with a much higher-pitched call than that of

Canada geese. Their vocalizations are generally more rapid and squeaky sounding compared to the typical honking of Canadas—some say a large flock of cackling geese sounds like a bunch of yappy lapdogs. From a hunting perspective, the two species also behave somewhat differently. Cacklers often circle a spread before descending nearly vertically, much the way mallards do, and willingly land among the decoys, even if tightly bunched. Canadas, on the other hand, most often come straight in and prefer to land in an opening. Cacklers are also notoriously noisy birds in comparison to Canadas, so it pays to continuously mimic their high-pitched squeals as they decide whether to land. HUNTER RESPONSIBILITY So, is being able to differentiate between a cackling goose and a Canada goose really all that important to a hunter? You could make the argument it’s not, given that Canadian hunting regulations currently don’t distinguish between the two. That has not been the case everywhere in the U.S., however, where there had been regulations in place to protect the Aleutian subspecies of cacklers. While those measures have recently been lifted, they serve as an indicator that, when warranted, waterfowl managers may expect hunters to differentiate between the species. Fortunately, the cackler most Canadian hunters are liable to encounter—the Richardson’s cackling goose—has a stable population. It’s probably true that many, if not most, hunters aren’t even aware that Canadas and cacklers are two distinct species. Despite there being no regulatory differentiation between the two, however, I believe it is important for the hunting community to learn how to tell them apart. Just as we don’t have to be able to distinguish between blue-winged and green-winged teal to comply with hunting regulations, it’s still our responsibility as users of the resource, and as conservationists, to always be able to identify what we’re harvesting. OC HUNTING EDITOR KEN BAILEY TRADES HATS ON PAGE 58 TO TALK TROUT. W W W . O U T D O O R C A N A D A . C A | 29

Special

EXPERT

WATERS BY OUTDOOR CANADA CONTRIBUTORS

WHERE DO THOSE IN THE KNOW GO TO WET A LINE? OUR HARDCORE ANGLING CONTRIBUTORS REVEAL THEIR TOP FISHING HOT SPOTS ERE WE GO AGAIN—our annual roundup of the country’s hottest fishing destinations!

Over the years, we’ve focussed on a wide variety of blue-ribbon angling opportunities. The best bets for catching trophy fish? Done. The top drive-to fisheries? Done. Fly-in only? Done. And on it goes. This year, we’ve drilled down once more to give you something a little different, asking our amazing roster of contributors to share their favourite places to hit the water. Here’s where Outdoor Canada’s angling brain trust loves to fish. 1 #1 NOOTKA SOUND, B.C.

Nootka Sound on the west coast of Vancouver Island is the ultimate destination for reel-screaming chinook and coho fishing, complete with spectacular vistas and protected, calm inside waters. Various local lodges offer fully guided trips and rental boats, or you can bring your own watercraft. The area’s plentiful wild salmon stocks are enriched annually by the release of 3.5 million chinook smolts from the nearby Conuma River Hatchery. —Mark Hoffman LEARN MORE:

www.discovervancouverisland.com

FISH SMART

BEFORE HEADING TO any of these hot spots, please be sure to check the latest local regulations and seasons. You can find a full list of all provincial and territorial fishing regulations on our website at www.outdoorcanada.ca/fishingregs.

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ALL PHOTOS FROM THE RESPECTIVE CONTRIBUTORS, EXCEPT WHERE NOTED

THE FISH: Chinook and coho salmon

#2 OYSTER RIVER, B.C. THE FISH: Cutthroat trout, Dolly Varden, salmon (chinook, chum, coho and pink) and steelhead

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A 20-minute drive south of Campbell River, the Oyster and its estuary comprise one of Vancouver Island’s best short rivers for cutthroat. Thanks to the Oyster River Enhancement Society’s efforts since 1980, there’s now a stellar run of 100,000 fish during even-numbered years. Fly anglers lining the beach on rising tides do well casting pink, purple and blue flies. There’s also a large run of wild steelhead, so expect a good, hard whack on your offering. —D.C. Reid LEARN MORE:

www.nilecreekfly-shop.com #3 TURNER LAKES CHAIN, B.C. THE FISH: Cutthroat trout

In 1950, a local angler introduced two pairs of coastal cutthroat trout to Turner Lake, the namesake of a chain of lakes high on a plateau in the Coast Mountains. Only accessible by a 20-minute float plane ride or stiff hike, the seven-lake watershed is now stuffed with feisty, pan-sized fish. Bring light tackle and your sense of adventure—the lakes are rich in wildlife and bookended by glaciers and the 260-metre Hunlen Falls. —Ryan Stuart LEARN MORE:

www.stewartslodge.com #4 LAC LA BICHE, ALBERTA THE FISH: Walleye

Lac La Biche’s pristine waters provide ideal habitat and a balanced ecosystem for supporting an abundance of quality walleye—made all the better yet by conservation efforts designed to ensure sustainable populations. Along with the thrill of catching trophy walleye, visiting anglers are also drawn to the renowned fishery’s stunning natural surroundings. No wonder Lac La Biche has a reputation as a premier year-round fishing destination. —Gord Nuttall LEARN MORE:

www.laclabicheregion.com

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#5 NORTH SASKATCHEWAN RIVER, ALBERTA THE FISH: Goldeye, lake sturgeon,

mooneye, northern pike and walleye Arguably Alberta’s best-kept secret, this river offers some of Canada’s finest lake sturgeon fishing. Owing to strict catch-and-release regulations, anglers also routinely catch a roster of other fish species. From May through October, the highest catch rates are recorded just east and west of Edmonton, as well as within the city limits. Catch one of these prehistoric giants from a boat or shore and you’ll understand what all the fuss is about. —Kevin Wilson LEARN MORE: www.edmonton.ca/fishing #6 OLDMAN RIVER, ALBERTA

THE FISH: Bull, cutthroat

and rainbow trout Goldilocks would love the Oldman because it’s just right—large enough to hold big trout, yet small enough to wade. Plus, there’s plenty of room for your backcast virtually anywhere above the reservoir, and enough eager trout to ensure multiple-fish days. And while there’s lots of public water, a little friend-building could earn you access to less busy privately held stretches. Below the reservoir, meanwhile, brown trout and pike join the menu. —Ken Bailey LEARN MORE:

www.crowsnestcafeandflyshop.ca

#7 SOUTH LELAND LAKE, ALBERTA

THE FISH: Lake trout, northern pike,

#8 LAKE ATHABASCA, SASKATCHEWAN

walleye and whitefish

THE FISH: Lake trout

Part of an isolated Canadian Shield lake system cradled in granite, pristine South Leland ensures virtually limitless populations of voracious, unpressured fish. If constantly hauling in walleye and pike from kilometres of deserted shoreline, numerous weed-filled bays and endless island structure becomes tiresome, you can chillax while downrigging for lakers lurking in 120 feet of water in the broad bay not far from camp. —Jeff Tribe

On northern Saskatchewan’s portion of massive Lake Athabasca, there are so many lake trout you can expect to shake off 20- to 30-pounders as annoyances, then have a 40-pound fish try to take the bait from an equally huge trout you’re attempting to net. The big-fish trolling bonanza is best when the trout drop deep during mid-summer, but if casting is your game, go in the spring or fall when the giants cruise the shallows. —Gord Pyzer

www.andrewlakelodge.com/leland-lake

www.tourismsaskatchewan.com

LEARN MORE:

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LEARN MORE:

#9 LAST MOUNTAIN LAKE, SASKATCHEWAN

THE FISH: Northern pike, walleye

and yellow perch Imagine a lake where there’s the potential to hook into trophy-class walleye on any given day. Look no further than this narrow, 93-kilometrelong glacial prairie lake in southcentral Saskatchewan. Walleye thrive here, inhabiting sand points, sunken rock islands, steep ledges, rip-rap and sand flats at various times throughout the entire open-water season, as well as during winter. And as a bonus, the northern pike and yellow perch fishing is also excellent. —Mike Hungle

LEARN MORE:

www.facebook.com/laynemaier #10 MEKEWAP LAKE, SASKATCHEWAN

THE FISH: Rainbow and tiger trout

Three portages off Highway 102 north of La Ronge, jade-coloured Mekewap gives up plentiful insect hatches nearly every summer night. The result is Saskatchewan’s finest dry-fly fishing for rainbows (and tigers). And because you must work to reach Mekewap, it’s rarely crowded. Just canoe in with all your gear, then fish from inflatables. Bring plenty of Adams, Griffith Gnat and Elk Hair Caddis flies, as well as small floating nymphs. —Wayne Phillips LEARN MORE: chance.prestie@gov.sk.ca

#11 CLEAR LAKE, MANITOBA

THE FISH: Whitefish

Nestled in Riding Mountain National Park, this pristine lake is surrounded by rolling hills, windswept grasslands and diverse wildlife. The clear, deep waters are home to an abundance of trophy whitefish from the mid-20-inch range and up. They’ll hit silver and gold spoons and tungsten jigs tipped with small plastics, jigged aggressively over mid-lake humps. Note: you need a Parks Canada fishing permit, barbless hooks and lead-free tackle. —Cameron Tait LEARN MORE:

www.parkscanada.ca/riding

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Special #12 LAKE ATHAPAPUSKOW, MANITOBA THE FISH: Lake trout and northern pike

