Fishing supplies for Canadian fishing

Excited for your first fishing trip to Canada? The prospect of going to a remote place without electricity, but with breathtaking scenery will get you so excited indeed. Don't let the excitement bug you much unless you've already determined what you're going to bring in terms of fishing supplies.

Bring the basics

Necessary planning should come before taking on a trip to the lakes. Determine what season of the year or the weather when you're going because you'll need to know this in order to purchase the right kind of clothes and gears you need to bring.

If you are heading to the lakes in the summer, it would be good to bring insect repellent, sun block, and hats to protect your skin and avoid getting heat stroke. For the extreme cold in the winter with the thick ice and torturous fog especially in the mornings, you have to bring your basic thermal protection clothes. If you need to bring immersion suits, ask storeowners or professionals for tips on what is the best to buy.

You could also opt to buy a fishing map to know where the best fish may be lurking. Moreover, Canadian lakes are vast and there may be hidden spots that these maps could point to you. A GPS would also be good in tracking these fish.

Get your fishing gear ready

Now who would forget this? First on your list should be your fishing rod, of course. Canadian fishing may be taken a bit too seriously, so you might as well bring your best fishing rod to guarantee a high percentage of catching trophy fish.

Fishing lines, hooks, fishing nets, and fishing baits should be next on the list. Some lakes such as catch and release lakes require you to use barbless hooks since you have to release the fish after you have caught them. Barbed hooks can kill the fish after you release them.

Also take note that conservation limit and catch and release lakes require two different fishing baits. For conservation limit lakes, live bait such as worms and leeches can be used, and for catch and release lakes, you can only use artificial bait such as twister tails.

If you are still bummed or confused on where to get all these things, the Internet would provide you valuable information as well as prices on online stores.

Too busy to get ready?

Some Canadian fishers opt to go to an outfitter to provide the necessary supplies needed for a fishing trip. These outfitters offer permits, advice, and gear.

Good gear will help you enjoy your fishing trip all the more. So get all your gear ready and head out for a good fishing trip!

Fishing Clubs in Canada

If you want to take your fishing hobby to the next level, you might want to join fishing clubs, especially if you want to give tournament fishing a try. Fishing clubs are a great way to have fun, learn more about the art and sport of fishing and meet people who love fishing as much as you do. Here are some Canadian fishing clubs you might want to check out:

Hook & Hackle Club
This fishing club located in Calgary, Alberta focuses on fly fishing. It is a not-for-profit organization that teaches its members good fishing ethics and etiquette, along with the proper methods used for preserving fishery. Its main fishing practice is centered around catch & release techniques.

BC Fishing Resorts and Outfitters Association
This Canadian fishing club was organized for British Columbia's tourist fishing industry.

Izaak Walton Fly Fishing Club
This fishing club is engaged in numerous activities, including instruction and conservation. They also sponsor seminars, workshops and exhibits.

Simon Chiew Fishing Association and Chinese Anglers Club
These two fishing clubs are composed mostly of hobbyists. These two clubs are the largest membership-based fishing clubs composed of Chinese-Canadians. Fishing trips are scheduled on a yearly basis.

Algonkin Fly Fishers
This is a relatively young fishing club engaged in the practice and promotion of fly fishing. Located in Eganville, Ontario, it was founded to encourage fly fishing in Ottawa Valley.

Lake Huron Fishing Club
If you prefer a sport fishing club that focuses on conservation efforts, join Lake Huron Fishing Club. This club was formed by a group of Ontario fishermen in 1983 and currently manages two hatcheries.

Niagara River Anglers Association
This Canadian fishing club focuses its sport fishing activities in the famous Niagara River. It also accepts volunteers for restoration projects related to fishing.

Northern Lights Fly Tyers & Fishers
This is a fishing and fly tying club in Edmonton, Alberta. Its website serves as the information center where members are informed of meeting dates and fishing locations.

For more Canadian fishing clubs, you can check the following websites: www.fishingclubs.net, www.canadafishingclub.com, www.ontariofishing.net and www.pcdhfc.com.

Joining Canadian fishing clubs
Not all fishing clubs are created the same and there are some that have a style and theme of their own. For example, there are fishing clubs exclusively for young people and some that accept only female members.

Most fishing clubs in Canada include conservation as an integral component of their clubs' efforts. They also regularly sponsor yearly fishing events, such as tournaments and seminars and conferences.

Fishing for Steelhead in Canada

If you're an experienced fishing hobbyist or enthusiast, you should be ready for steelhead fishing. And what better place to do it than in Canada? Steelhead fishing is popular there because of the abundance of this species and also because of the numerous bodies of water found there.