Easy to access by road, this large Canadian Shield lake serves as a onestop-shop for world-class multispecies fishing during both the open-water and ice-fishing seasons. While the lake holds huge walleye and plenty of big burbot, it’s the opportunity to tackle trophy lake trout and northern pike that truly stands out. Athapapuskow has lodges that can assist travelling anglers with accommodations, boat rentals and guiding services. —Kelly Riehl LEARN MORE: www.paradise-lodge.ca

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#13 LASALLE RIVER, MANITOBA THE FISH: Black crappies and bluegills

It’s amazing to find a jewel like this on the outskirts of a large city. The LaSalle River, which skirts around Winnipeg and flows into the Red River, is one of the best places to catch trophy crappies and bluegills—especially on a fly rod. The bluegills grow as long as 10 inches, while crappies can reach 15 inches in length. Do some exploring further to the west, and you can have the water all to yourself as you catch these monster panfish. —Stu Thompson LEARN MORE: www.huntfishmanitoba.ca

#14 ALGONQUIN PROVINCIAL PARK INTERIOR

THE FISH: Brook and lake trout

After a portage or two as you canoe into Algonquin, you’ll find yourself escaping the crowds and entering a trout-fishing paradise of pristine lakes and rivers, ringed by rocky shorelines and towering white pines. The trout aren’t always monsters, but they’re

great fighters and spectacular when cooked over an open fire. To plan your route, consult park maps highlighting the fishing hot spots and inexpensive campsites. —Mark Raycroft LEARN MORE: www.algonquinpark.on.ca #15 LADY EVELYN LAKE, ONTARIO

THE FISH: Brook trout, northern pike,

smallmouth bass and walleye This remote lake in northern Ontario’s Temagami region is home to world-

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class multispecies fishing. Formed by the construction of a hydro dam in 1925, the man-made lake provides diverse structure, depth and habitat for northern pike, smallmouth bass and walleye. And by searching for cold-water streams feeding into the lake, a dedicated angler can also find brook trout. The lake is ideal for exploration by canoe, with fairly easy access to backcountry campsites. —Craig Mitchell LEARN MORE: www.ontarioparks.com

JOHN ANDERSON (#16)

#16 OTTAWA RIVER, ONTARIO/QUEBEC

THE FISH: Chanel catfish and muskies

WABLER® provincial record was caught in the Madawaska, a tributary of the Ottawa. —Mike Fitzgerald LEARN MORE:

www.ottawarivermuskyfactory.com #17 SKOOTAMATTA LAKE, ONTARIO THE FISH: Largemouth bass, northern

pike and smallmouth bass A stone’s throw from Bon Echo Provincial Park, Skootamatta can take your breath away—and your topwater presentation. Pike and bass hit hard and fast here, attacking from lily padcovered back bays, as well as along rocky points graced with sprawling weedbeds. And don’t forget to probe the sunken lumberyards with cranks and tubes. Skootamatta is a family time hot spot, where locals and guests alike take pride in the lake’s stewardship. —Robert Pye

TGCL

Tiger Clown Silver back

LEARN MORE:

www.skootamatta.ca/lake-stewardship

northern pike, smallmouth bass, walleye and whitefish This sprawling, irregularly shaped lake just north of Témiscaming is a true multispecies angler’s dream. Here you can troll for lake trout in the morning, catch a limit of walleye in the afternoon and fish all day in between for chunky smallmouth bass and trophysized pike. A reliable boat properly equipped with safety gear and a GPS is essential for exploring the large lake’s labyrinth of arms, bays and channels. —Stephan Lukacic LEARN MORE:

www.tourismetemiscamingue.ca/en

MA IN

#18 LAC KIPAWA, QUEBEC THE FISH: Lake trout,

DLY

PROU

The Ottawa River is one of Canada’s great unsung locations for trophy muskie fishing, promising the chance to catch 50-plus-inch lunkers. Heralded as a “muskie factory” by those who know it well, the mighty river system is also home to some of Ontario’s largest channel catfish throughout much of its length. In fact, the 33.36-pound

N A DA

Also available

and 25 more... ®

/williamslures » www.williams.ca W W W . O U T D O O R C A N A D A . C A | 35

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#19 LEAF RIVER ESTUARY, QUEBEC THE FISH: Arctic char, Atlantic salmon

and sea-run brook trout #21 MIRAMICHI RIVER, NEW BRUNSWICK THE FISH: Striped bass

LEARN MORE:

www.leafriverestuarylodge.com #20 BEAVER BROOK, NEW BRUNSWICK THE FISH: Brook trout

Twisting through classic mixed forests from its headwaters in the highlands of Carleton County, the brookie-blessed Beaver races hard, as any good trout water should. Walking and wading yields wild fighters keen to crush any offering, with purists pursuing their finned quarry over ripples and across beaver ponds. Rods should be light and limber, and all the tackle you need ought to fit in a shirt pocket. —Cary Rideout LEARN MORE: www.tourism newbrunswick.ca/fishing

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Renowned for its coveted Atlantic salmon, the fabled Miramichi also funnels upwards of 1,00,000 big, hungry striped bass past its namesake city. Expect your electronics to turn black from top to bottom as massive schools move under your boat—the spring runs are so astonishing you can expect 200-fish days. You should also be prepared for powerful head shakes, with aggressive, 30-inch-plus inch fish striking practically anything you cast. —Chris Hockley LEARN MORE:

www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca/fishing #22 ANNAPOLIS RIVER, NOVA SCOTIA THE FISH: American shad

Known locally as the “poor man’s salmon,” American shad give both fly and spin anglers a thrilling, acrobatic show. Arriving from the ocean to spawn in large schools from May through June, mature females can lay up to 600,000 eggs; the fry hatch about a week later, and grow rapidly before returning to the ocean. Reaching up to an impressive 30 inches in length, these hard-fighting fish also make for excellent table fare. —Chris Arnold LEARN MORE: www.fishnovascotia.ca

DAVE NEILL (#21)

At the northern edge of Quebec’s Nunavik wilderness, the 16-metre tides constantly change the complexion of this 40-square-kilometre estuary. Isolated between two imposing falls at low tide, the brackish water serves up rod-bending Atlantic salmon and Arctic char, which feed in the deep water during summer. The slower sea-run brookies, meanwhile, can be found tight to the shoreline rocks, avoiding the beluga whales and seals. —Patrick Campeau

NEW FOR 2024

25 #23 SHUBENACADIE GRAND LAKE THE FISH: Chain pickerel, smallmouth

bass, striped bass, white perch and yellow perch Grand Lake, as locals call it, fishes well all year for a variety of species, but the striped bass that overwinter here attract the most attention. In early spring and late fall, packs of stripers under 20 inches—nicknamed “schoolies”—eagerly smash active baits, but also be prepared for bigger fish pushing 40 inches. Watch for surface activity to find the schools, then brace yourself for some of the most aggressive topwater strikes you’ll ever experience. —Ryan Anderson LEARN MORE: www.sofguideservice.ca

QUICK SILVER®

2 SIZES

16 COLOURS

#24 NORTH RUSTICO HARBOUR, PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

ORBD

Orange Black Dots Copper back

THE FISH: Bluefin tuna, cod, cunner, flounder, mackerel, rainbow smelt and striped bass

The tidal waters here are a paradise for frugal anglers, since no fishing licence is required (although seasons and limits still apply). There’s also plenty to choose from. You can fish the wharves for flounder, small-butscrappy cunners and rainbow smelt, or target striped bass off the beaches around the harbour mouth. Then once lobster season ends in early summer, the charter boats can take you offshore for mackerel, cod and bluefin tuna. —Zac Kurylyk LEARN MORE: www.tourismpei.com

24 #25 TESLIN RIVER, YUKON

MA IN

LEARN MORE:

www.yukon.ca/fishing

DLY

Flowing from northern B.C. into the Yukon River, the Teslin’s cold, pristine waters make it a mecca for Arctic grayling. The rocky substrate, fast-flowing current lines and meandering channels provide abundant and diverse habitat for these brightly coloured fish with uniquely large dorsal fins. Grayling are aggressive feeders, making them ideal for both fly and hardware anglers. And thanks to the limited access, there is little fishing pressure. —Brad Fenson

PROU

THE FISH: Arctic grayling

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PKE

Pink Eye Silver back

PRLRD

Pearl & Red Silver back

PRLBL

Pearl & Blue Silver back ®

WW W.W WW O .UOTUDTODOOROCRACNAANDAAD.A C .AC A | 3| 737

/williamslures www.williams.ca

The Original

L’Original

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WINNIE™ 12 COLORS 26 #26 AYLMER LAKE, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

BLRD Blue & Red

THE FISH: Arctic grayling and lake trout

THE FISH: Northern Pike

You always remember your best days of fishing, and this sprawling lake in the barrenlands of Canada’s Arctic rarely fails to deliver. Lake trout weighing up to 40 pounds are common here, and each year lucky anglers can even catch fish topping 50 pounds. If your arms get tired from fighting the monster trout, meanwhile, the rivers feeding this crystalclear lake are teeming with Arctic grayling eager to take a fly. —T.J. Schwanky

Each spring, giant pike occupy the countless inlets, bays and small lakes that make up the Mackenzie’s massive 210-kilometre-long delta. Timing is everything here: two weeks after ice-out, the postspawn giants re-enter the delta’s silt-ladened main channels, where extremely low visibility makes for tough fishing. To experience truly epic round-the-clock pike action, plan to visit during the summer solstice. —Lawrence Gunther

www.canadianwildlifeadventures.com

www.spectacularnwt.com OC

LEARN MORE:

PROU

LEARN MORE:

DLY

#27 MACKENZIE RIVER DELTA, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

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Also Available

MOOSELOOK

www.mooselook.ca

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Tournament angler Dave Chong relies on the Lucky Craft Pointer (pictured, right) for his secret bass tactic

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INSIDER INFO BY GORD PYZER

FIVE PRO ANGLERS (RELUCTANTLY) REVEAL THEIR TOP-SECRET TACTICS FOR BASS, LAKERS, MUSKIES AND WALLEYE

DAVE CHONG (CHONG); MANUFACTURER (LURE)

Y BUDDY DAVE CHONG has caught 44 smallmouth bass weighing more

than seven pounds over the years, including his personal best, an 8.7pound supertanker. If you ask him what he caught the fish on, he’ll simply say a hard-bodied jerkbait. By only telling you that, though, he’s actually told you almost nothing. That’s because it all comes down to how he fished the lure, not just the lure itself (more on that on the next page). The same thing applies to muskie maestro Lisa Goodier, big-bass buster Pete Garnier, walleye wizard Derek Strub and prairie lake trout savant Mitch Lilley. While their catches are often mind-blowing, the lures they use are boringly commonplace. Again, though, the real secret lies in the way they fish their offerings. As with most anglers, pros tend to keep their hard-won fishing tactics close to their chests, so I had to call in plenty of favours to get this elite group to divulge the details behind their extraordinary catches. Follow their tactical advice, and you just might log some personal bests of your own. »

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Pro Dave Chong keeps his jerkbait 150 feet behind the boat to catch smallmouth

PRO : DAVE CHONG TARGET: SMALLMOUTH BASS TACTIC: LONG-LINE A JERKBAIT

TOURNAMENT PRO DAVE CHONG’S

love affair with jerkbaits started more than 20 years ago when he bought his first Lucky Craft Pointer during a trip to California. As with many other anglers, he now has boxes full of the minnow look-alikes in his boat. But here’s a shocker—he rarely makes a cast with one. “What you are presenting is only a small piece of the puzzle,” Chong says. “I long-line, or stroll, my jerkbaits.” That’s exactly what he was doing, in fact, when he caught his eight-pound 42 | O U T D O O R C A N A D A [ F I S H I N G S P E C I A L 2 0 2 4 ]

seven-ounce Goliath on Ontario’s Lake Simcoe in 27 feet of water. “I’ve been doing this long enough to know that with the amount of line I had out, my bait was down 15 feet,” he says. “I could have got it down even deeper, but 15 feet over 27 feet of water is where I wanted it to be.” According to Chong, he often fishes with more than 150 feet of line trailing behind the boat. “That’s a good amount, and it takes a long time to reel it all in,” he says. “People often ask me, ‘Why it is taking you so long to fight that fish?’ It’s because I’ve got so much line out.” Chong, who got into strolling jerkbaits after spending years dragging a tube jig for smallmouth in the Great Lakes, uses his trolling motor to keep the boat moving on dead-calm days. Noting that it’s much easier going with the wind than against it, especially if you’re trying to follow a contour line, he says he typically moves along at 2½ to five km/h. For this set-up, Chong uses a 6' 10" medium-fast-action spinning rod and reel spooled with 15-pound-test braid and a 12-pound-test fluorocarbon leader. “You could use a baitcaster just as easily because you’re not worried about casting,” he explains. “But you need a deep 2500- or 3000-size spool—not a shallow one—because you might not have enough line capacity otherwise.” An added bonus when longlining jerkbaits, Chong points out, is the opportunity to also catch big incidental lake trout. When he boated the 8.7-pounder, in fact, he was certain he’d hooked a laker as he was coaxing the fish to the surface—until it tried to jump, that is. Always trying to stay one step ahead of the angling crowd, the bass pro is now looking to stuff another ace up his sleeve. “Imagine if you had your forward-facing sonar transducer on the transom facing back,” he says. “You could then watch your jerkbait and see the smallmouth come up and eat it.” Hmm. W W W . O U T D O O R C A N A D A . C A | 42

DAVE CHONG (CHONG); LISA GOODIER (GOODIER); MANUFACTURER (LURE)

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Guide Lisa Goodier says a Twist’d Sist’r Clicker is perfect for her slow-troll muskie tactic

PRO: LISA GOODIER TARGET: MUSKIES TACTIC: SLOW - TROLL A NOISY TOPWATER

OTTAWA RIVER MUSKY Factory

guide Lisa Goodier is always looking for new ways for her guests to catch big toothy critters. Her latest favourite trick is to slowly tow a surface lure behind the boat. “I never fish when I am guiding,” she says, “but I will cast a topwater lure behind the boat and put my rod in a holder for my guests. There

are times when it’s just crawling behind the boat, and the muskies slam it. I caught multiple muskies last year when the bait was barely moving on the surface.” Goodier remembers one specific instance at the end of a long, tiring day when one of her guests had no reserves left in the tank. He was sitting on the back seat, twitching a topwater bait behind the boat, while his friends were up front casting. The boat was manoeuvring along a weedline, with the electric trolling motor set at less than 1.2 km/h, when a muskie circled the guest’s bait and devoured it. “The more noise your bait is making, the better,” Goodier says, noting that metal-on-metal clanking is best. “I think it’s the higher frequency sound that does it.” For example, she says a Twist’d Sist’r Clicker from Big Mama Lures is »

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Competitive angler Pete Garnier deadsticks a Spro E Pop 80 (below) for largemouth bass

PRO: PETE GARNIER TARGET: LARGEMOUTH BASS TACTIC: DEADSTICK A POPPER

SOUTHERN ONTARIO’S PETE Garnier

is renowned for catching ghost-like largemouth bass, enticing them to appear from out of nowhere to hit topwaters lying dead still at the back of lily pad beds. But more recently, he’s taken to working his dead-sticking magic out on the main body of water. Specifically, he looks for shallow milfoil—two to four feet deep—even in the fall when the water temperature dips into the 5°C range. He’s also particular about the type of topwater he ties on. “It has to be a popper,” says Garnier, who was a member of Team Canada at the Black Bass World Championships in Portugal last year. “For some reason, walking baits are the wrong profile or just don’t sit right on the water. The deal is that you

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throw it out and wait for a fish to eat it. You don’t call them to it. You don’t do anything. And it is really hard to do.” When he showed the tactic to a fishing friend and caught nine fish on nine casts, Garnier says, it blew his friend’s mind. “I mean, I was really whacking them, but I didn’t want to show off. I wanted him to catch them, but he couldn’t. He kept twitching it. I was thinking, Dude, stop moving your lure.” Every time you move the popper, Garnier explains, you have to start waiting all over again because you spook the fish. When he eventually convinced his friend to keep the lure still, his success rate turned around “This is no word of a lie— we went 21 for 21 on double-headers. That’s how good it is. But do it wrong and you won’t catch a fish.” When I asked Garnier to also reveal his favourite poppers, he

PETE GARNIER (GARNIER); DEREK STRUB (STRUB); MANUFACTURER (LURE) PHOTOCREDIT

effective because it has a piece of metal hanging down that hits the prop. Likewise, the hook on a Lake X Lures Fat Bastard will click against the prop right out of the package; if it doesn’t, she’ll add an extra split ring to get the hook further back so it makes the “tink, tink, tink noise.” As for when to put the tactic to use, Goodier says it works under a variety of conditions. “A lot of people don’t throw topwaters on tough, blue-sky days, but, for me, that’s when it’s all about putting your bait right in front of a muskie’s face,” she says. “If the fish is sitting tight in a weed pocket—even if it’s not in a positive mood—and you drag something slowly over its head, you’ll get a vicious reaction bite.” Ironically, if there’s one issue with this turtle-slow presentation, Goodier says, it’s that the strikes are so visual and vicious. As a result, anglers watching the scene unfold get so excited when the adrenaline takes over that they try to set the hook too soon and miss the fish.

just chuckled and said there’s only one—a Spro E Pop 80 in the Clear Gill pattern. And how long should you actually expect to wait for a bite? The answer might surprise you. “My tournament partner, Rob Lafleur, holds the record,” says Garnier, pointing to the time he didn’t move his bait for six minutes before his patience was rewarded. And that reward? A six-pound 15-ounce largemouth that won the tournament’s bigfish prize. “Largemouth are just so conditioned to seeing things thrown at them that then get pulled away quickly,” Garnier says. “Most anglers can’t wait a couple of minutes, but that’s the time it takes a fish to go 50 feet through the jungle. The waiting is excruciating, but on a good day you’ll catch 80 to 100 fish with your eyes closed. It is amazing.”