The Canadian steelhead
The steelhead belongs to the trout family and is considered as a close relation of another popular fish, the rainbow trout. It is one of the most sought after game fish and is highly prized. It is native to North America's west coast and is also found in California, USA, Japan and Asia's east coast.

Although most types of rainbow trout stay in the streams where they were hatched all their lives, some of them migrate to other bodies of water such as lakes while others move out to sea.

The steelhead is one of these seagoing trout. They are spawned in the rivers and streams where they stay for a year. They then swim to the sea as smolts and live 2-3 years there until they mature. As adults, they will return to the rivers were they began life. Canadian steelheads can be pretty impressive, weighing up to 20 lbs. when mature.

Fishing for the steelhead
In Canada, the steelhead can be found in many of this country's numerous rivers and streams. Fishing for the steelhead isn't for beginners with little experience because it requires both patience and some skills. Fishing for the steelhead in Canada also means catching the fish during the colder months starting August until December, although they can also be caught until April. In some areas with heavy snows, fishing for the steelhead can be a very challenging adventure indeed.

Two of the most popular ways to catch the steelhead is through fly fishing and/or drift fishing using pink worms and roe. Certain areas in Canada also limit the number of steelheads you can catch. For example, some areas will only allow one catch from a hatchery per day and only two in the possession of the fisherman, with a maximum of only 10 steelheads per year. Any wild steelhead caught must also be released.

Advantages of fishing for steelhead in Canada
Probably the best reason for fishing for steelheads in Canada is the fact that many resorts and outfitters are available to assist and advice visitors. Equipment is also readily available and there are countless locations where fishing may be done. Furthermore, there is an added benefit of having plenty of other activities to do and scenic beauty to enjoy.

Companies Offering Fly-In Fishing in Canada

Some of the best locations for fishing in Canada are found in secluded areas, which usually limit the type of transportation that can get through. This is why fly-in fishing is common in many of these fishing resorts and lodges. Most fly-in fishing trips offered in Canada come complete with packages that include tours, accommodations and transportation. Check out these companies offering these services:

Oak Lake Lodge (www.oaklakelodge.com)
Oak Lake Lodge operates in the northwest area of Ontario, Canada, about 200 miles to the north of the Canadian-US border. The locations of its fly-in fishing outposts are delightfully secluded but they are by no means difficult to find. Common fish species found in their lakes include the northern pike, lake trout, walleye and smallmouth bass.

If you check in at Oak Lake Lodge, you and your companions pretty much have a lake all to yourselves. Oak Lake Lodge employees will usually fly in to check on their guests every two days, bringing necessary supplies.

Wolves' Den
Located in the beautiful Norse Lake, Wolves' Den offers fly-in fishing with a stunning backdrop. Norse Lake maintains a calm surface even on really windy days. Some fish species you'll find here are smallmouth bass, northern pike and walleye. Trophy-size walleyes can reach up to 10 lbs. in weight and 40 inches in length, while average-size fish can weigh up to 3 lbs. Smallmouth bass can reach up to 5 lbs.

All fishing packages with Wolves' Den include a conservation fishing license. If preferred, guests can also extend their fishing to the nearby Little Norse Lake. Catch and release methods are used to manage all remote lakes.

Nestor Falls
Another company that offers fly-in fishing in Canada is Nestor Falls. They employ a fleet of well-maintained aircrafts including Beech, DeHavilland and Cessna planes. One-day fly-in fishing is done on local lakes. As one of the guests, you will be flown in the morning and have all day to fish for northern pike, lake trout and walleye.

Aside from fly-in fishing services, Nestor Falls also offers sightseeing tours on their float planes, showing guests a great view of the Canadian Shield.

Tukto Lodge
If you prefer a Canadian Arctic fly-in fishing trip, try the Tukto Lodge. Bring home your very own trophy grayling or trout, which can weigh over 10 lbs. Tukto Lodge offers different sets of rapids, which is perfect for fly fishing and angling. Furthermore, you get to enjoy the unmatched beauty of the Arctic, where there are still lakes and rivers that have remained untouched.

Going Fishing? Learn About Canada's Fishing Regulations

Fishing is a significant contributor to Canada's economy, with fishermen required to obtain a license in order to practice their trade. In recreational fishing, which is also a part of local tourism, certain regulations are in place, mainly to regulate and safeguard the marine ecosystems of that area.