PRO: DEREK STRUB TARGET: WALLEYE TACTIC: RETRIEVE AN ALABAMA RIG

IF YOU MET professional angler

Derek Strub leaving a boat launch and asked him how he made out, he’d likely show you images of the big walleye he’d caught and released. If you then wanted to know what he caught the fish on, the chances are also good he’d tell you a swimbait. What he might not point out, however, is that the swimbait was one of four adorning an Alabama rig. “Like a lot of things, I got on to the pattern by accident,” Strub says. “In the shoulder periods of spring and fall, I like throwing A-rigs for smallmouth. It’s just such an effective presentation when the bass are on a bigger bait bite. But it never failed that we’d also catch our biggest walleye, and much bigger than average at that.”»

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PRO: MITCH LILLEY TARGET: LAKE TROUT TACTIC: DRAG A MODIFIED TUBE JIG

SO MANY LAKE trout have been

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caught on tube jigs over the years that it’s not surprising Red Deer, Alberta, guide Mitch Lilley says it’s his go-to trout bait. However, the way he rigs and presents a tube sets him apart from others who also fish tubes. “I take a 1.5-ounce jig and slide a glow-green-and-orange hootchiestyle squid body onto the hook as my first skirt,” Lilley says. “Then I’ll slide a four-inch white Power Tube over the top of the squid.” Doing that gives the bait twice as much tail action, he explains, as well as contrasting colours. “The other piece of the puzzle is that I slowly drag it across the bottom, so that it stirs up small puffs

The Alabama rig mimics a school of baitfish

make it look different, or use a slightly bigger swimbait, anything to make it more conspicuous,” Strub says. “Most of the walleye are caught on the centre swimbait.” Perhaps not surprisingly, Strub’s walleye A-rig presentation is anything but a finesse tactic. That’s why he uses either a threeor four-power G. Loomis NRX+ flipping rod and reel spooled with 50-pound braid and a 20-pound fluorocarbon leader. “When they see that cluster of four- and five-inch swimbaits coming through the water,” he says, “it provokes an aggressive bite from the biggest fish.”

of silt,” Lilley says. “The trout zero in on it and go crazy, especially big lake trout when the bite is the toughest.” In particular, he likes to find a 70- to 120-foot-deep trough between two sharp breaking structures—such as underwater reefs and humps—then drag the tube through it. What I found the most intriguing about Lilley’s bottom-plowing tube trick is that he says it’s especially deadly in lakes where pelagic open-water ciscoes are the principal forage fish. “I can’t explain why trout key so strongly on a tube being dragged through the silt when there is so much bait suspended above them,” he confesses. “It could be that bottomdwelling burbot are also an important prey species.” The personable prairie guide has also noticed that the biggest

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MITCH MITCHLILLEY LILLEY(LILLEY); (LILLEY);MANUFACTURERS MANUFACTURES (LURES) (LURES)

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For those unfamiliar with the Alabama rig, it resembles the wire frame of an umbrella, hence its other name, the umbrella rig. The centre arm is typically slightly longer, surrounded by four others, each with a snap swivel to which you attach a swimbait. Together, the arrangement mimics a school of baitfish swimming through the water. “After making a long cast, I’ll count the A-rig down until I touch bottom,” Strub explains. “Then as I retrieve, I’ll keep my cadence such that I might touch every four to six feet. I’ll give it a soft pop every once in a while, too, but I want to know that I am close to the bottom throughout the retrieve.” Always check your local fishing regulations, but across most of Canada it’s legal to use four hooks, so on a five-arm A-rig such the YUMbrella Flash Mob that Strub uses, one of the baits is a decoy with the hook cut off. And while he favours natural shiner-, smelt- and alewife-coloured swimbaits—the Jackall Rhythm Wave is his favourite—he always alters the centre offering to make it stand out and appear the most vulnerable. “I might dip the tail in chartreuse J.J.’s Magic Dippin’ Dye to

ANGLER: MITCH LILLEY TARGET: LAKE TROUT TACTIC: DRAG A MODIFIED TUBE JIG

So many lake trout have been caught on tube jigs over the years that it’s not surprising Red Deer, Alberta, guide Mitch Lilley says it’s

Guide Mitch Lilley doubles up his tubes

lake trout, typically 20-pound-plus giants, are almost always solo, shark-like stalkers. So, he relies heavily on his sonar to keep him precisely positioned and drifting slowly through the troughs. “Occasionally, as I am dragging along the bottom, I’ll pop the tube up and let it fall back down,” he says.

“If I mark a trout following the lure, I’ll lay it right on the bottom for a few seconds, just feeling for weight. They’ll suck it right up.” Like I said, it’s not just the lure, it’s also how you fish it. OC ALSO SEE PAGE 48 FOR FISHING EDITOR GORD PYZER’S FAVOURITE NEW TACKLE FOR THE YEAR AHEAD.

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BEST

FISHING GEAR BY GORD PYZER

THE YEAR’S TOP NEW RODS, REELS, LURES, ELECTRONICS AND ACCESSORIES FOR HELPING CANADIAN ANGLERS CATCH MORE FISH

VERY YEAR, THE recreational fishing world comes together at events such as the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades Show—best known as ICAST—to showcase the latest and greatest angling innovations. And with such an astonishing quantity and variety of new fishing gear on display, where better to find those items best-suited for fishing in Canada? Here’s my selection of the top new offerings for 2024.

BOSHI BLADE CRANKBAIT

BEST CRANKBAIT

BOSHI BLADE CRANKBAIT Lunkerhunt’s latest crankbait borrows the flash-and-vibration concept that’s made underspin jigs such a hot commodity these past few years. The 2½-inch, half-ounce Boshi Blade is also designed to hunt for centre, which is a decided big-fish turn on. It dives a modest four to six feet, making it ideal for fishing shallow or over top of weeds. There are nine complementary body-and-blade colours to choose from. Lunkerhunt, www.lunkerhunt.com

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FOR PRODUCT PRICES AND AVAILABILITY, PLEASE CONTACT THE RESPECTIVE COMPANIES. ALSO SEE PAGE 54 FOR A ROUNDUP OF THE BEST NEW FLY-FISHING GEAR.

BEST CHATTERBAIT

CHATTERBAIT ELITE EVO Many consider Z-Man’s Jackhammer the quintessential chatterbait, but the Elite EVO is even better. Not only can you feel the lure chattering with even the slightest turn of the reel, its dual-keeper design is brilliant for locking on trailers. And thanks to the extra-long black-nickel hook, the lure pops free more easily when snagged. It comes in ⅜- and half-ounce models, and 12 colours. Z-Man Fishing Products, www.zmanfishing.com

CHATTERBAIT ELITE EVO

BEST SOFT-PLASTICS SERIES

CRUSHCITY Rapala’s first line of soft baits, CrushCity includes four finesse styles designed by Rapala Canada: Creeper, Heavy Hitter, The Jerk and The Suspect, all made of super-soft, buoyant, stretchy, durable TPE. I field-tested the prototypes last year, and caught 100 walleye and smallmouth bass over four days on a single 3¾-inch The Jerk, and it still looked like new. One package of these surprisingly affordable baits could last all season. Rapala, www.rapala.ca

DL+ 12V 135AH BATTERY

BEST BATTERY

DL+ 12V 135AH BATTERY Lithium batteries keep impressing. This dual-purpose model offers 135 amp-hours of deep-cycle capacity to power your boat’s electronics, plus 1,000 cold-cranking amps to start the big engine. That’s five times the usable power of a traditional Group 24 marine battery, at half the weight and with a lifespan that’s five times longer. Plus, you get an 11-year warranty. Just put it your boat and forget about it for years to come. Dakota Lithium, www.dakotalithium.com

CRUSHCITY

BEST SPECIALTY LURE STORAGE

MANUFACTURERS

EDGE 3700 JERKBAIT BOX

Premium jerkbaits catch fish like crazy, but they’re expensive and need plenty of TLC. This box safely stores up to 20 individual baits, tangle-free, in their own little bedrooms. It features a watertight seal when closed, moisture-wicking dividers and a corrosion-prevention additive in the plastic. And the included labelling system and clear lid make it easy to quickly select the lure you need. Plano Molding, www.planomolding.com

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ESCAPE CAM

BEST UNDERWATER CAMERA

ESCAPE CAM Once you see what this tiny camera can do, you won’t be surprised it won ICAST’s Best of Show prize in the electronics category. Small enough to cast or troll, the 1.4-ounce unit attaches to your line, allowing you to record fish strikes and instantly share the HD video. It’s even shock- and waterproof to a depth of 650 feet. Social media addicts and content providers are going to love using the Escape Cam to film their underwater action. Westin, www.westin-fishing.com

FISH AND GAME BAGS

BEST FISH STORAGE

FISH AND GAME BAGS Made with the same materials and processes that Canada’s Medgear uses to manufacture body bags for first responders, these storage bags are unbelievably rugged, with zippers that won’t break and spill out the contents. Not only are they superb for keeping fish (or game) fresh and clean, they also make great weigh-in bags for fishing tournaments. They’re available in small, medium and large sizes. Medgear/ MG Outdoors, www.medgear.ca

BEST ROD COMPONENT

BEST FOOTWEAR

TOURNAMENT BOOT I field-tested these boots last season, and I can’t say enough about them—they rescued me from wet, cold feet many times. They’re waterproof and amazingly light, and the pull tabs make them easy to put on and take off. Plus, the rubber outsoles are slip-resistant and don’t leave marks on boat decks. I thought I’d just wear them on rainy days and to launch my boat, but they’re so comfortable I never took them off. FXR Racing Canada, www.fxrracing.ca

TOURNAMENT BOOT

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More than a decade in the making, this extremely durable, supersensitive and brutally strong rod handle weighs a mere one ounce. Already known for its premium MicroWave rod guides, American Tackle used blown-carbon technology borrowed from the bicycle industry to create the custom onepiece handle’s intricate ergonomic design. I bet you’ll soon only find cork in wine bottles. American Tackle Company, www.americantackle.us

G2 TSUKA 2 COMPLETE CARBON HANDLE

MANUFACTURERS

G2 TSUKA 2 COMPLETE CARBON HANDLE

ICON JOHN CREWS BIG BAIT ROD

BEST TECHNIQUE ROD

ICON JOHN CREWS BIG BAIT ROD Bassmaster Elite pro John Crews designed this rod for casting oversized baits such as Alabama rigs and heavy spinnerbaits. But given its three-ounce lure rating, it will also shine for throwing dive-and-rise, glide, and pull-pause baits for pike, lakers and muskies. The 7' 10" rod features a moderate-fast action, a foot-long handle, carbon-fibre grips and American Tackle’s MicroWave guides. It also comes with a lifetime warranty. Cashion Rods, www.cashionrods.com

JELLY SHAD

BEST CANADIAN-MADE BASS BAIT

JELLY SHAD

BEST SMART REEL

IREEL ONE IFC The iReel baitcaster uses motion-capture sensors to analyze your casting to help you catch more fish. Simply pair the reel via Bluetooth with the KastKing app on your smartphone to learn how many casts you’ve made, the average distance of each cast and the retrieve speeds. That way, you can duplicate or alter your presentation, depending on what’s working. With a gear ratio of 7.2:1, the iReel comes in right- and lefthanded models. KastKing, www.kastking.com

IREEL ONE IFC

I tested this 3.8-inch swimbait last fall and it turned the smallmouth bass on their heads. Not only do the ribs give the illusion of a larger baitfish profile, they also create fishattracting vibrations. When rigged Tex-posed on a light jig head, the Jelly Shad was remarkably snagproof around rocks and cabbage. And it continued to catch fish when I rigged it on its side. It comes in six fish-catching colours. Water Wolf Lures, www.waterwolflures.com BEST WINTER SONAR

LIVESCOPE PLUS ICE FISHING BUNDLE LI

Love it or hate it, forward-facing sonar is here to stay, even during winter—now you can simply drill a single hole and scan in a circle to spot the fish. Named Best of Show in the ice-fishing category at ICAST, this touch-screen unit from Garmin offers improved resolution, better target separation and clearer images, plus a 200-foot range. It comes with a lithium battery, preloaded Navionics+ maps and built-in wifi for sharing data. Garmin, www.garmin.ca

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MUSE BLACK II

BEST AFFORDABLE SPINNING RODS

MUSE BLACK II I’m impressed by 13 Fishing’s commitment to making highquality tackle at affordable prices, and this new line of rods doesn’t disappoint. Featuring Japanese components such as 40-ton Toray Graphite blanks, Fuji K Frame stainless steel guides and Evolve Custom Soft Touch Reel Seats, the six rods come in a length, power and action for every freshwater fishing scenario. They also come with a seven-year warranty. 13 Fishing, www.13fishing.ca

QUAD DAWG

BEST MUSKIE BAIT

QUAD DAWG

POWERBAIT NESSIE

BEST GLIDE BAIT

POWERBAIT NESSIE Named ICAST’s Best of Show in the freshwater soft-bait category, this scented glide bait is going to entice some monsters thanks to the reinforced mesh joint that provides both durability and a wide range of motion. Plus, the Nessie sinks in an upright posture, while its belly fins create the deadly S-shaped swimming action glide baits are famous for. The five-, seven- and nine-inch models are available in 10 colour schemes. Berkley, www.berkley-fishing.com

BEST LURE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM RAPSTACK TACKLE TRAYS

RAPSTACK TACKLE TRAYS I love these trays, especially the open-foam model (pictured) with hook slits that make lure management a breeze. Made of heavy-duty, UV-proof plastic, the trays come in three depths to accommodate and protect a variety of baits and accessories, complete with customizable dividers. Plus, they’re designed to neatly stack together, as well as to easily open and close using just one hand. Rapala Canada, www.rapala.ca

BEST AERATION SYSTEM

FISHLUNG The sight of dead, floating fish following a weigh-in is bad for tournament fishing’s image, not to mention a waste of a valuable resource. Much of the problem stems from dangerously low oxygen levels in the water when four or five large fish crowd a livewell. The state-of-the-art FishLung system aims to prevent that by supersaturating livewell water with 200 per cent more oxygen than standard aerators. Fishlung, www.fishlung.com

Sporting four giant tails and a soft-plastic lip, the Quad Dawg moves an incredible amount of water while creating super-cool vibrations. I also like how the tails give the illusion of a large prey item, and the slender, tapered body makes for better hook-ups. Weighing 10 ounces and measuring 13 inches in length, the Quad Dawg is ideal for catching muskies in the top 10 feet of the water column. Musky Innovations, muskyinnovations.com

FISHLUNG

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SWINGIN’ NED RIG JIG

BEST BAITCASTING REEL

ZENON MG-LTX BFS

Baitcasting reels are typically used for heavy, aggressive presentations, but Abu Garcia has broken the mould with this compact featherweight model designed specifically for finesse fishing. Features include an X2 Craftic alloy frame, aircraft-grade aluminum main gearing, a Carbon Matrix drag, the MagTrax braking system and a shallow, super-light BFS concept spool. It also comes with either a left- or right-hand retrieve. Abu Garcia, www.abugarcia.com

BEST FINESSE JIG

SWINGIN’ NED RIG JIG Ned rigs perform best with buoyant soft-plastic baits that stand up and wave as you crawl the rig across bottom. But a heavier jig head, especially if you are fishing deep, can restrict the dancing tail. This mushroom head jig solves that by incorporating an articulated light hook, ensuring the soft-plastic always floats upright. Complete with an adjustable fluorocarbon keeper, the rig comes in three colours and five weights. VMC, www.rapala.ca/vmc

BEST SPINNING REEL

STRADIC FM While not the most expensive spinning reel, the Stradic has always been a dependable workhorse, with the latest version earning ICAST’s Best of Show nod in the freshwater reel category. It incorporates technologies found in Shimano’s pricier models, ensuring unequalled gear durability and strength, increased cranking power and smooth-as-silk braking. It comes in 1000, 2500, 3000 and 4000 sizes. Shimano Canada, fish.shimano.com

STRADIC FM

BEST TROLLING MOTOR

ULTREX QUEST

BEST LEADER SYSTEM

ULTREX QUEST

MANUFACTURERS

TEPA TAPERED FC LEADERS Here’s an interesting concept: fluorocarbon leaders that are thicker at one end and thinner at the other, just like tapered fly leaders. But unlike fly leaders, you can tie the thin end of these leaders to your mainline and the thick end to your lure, or vice versa, depending where you want the strongest knot and most abrasion resistance. The 10-foot leaders come in eight sizes, from 60-pound to 42, to 12-pound to eight. Sunline America, www.sunlineamerica.com

The new Quest models in MinnKota’s popular Ultrex line offer mindblowing features, including dual 24- or 36-volt brushless motors promising 30 per cent longer run times and 50 per cent more torque. Then there’s the new lift assembly for ease of deployment, real-time battery monitoring, a power-saving mode, and the GPSenabled navigation system that’s compatible with Humminbird fishfinders. Johnson Outdoors, www.minnkotamotors.com OC ALSO TURN TO PAGE 27 FOR FISHING EDITOR GORD PYZER’S REGULAR COLUMN.

TEPA TAPERED FC LEADERS

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BEST

FLY GEAR BY WAYNE PHILLIPS

THE YEAR’S TOP NEW TACKLE, TYING MATERIALS, APPAREL AND ACCESSORIES TO MAKE THE MOST OF FLY FISHING IN CANADA

HE NEW-PRODUCT showcase at September’s American Fly Fishing Trade Association conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, may have been smaller than usual, but the attendees were certainly enthusiastic. And with the impressive array of new products on display, it’s clear the fly-fishing industry is still going strong following the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are my picks for 2024’s best new fly gear for Canadian anglers.

BEST TYING MATERIAL

FOR PRODUCT PRICES AND AVAILABILITY, PLEASE CONTACT THE RESPECTIVE MANUFACTURERS.