Fishing regulations in Canada vary slightly by province or region and these are legislated by the Territorial and Provincial governments. If you wish to go on a fishing trip, you might want to check with the local government or with your outfitter what regulations you must comply with and which permits you should obtain.

A few examples of fishing regulations in Canada include:

Fishing license
A fishing license is required for people over the age of 18 but under 65 years old. This license may be purchased from stores, outfitters and fishing camps. The cost varies, depending on the license.

A regular fishing license doesn't limit how many fish you catch on a daily basis, although it places a restriction on the allowable size of certain fish species. A conservation license restricts the catch you can have per day but it costs less than the regular license. A conservation license also imposes size limits on a number of fish species.

Timing
In some areas in Canada, such as Alberta, sport fishing is allowed regardless of the season although certain restrictions are imposed for certain bodies of water and FMZs or Fish Management Zones. Again, check with your local agency or outfitter regarding this.

Fish species
There are numerous fish species found in the waters of Canada, but fishing regulations limit the type of species that can be caught. For example, out of 5 fish caught which are a combination of Arctic grayling and trout, only 1 of them may be a golden trout, 3 a lake trout, 2 an Artic grayling and none of the catch should be a bull trout. Certain regulations and limits also cover other fish species.

Fishing
It is illegal to use devices that can cause electrical currents or explosions in the water, or those that can kill or stun fish. Unless they have been caught legally and are located near the area where they were caught, you also cannot hold or own live bait and game fish.

Exporting your fish
Some areas, such as those in Ontario, will allow you to take your catch outside the region. However, certain Canadian fishing regulations cover the number of fish you can export and their allowable size. Fish must also be identifiable, which means you will have to leave some scales on if you are going to fillet your catch.

Fishing Outfitters in Canada

If you're on a fishing trip, it will be a lot easier with the help of fishing outfitters. These companies can offer assistance, guidance, advice and accommodations, allowing you the freedom to simply focus on your fishing and enjoy yourself. Here are some of the fishing outfitters you can get in touch with in Canada:

George Lake Camp Outfitting
This outfitter is located near La Ronge in Saskatchewan on George Lake. There are 4,000 acres of crystal clear George Lake waters to enjoy and plenty of fish to catch, including lake trout, whitefish and northern pike. If you prefer, you can also hire one of their local guides for a small fee. The outfitter rents out several 14 footer aluminum fishing boats so you can venture out on your own in search of fish.

The camp itself is in a beautiful location and can only be accessed using a float plane. The camp offers lakefront accommodations complete with sandy beaches. If you like a more secluded and private fishing getaway, this is the outfitter you should get in touch with.

Victoria Outfitters
This outfitter is found in Millertown, the area well-known for its wildlife. This company offers complete outfitting services involving all sorts of wildlife including local fish. It also offers wilderness tours and accommodations.

Thunderhook Fly In Fishing Camp
Thunderhook is also another outfitter that offers a fishing adventure in a secluded, more private area in northern Ontario. It is a location that is perfect for catching walleye, although it is also common to encounter other species of fish here.

Snowfari Adventures Ice Fishing
If you prefer ice fishing, Snowfari Adventures is an outfitter that offers plenty of adventure and convenience for its guests. Private bungalows can accommodate up to 10 guests per unit. It offers complete amenities, perfect for weekends or even prolonged stays.

Timberlane Cottage Resort
Timberlane is located next to Marian Lake. This outfitter offers guided Back Lake fishing. Some of its most common fish species include perch, bass, northern pike and walleye.

Midnorth Outpost Camps
Midnorth is a fishing outfitter in Chapleau, Ontario. Another location that can be accessed only by a float plane, Midnorth's lake cabins allow plenty of privacy. Fish species include pike, lake trout, white fish, bass, lunker northern pike and walleye. This outfitter can even arrange for you to fish from a private lake if your preferred fish species is unavailable at your current location.

To search for Canadian fishing outfitters near your area, check out sites like www.lodgescanada.ca, www.canadafishingguides.com and www.canadaoutfitters.com. Some of these sites may offer links to outfitter sites so you can check location, maps, fees and accommodation packages.

Fishing Opportunities in Wawa, Canada

One of the best regions to go on a fishing trip to is Wawa, just under 150 miles to the north of Sault Sainte Marie if you take Trans-Canada Highway 17. There are numerous fishing resorts and outfitters in Wawa, each one offering different scenic locations.

Wawa is located in Northern Ontario, a community in Michipicoten in Canada's Algoma District. The name Wawa is the Ojibwe word that means 'wild goose' (wewe). Wawa can be found along Highway 101, east of the Highway 17 junction. It is the location of Lake Superior's Provincial Park. Although it is more known for its fur trade and mining, Wawa is also an excellent place to go fishing.