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EGGSTATIC Semperfli has introduced yet another innovative material. Eggstatic is a super-furry chenille, made with a blend of micro-thin nylon and acrylic the company refers to as “Slush Fibre.” To create a perfect egg fly, just wrap the yarn-like material along the hook; in the water, it appears shiny, translucent and organic, just like a natural fish egg. Eggstatic is available in 20 colours, as well as trout/bass and salmon/steelhead colour collections. Semperfli, www.semperfli.net

W W W.O U T D O O RCA N A DA .CA

MANUFACTURERS

EGGSTATIC

BEST ROD

WRANGLER At just US$159.99, Redington’s Wrangler rods are ideal for beginners and youths, as well as travelling anglers wanting a backup kit. Available in line weights 4 to 8, these ninefoot, four-piece rods are a delight to cast with their medium-fast action. Anglerfriendly features include alignment dots and laseretched size designations on the reel seats. For bigger game, the 7- and 8-weight rods offer optional fighting butts; there’s also a 10-foot 7-weight. Redington, www.redington.com

WRANGLER

GEAR TRANSPORT

BEST LINE

AMPLITUDE SMOOTH INFINITY PLUS Thanks to a special additive, Scientific Anglers’ latest fly line promises five times less drag than traditional lines, making for longer casts. It comes in 3- to 8-weight sizes, with a weight-forward taper that’s a full size heavier than standard lines for use on the fastest rods, and for delivering larger trout rigs. Other features include a high-floating tip section and Line ID displaying the weight of the line. Scientific Anglers, www.scientificanglers.com

BEST PACK AMPLITUDE SMOOTH INFINITY PLUS

FORRA

GEAR TRANSPORT Every fly angler needs a rugged, oversized bag for both day trips and extended adventures. Enter the Gear Transport. It offers 95 litres of storage, along with two Velcro gear straps and exterior attachment points, two square carabiners for attaching accessories and an internal mesh pocket. The Gear Transport also comes with a rope handle and a removable changing pad for sitting or standing on rocky or wet surfaces. Yakoda Supply, www.yakodasupply.com

BEST WADING BOOTS

BEST APPAREL

FORRA

PRO FISHING JACKET

These durable boots are designed for anglers who love to walk and wade streams. They sport high ankles for support, sturdy toe boxes and an adjustable, non-corrosive lacing system. And the Vibram Mars soles provide superior traction and grip, while the abrasion-resistant Cordura nylon uppers are durable, light and quick drying. Compatible with Patagonia’s Grip Studs Traction Kit, these boots come in unisex sizes five to 14. Patagonia, www.patagonia.ca

Available in both men’s and women’s models, this abrasion- and punctureresistant fishing jacket is both waterproof and breathable. Complete with AquaGuard zippers, fully taped seams and soft neoprene cuffs, the PRO is tailored for unrestricted casting and rowing. Features include hand pockets, an internal security pocket and dual zippered chest pockets for tools. The hood even has hidden cinches that won’t catch your fly line. Orvis, www.orvis.com

PRO FISHING JACKET

W W W . O U T D O O R C A N A D A . C A | 55

BEST REEL

Special

GRAND SLAM GUIDE FLY FISHING BOAT BOX

ARBOR XL 4/5/6 Sage is now offering its ultralarge arbor reel in a size suited for freshwater fishing, with an ergonomic handle and extra-large diameter to quickly pick up line when fighting speedy fish. As with the original larger version, the Arbor XL is machined from aerospace aluminum, and hard-anodized for protection. A super-smooth sealed carbon drag system completes the package. It comes in frost, slate and a pleasing tempest blue colour. Sage, www.sageflyfish.com

ARBOR XL 4/5/6

BEST FLY BOX

GRAND SLAM GUIDE FLY FISHING BOAT BOX

BEST TOOL

DUAL HYBRID MICRO SCISSORS

This amazing tool has both fixed-blade cutting slots and serrated stainless-steel scissors. The fixed ceramic blades can cleanly slice up to 100-poundtest monofilament, fluorocarbon or braided line, while the scissors are perfect for fine cutting and trimming. Available in green, orange, pink, black or glow-inthe-dark colour options, the Dual Hybrid can clip to a hat or pocket, or you can attach it to a lanyard. Line Cutterz, www.linecutterz.com

BEST ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCT

ALL AXIS SHOE

ALL AXIS SHOE & DEYOUNG BROWN FLANK SOCK Perfect during the heat of summer when you want to wet wade, the fastdrying All Axis Shoes provide protection against rocks and uneven river bottoms. They come with Korkers’ OmniTrax interchangeable sole system, allowing you to choose among three felt and rubber sole options. For added comfort, pair the shoes with Korkers’ abrasion-resistant, formfitting neoprene wading socks in a brown trout pattern by artist Derek DeYoung. Korkers, www.korkers.com

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At the forefront of fly-line innovation since 1990, Rio has now adopted the first completely compostable and recyclable spool made from discarded newsprint—score one for the environment. After spooling up your new line, simply drop the spool in the recycling bin or compost it your garden. As an added bonus, the spools are compatible with any existing manual or power line-winders. Rio Products, www.rioproducts.com OC

MANUFACTURERS

COMPOSTABLE FLY LINE SPOOL

BEST WET-WADING COMBO

DEYOUNG BROWN FLANK SOCK

Measuring 11.8 inches long, 10.5 inches wide and 3.8 inches thick, this brilliant modular fly box holds dozens of small to over-sized flies. And thanks to the six removable foam panels that can fit into C&F’s smaller fly boxes, you can either bring the entire box along when fishing from a boat, or select only the panel of flies you need when wading or fishing for one particular species of fish. C&F Design, www.anglersportgroup.com

COMPOSTABLE FLY LINE SPOOL

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ONE TRICKY TROUT BY KEN BAILEY

THE CHALLENGES AND REWARDS OF FINDING AND CATCHING ALBERTA’S STREAM-DWELLING BROWN TROUT ON THE FLY

Ken Bailey is regularly drawn to Alberta’s brown trout streams

58 58| |OOUUTTDDOOOORR CCAANNAADDAA [ [ FF IISSHHI INNGGS S PP EC E ICAILA 2L 022 042]3 ]

T’S THE LAST week of September and I really should be duck hunting. The flights of north-

ern bluebills and canvasbacks are due to arrive any day, and typically I’d be scouting my favourite diver lakes and ensuring my boats, motors and decoys are ready to go. Instead, I’m chest-deep in an Alberta spring creek, swearing to myself as I try to extract my Turck Tarantula, once again, from an overhanging willow branch without going in over my waders. I’m not having any fun. Or maybe I am. It’s hard to know, and that conundrum is the very essence of my fly-fishing experiences with brown trout. Whatever the case, I’m fascinated with these challenging fish, and that alone is enough to continually lure me back to the Alberta streams they call home. Here’s why, and what I’ve learned in the process.

BROWN BEHAVIOUR

KEN BAILEY

BROWN TROUT WEREN’T exactly

given a hero’s welcome when they were first introduced to Alberta back in 1924 (see “Brown beginnings” on page 61). Anglers accustomed to our native species said they were ugly, lacked fighting qualities, and weren’t particularly appealing on the palate. They were also thought to be exceedingly predatory on native trout and, perhaps worst of all, reluctant to take a fly. We now know those accusations to be total falsehoods, except perhaps for the argument they can be difficult to fool. Brown trout love cover, so they’re most often found along undercut banks and logjams, and beneath overhanging trees or shrubs, all difficult places to cast a fly to. And they’re notoriously easy to spook, meaning you typically have just one chance to get your fly in the right spot before they figure out something’s up and refuse to rise. Contrary to common opinion, small brown trout are eager and relatively easy to catch, readily taking dry flies. Not so with large browns over 18 inches, however. They are ruthless predators with finely honed survival skills, and it’s these sly mature fish that give

On small streams, browns can be found in the same spots each year

browns their reputation as being the toughest of our trout to catch. As one of my fly-fishing mentors, the late trout authority Barry Mitchell, once remarked, “Ken, big brown trout are like white-tailed deer and coyotes—if they see you before you see them, your chances of fooling them are near zero.” On the upside, it’s because of those very survival skills that, wherever brown trout live, there will be some big ones. The challenge for anglers is to find and catch them. Brown trout feed most actively during early mornings, evenings and overcast days; on bright days, focus on water that’s out of the direct sunlight. And they’re typi-

cally more active in stained waters than in the crystal-clear rivers we most often associate with trout. Browns are also relative homebodies, especially on small streams, where many anglers tell of catching the same trout in the same spot year after year, often giving a name to their “pet” fish. It’s a sad day for those anglers when their brown trout is no longer where they expect it to be, having died of old age, or been eaten by a predator or taken out by another angler. Keeping all this in mind, you need to further adjust your tactics accordingly depending on whether you’re targeting browns on a freestone stream or a spring creek. »

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Special FREESTONE STREAMS

Freestone browns will generally hit any big, high-floating dry fly

THE WATER FLOWS of a freestone

stream are based on a combination of snowmelt and rain. As summer progresses, they grow warmer and their flow rate diminishes because of reduced inflows. They’re also prone to high turbidity from runoff and rain, and can often get blown out for several days as far as fishing is concerned. Alberta’s freestone brown trout streams vary greatly in size, from large rivers such as the Waterton, Bow, Red Deer and North Saskatchewan, to small tributary creeks you can spit across, with names nobody knows. There are also plenty of wonderful mid-sized streams in between. I appreciate that some of Alberta’s large rivers are more properly described as tailwater fisheries because their water levels are influenced by dams, but most act very much like freestone streams. On a freestone river, your fly selection doesn’t need to be as precise as it should be on a spring creek. Freestone browns are more opportunistic feeders and therefore considerably less judgmental about your choice. Any big, bushy, high-floating dry fly will generally suffice, allowing you to maintain better visual contact with your offering as it floats through the more turbulent sections common on freestone waters. I cut my brown trout teeth on

Prairie Creek, a perfect mid-sized freestone stream. The late outdoor writer Bob Scammell showed me the ropes on the Prairie, including the popular “Miracle Mile” section, and I’ve fished it nearly every year for the past 30. It’s a finicky trout stream, though. If you hit the celebrated annual salmonfly hatch just right, it can seem as though there’s a hefty brown behind every rock and beneath every undercut bank, just waiting for your Stimulator. At other times, however, the fishing is so inexplicably poor you wonder if there are any fish there at all. There are dozens and dozens of freestone brown trout streams snaking through Alberta’s western landscapes, but undoubtedly the most renowned is the incomparable Bow River, where the fish can be exceedingly colourful by late

summer. I’ve floated the Bow annually with my buddy Perry McCormick (above) for as long as I can remember, and despite concerns the rainbow fishing has diminished in recent years, the brown trout action has been as good as ever. The fly-fishing formula here is pretty simple—just cast big foam flies (stonefly and hopper imitations) or weighted streamers as close to the bank as you can. Strikes, when they come, can be thunderous, and when your fish immediately heads down to fight, you can be pretty sure it’s a brown trout, not a rainbow. Certainly, the province’s other large rivers will relinquish big, mature browns, but none with the regularity of the Bow, where broad-shouldered trout stretching the tape to 25 inches or longer are landed every year.

The tight confines of spring creeks can be challenging

by runoff and snowmelt, spring creeks are fed, as the name suggests, by natural springs, providing a relatively consistent supply of cool water throughout the year. As well, water depths remain pretty consistent and generally run fairly clear through the seasons. In Alberta, the two most well-

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known spring creeks are the Raven River and Stauffer Creek (a.k.a. North Raven River), and they are the bane of my brown trout life. If I ever end up on a psychiatrist’s couch, you can undoubtedly trace the roots of my problem to days spent fishing those two streams. The challenges on these waters are many: streambank willow and

W W W . O U T D O O R C A N A D A . C A | 60

KEN BAILEY

WHILE FREESTONES ARE supplied

KEN BAILEY

SPRING CREEKS

alder thickets that can make it near impossible to backcast (you’d better perfect your roll-cast if you want to fish here); silty substrates that suck at your waders and your will to live; a crosshatch of barbedwire fences that you repeatedly have to slither under or hop, skip and jump over; and finally, steep banks that force you to glissade into the creek (hoping all the while you don’t land in a beaver run). Then there are the brown trout themselves. At the mere hint of a strange shadow or an unnatural ripple, they’ll bury themselves under the grass-lined banks or into the inevitable tangle of beaver food caches. They can also be überselective about what they’ll eat, and when they’ll eat it. And if by some stroke of luck you do manage to trick a big one into taking your fly, your chances of landing it in the tight confines of these logjaminfused streams are slim, at best. All in all, Alberta’s spring creek experience is a test of patience and restraint. Stauffer Creek, in particular, has long been referred to as the PhD of Alberta’s trout streams, given how difficult the fishing can be. I’ve regularly fished the Raven and Stauffer over the decades. These past few years, in fact, I’ve fished one or both of them two or three times annually with my friend Bruce Tilbrook (below left), and typically an equal number of times by myself. (For some reason, I seem to exhibit more patience fishing solo on spring creeks than when I’m with a partner. I don’t think I really want to know what that says about my personality, but undoubtedly it’s a topic I’ll be asked about by the aforementioned psychiatrist.) Bruce guided on these streams many years ago, and he’s become my unofficial brown trout sensei for such waters. He’s patiently taught me where and how to find the fish, how to wade quietly when you’re concurrently up to your chest in water and your knees in mud, and how to make a reasonable cast while contorting yourself into positions the Kama Sutra never imagined. As a well-respected fly tier, Bruce has also shared with me

the importance of being strategic about the pattern you select. While they’ll eat pretty much anything on freestone streams, nowhere are brown trout more attuned to specific insect hatches than on spring creeks. That’s why anglers who regularly fish the Raven and Stauffer habitually follow and mimic the hatches. It starts with the bluewinged olives in spring, then the green drakes in early June, followed closely by the brown drakes. The pale morning duns take over in late June and early July, followed by the various caddis hatches. When late August and early September roll around, it’s time to tie on hopper and backswimmer patterns. Surprisingly, one of the counterintuitive characteristics of spring creek browns is that they’re not especially leader-shy. If you can get within range of a rising fish, seldom does your leader landing on the water send them scurrying

for cover. This tolerant behaviour means you can get away with using the relatively stout leaders needed to control browns in a spring creek’s tight quarters. You can bet I’ll be on the water chasing brown trout again this year. I’ll float a few days on the big rivers with old friends, looking for a personal-best fish. I’ll also walkand-wade a couple of my favourite mid-sized freestone streams, including Prairie Creek, as I have since my first days of fly fishing. And, undoubtedly, I’ll also fish the spring creeks. If you see me, come over and say hello—I’ll be the one practising my favourite curse words as I attempt to extract my fly from an overhanging branch, all the while wondering why the hell I’m not duck hunting. OC HUNTING EDITOR KEN BAILEY ENJOYS PURSUING A VARIETY OF FISH SPECIES ON THE FLY.

BROWN BEGINNINGS

ORIGINALLY FROM EUROPE and Asia, brown trout were first introduced to Newfoundland in 1885, followed by Ontario (1913), New Brunswick (1921) and Nova Alberta’s first Scotia (1923). In brown trout were introduced in 1924 my home province of Alberta, the first introductions occurred in 1924 in the Raven River and what is now Jasper National Park. Then in 1925, browns were also introduced into the Bow River system. They’ve since been introduced to Manitoba, though I’ve only fished for them in Alberta. Unlike our native lake, bull and brook trout, which are members of the char family, browns are classified as true trout, and more closely related to Atlantic salmon than to any other trout species in Canada. Interestingly, they are fall spawners, which is more in keeping with the char family; the relative stability of fall water gives them an advantage over rainbow and cutthroat trout, which spawn in the comparative volatility of spring waters. Browns are highly adaptable and thrive in rivers, streams, lakes, reservoirs and beaver ponds—anywhere there is sufficient food, including insects, other fish and occasional vertebrates such as mice and voles. They flourish in waters of higher temperatures and lower quality than do other trout, giving them another competitive advantage. And having endured nearly 2,000 years of angling pressure in their native lands, they’ve learned a thing or two about survival. This, in large measure, accounts for their reputation as being the most difficult of our trout to catch. W.W UO TD AA ND AA DA . CAA | 61 61 WWW OW U.TOD OOROCRACN .C

Special

SURVIVAL TACTIC BY ZAC KURYLYK

AN ALL-NEW APPROACH TO SAVING ENDANGERED ATLANTIC SALMON IS UNDERWAY IN NEW BRUNSWICK’S INNER BAY OF FUNDY. WILL IT WORK?

PARKS CANADA (FISH RELEASE); ZAC KURYLYK (SALMON)

A mature Atlantic is released back into its home river in Fundy National Park

62 6 2 | | OOUUTTDDOOOORR CCAANNAADDAA [ [ FFI S I SHHI N I NGG SSPPEECCI A I ALL 22002244 ] ]

S I WIND down the beat-up blacktop into Dark Harbour, a sheltered cove on the

northwest tip of New Brunswick’s Grand Manan Island, a small fish farm comes into view. It’s not a surprising sight, as aquaculture operations are common here in the Bay of Fundy. But these aren’t your typical floating salmon cages—instead of farmed fish destined for the market, they’re filled with wild Atlantic salmon captured months earlier from two fast-flowing creeks in Fundy National Park, 230 kilometres by road to the east. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the Wild Salmon Marine Conservation Farm is the first project in the world to collect young fish from the wild, raise them in an ocean environment, then release them back where they came from. It’s all part of a multi-pronged restoration plan to bring the inner Bay of Fundy’s endangered salmon population back from the brink of extinction. Judging from what I learned while visiting the farm last July, it appears as though the plan is having a positive impact on a salmon population that has been struggling for a long time. And it could even prove to be a model for restoration efforts elsewhere.

Inner Bay of Fundy salmon are deemed endangered

HISTORICAL DECLINE HISTORICAL DECLINE

IN THE EARLY 2000s, scientists at

Fundy National Park realized they had a big problem. The number of adult Atlantic salmon returning to the park’s rivers had gone from around 1,000 in the 1970s to nearly zero by the mid-1990s. From an ecological standpoint, that would be concerning anywhere. Making matters worse, though, the fish On small streams, were part of the inner Baycan of be Fundy browns found in the samewith spotsaeach sub-population, a group dis-year tinctive life cycle. And the decline was happening all up and down historical population. So, park the coast. waters off Greenland’s coast. For managers came up with a novel Atthe its peak innerback Bay of in Fundy the 1960s, salmon the solution: with help from commu- innerpopulation, Bay of Fundy’s however, salmon that poputrip is nity and industry partners, they’d lation much numbered shorter—they approximately mature in the grow their own wild fish. 40,000 Bay adults, of Fundy but less or the than Gulf 250 of Maine The thinking behind this plan remained instead, by much 1999. With closerthe to entire home. is tied to the unique character- population So, why facing were extinction, Fundy National the istics of the park’s salmon popu- fish were Park’slisted salmon as endangered dying before they lation. Most anglers know the under made the Species it home,atleading Risk Act to in the popuAtlantic salmon life cycle—they’re2003.lation crash? Fisheries played a born in a stream, growing from What part,could although the park there’s do?been The no eggs to alevins to fry to parr to obvious commercial Band-Aidsalmon fix—releasfishery in the smolts before heading out to sea. ing hatchery-raised area since 1984,parr and into no recrethe After maturing into adults at sea, park’s ational rivers—yielded fishery forstatistically this particuthey return to their home river to poorlar results. population The survival since 1990. rates And spawn. For most Atlantic salmon werethe low,decline and if continued fish were drawn after those from North America, the meta- fromclosures, other genetic so fisheries stock, obviously they phorical journey to maturity takeslacked weren’t the lineage the only of the factor. park’s Neither hisplace during a real journey from torical was population. industrial So, activity parkentirely man- to the rivers they were born in, to theagersblame—the came up with coast a novel abovesoluSaint John »

W W W . O U T D O O R C A N A D A . C A | 63

Special

RESTORATION PLAN

THE PLAN TO restore Atlantic

salmon in Fundy National Park actually includes two processes, says Danielle Latendresse, the program stewardship coordinator with the Fundy Salmon Recovery project. The first is the preservation of the unique genetics of the park’s salmon population with the creation of a live gene bank. “Each spring, we release thousands of tiny unfed fry into a nursery system or ‘In-River Live Gene Bank’ called Dickson Brook in Fundy National Park,” Latendresse says. “It’s our goal for these fry to have their first meal in the wild, grow naturally, and be subject to natural selection to lessen captive-rearing impacts. Once these salmon become parr, ecologists electro-fish the brook and bring those salmon to our hatchery, where they are eventually spawned as adults and their offspring continue this loop.” Meanwhile, the second process, the “kidnapping,” is meant to restore salmon abundance and severed ecosystems, Latendresse says. That starts with an electrofishing operation in the waters of the Upper Salmon and Point Wolfe Rivers. Temporarily disabled smolts are removed and taken to the Wild Salmon Marine Conservation Farm in Dark Harbour, where they spend the next 18 months before being released back to park rivers as adults. At the farm, a wide range of groups have come together for

The salmon farm in Dark Harbour prepares fish for their return to the wild

this conservation initiative, including Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Fundy National Park, the Canadian Rivers Institute, regional and provincial governments, the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association, universities and two other particularly important partners: Fort Folly First Nation and Cooke Aquaculture. Cooperating with the park and sharing the same aquaculture resources, the Fort Folly band runs its own habitat recovery program on the Petitcodiac River. Cooke Aquaculture, meanwhile, has been raising salmon on the Fundy coast for more than 30 years, making the privately owned company a vital partner in running the Dark Harbour facility. On some days, there’s not much activity at the site, just check-ins from local staffers. On the day of my visit, the floating facility was a swarm of activity, with helpers from various partner organizations capturing fish from the floating cages and measuring them. Each fish has an individual electrotag, and once the data has been recorded, the fish are put back in the pen. Since the cages are floating in the open ocean, the salmon are exposed to the same natural seawater they would encounter in the real world, rather than an artificial hatchery environment. They also get to snack on organisms that flow through their cage, all the while maintaining their survival instinct to steer clear of danger. When aquaculture divers enter the cages for cleaning sessions, for example, the fish swim off, alarmed, unlike the dumbed-down

64 6 4 | | OOUUTTDDOOOORR CCAANNAADDAA [ [ FFI ISSHHI INNGG SSPPEECCI IAALL 22002243 ] ]

and domesticated salmon typically found on fish farms. Still, there have been challenges to sort out, the biggest one being how to effectively feed fish that grew up in the wild. “They have never seen a commercialised pellet,” says John Whitelaw, a speciesat-risk ecologist with the park. So, the scientists had to figure out the right nutritional blend of food and a feeding schedule, among other factors, to ensure the salmon received proper nutrition yet retained their wild traits. SIGNS OF HOPE

EACH FALL, ADULT salmon from

Dark Harbour are returned to the streams where they were kidnapped, trucked in tanks instead of having to swim hundreds of kilometres up the coast. Even this seemingly simple part of the program is based on hard lessons learned from past years. When you’re transplanting hundreds of wild fish from a saltwater to freshwater environment, how do you prepare them for the change? Or should you? Every minor detail has to be carefully considered. That’s where my interaction with the salmon ended last year, joining a kids’ conservation club, a representative from a Mi’kmaq band and a handful of park staff to release fish into the same streams they’d come from 18 months earlier. Some of the salmon immediately powered off into the current with strong flips of their tails; others tentatively huddled near boulders for a few minutes before adapting to their return home. While it’s still relatively early days in the restoration efforts,

ZAC KURYLYK (WILD SALMON MARINE CONSERVATION FARM); PARKS CANADA (FISH RELEASES)

has some of the least-developed shoreline in southern Canada. Whatever the cause, the situation was dire, with conservation efforts in the early 2000s doing little to stop the decline. So, the park’s scientists began looking at new ideas. Enter the plan to “kidnap” young salmon from the wild, then return them once they’d grown bigger and stronger in captivity.

there is definitely hope on the horizon. Already, Whitelaw says the researchers are seeing short-term improvements in the fish themselves due to changes in the rearing program. Measurements of the size, body fat and overall condition of the fish, he says, shows the scientists are solving the challenges of growing wild fish into healthy adults, complete with a better chance of surviving once they’re returned to their natal streams. Surveys of the park’s returning adult salmon populations, in fact, show more fish are surviving their trips to sea and returning to spawn since being exposed to the ocean in the controlled environment of Dark Harbour. In 2021, for example, more than 100 of the endangered fish returned to Fundy National Park rivers, the highest number recorded since 1989. Does that mean the inner Bay of Fundy salmon will eventually see a population boom, lead-

ing to a return to recreational angling? Considering the numbers the researchers are aiming for in the near future—hundreds of fish returning each year, not thousands—a sportfishery seems unlikely in the short term. But the way Whitelaw sees it, the restoration project is necessary if we ever hope to see inner Bay of Fundy salmon populations return to their historic highs. “It’s a species that without human intervention, and without something being done, will disappear forever,” Whitelaw says. “I think it is our responsibility as stewards of the rivers and stewards of the environment to at least try something to restore those populations for generations to come.” Time will tell if that intervention has been enough. OC

LEARN FLY TYING FROM A MASTER

A step-by-step guide to tying 37 proven fly patterns By Phil Rowley

NEW BRUNSWICK CONTRIBUTOR ZAC KURYLYK GREW UP IN A COMMERCIAL FISHING FAMILY.

The author helps return mature salmon to their home streams in Fundy National Park

FLY PATTERNS

156

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1.800.663.7611 W W W . O U T D O O R C A N A D A . C A | 65

HOMAGE BY KEVIN BY BOB SHACKELL SEXTON

The Sportspal

HEN RETIRED AIRCRAFT engineer Cedric Summers couldn’t find a canoe to suit his needs back in 1947, he diligently set about making his own. His material of choice? The same lightweight aluminum he used to build airplanes for the Royal Canadian Air Force. So was born the iconic Sportspal canoe in the basement of his home in North Bay, Ontario. Fast-forward to 1987, when Carl Crewson and two partners purchased Sportspal from bankruptcy and brought the business back to life. Crewson, who still goes to work every day at age 86, runs the company as a family affair with his son, daughter and a grandson. In addition to the signature canoes available in eight models, three lengths and five colour schemes, the company—now known as Baywood Enterprises—also manufactures plastic kayaks, paddleboats and a wide range of trailers. At its height in the 1970s, Sportspal churned out 10,000 canoes a year for the Canadian market alone; many more were sold in the U.S. under the 66 | O U T D O O R C A N A D A [ F I S H I N G S P E C I A L 2 0 2 4 ]

Radisson name. In recent years, Sportspal canoes have also been marketed in Japan, Norway and Holland. Production is now at approximately 1,150 units annually. The 14-foot wide transom model I purchased 20 years ago is the most versatile vessel I’ve ever owned. At just 59 pounds, it can be easily strapped to a car top or portaged into backcountry lakes. I’ve fished big waters and small with it, catching everything from huge muskies to chunky bass. The exterior foam sponsons keep the water out, while the dense foam interior liner provides extra flotation and dampens noise, a feature popular with moose hunters. My model comes equipped with two paddles fitted with oar locks, but the best mode of propulsion is a 2.5-horse outboard. When I’m cruising solo, my Sportspal planes out nicely, and at the end of the day, I still have gas left in my four-litre jug—at the ready for the next adventure. OC KANATA, ONTARIO, CONTRIBUTOR KEVIN SHACKELL’S SON AND DAUGHTER (PICTURED) ALSO ENJOY HIS SPORTSPAL. W W W.O U T D O O RCA N A DA .CA

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