Wawa has numerous areas that are excellent for secluded fishing and canoeing. Its ecological diversity is one of the most abundant and overlooked. The largest of the Great Lakes, Lake Superior, offers plenty of fishing activities with numerous fish species in this area.

Fishing in Wawa can also get you a prized catch. Fish are plentiful in this part of Canada, including 30-lb. brown trout, 40-lb. salmon and 10-lb. brook trout. Other fish species include muskie, panfish, smallmouth bass, largemouth, northern pike and walleye.

Some outfitters and resorts offering fishing trips and accommodations in Wawa include:

Camp Angiami
Camp Angiami is located in Lake Anjigami, offering 7 miles of fishing opportunities for visitors. The surrounding environment is also a rich ground for exploration, where you can find an excellent variety of wildlife and vegetation. Camp Angiami has five outposts, with five camps accessible only by float plane.

Camp Kinniwabi
The accommodations at Camp Kinniwabi come complete with facilities and can house a maximum of 6 guests per cabin. This camp isn't located on any lake but its proximity to areas of great views and fishing opportunities make it an enjoyable location for great fishing in Wawa, Canada. Camp Kinniwabi can set up visitors at over 14 lakes set in the wilderness.

Normandy Lodge
Normandy Lodge offers fishing packages to fit all types of budget. Aside from accommodations, it also rents out canoes and 14-footer aluminum boats. Its fishing is focused in the highly productive and beautiful Kabenung Lake. Fish species include lake trout, perch and brook trout. Fishing licenses can be purchased from the camp itself.

Fishing Derby
Wawa also hosts its annual Ice Fishing Derby, usually held during the first quarter of the year. This derby awards prizes for top catch in several categories, including Whitefish and Lake Trout.

Abundant Brook Trout Fishing in Canada

Brook trout is found in nearly all the Great Lakes of Canada and in many of its fresh waters. It is also a popular game fish for many hobbyists because it is plentiful and, compared to other game fish, it is rather easy to catch.

Knowing the fish
Brook trout is a type of trout referred to as chars. They are usually smaller in size than other trout. Brook trout is native to the southeastern part of Canada. Thanks to their attractiveness as game fish, they were later introduced to other regions. These days, they can be found in freshwater streams and lakes not only in North America but also in many areas in Europe.

Most brook trout prefer to live out their days in the streams and lakes where they were spawned, but there are some that migrate from streams and lakes to spend a year or two at sea. They then return home to spawn.

Fishing for brook trout
Regardless of whether you're fishing for brook trout in Canada or elsewhere, catching this fish requires skill. True, brook trout are easier to catch than other game fish but in order to make your fishing trip worthwhile, you should learn certain things about the fish.

Preferred environments
Brook trout fishing in Canada is a lot easier to do if you know what types of habitats these species prefer. Springs that flow out to trout streams are excellent locations. Since brook trout like to feed on local land and aquatic insects such as mayflies and stone flies, they are also likely to be found in coldwater streams. Upstream are also a favorite among brook trout, with many anglers having success by simply fishing while walking upstream.

Most brook trout anglers throw their lines in an area where a stream becomes a pool because this is an area frequented by brook trout. This is where they catch food that often drift down the stream Brook trout are also found in the area near underwater streams and inlets where water is cooler. Fly fishing for brook trout can be performed using sinking nymphs, dry flies and wet flies.

A great thing about brook trout fishing in Canada is that it doesn't require complicated equipment. In fact, as a fishing activity, it is considered as the simplest form. It is no wonder then that brook trout fishing has become one of the most popular things to do in appreciation of the natural beauty and abundance of Canada.

Why Canada? Four Benefits of Fishing in Canada

Canada has the largest system of fresh waters in the world, covering nearly 7% of its land mass. Its continuous coastline is also the longest at over 240,000 km. Canada is also a country that has strict conservation rules about its marine environment, making it a favorite fishing destination for both locals and tourists. Some benefits of fishing in Canada include:

Location
Canada is known for its scenic beauty and the diversity of its geography, ecological systems and even climates. It is a large country, second only to Russia and its natural abundance is a rich mine of raw resources, including of course, fish.

Due to its size, Canada has more land than people so it has plenty of locations that are perfect for fishing. In fact, there are hundreds of fishing clubs, lodges and outfitters that offer their services to both locals and tourists. Ontario alone offers four regions with over 400,000 rivers, streams and lakes that fishing hobbyists and enthusiasts can explore.

Choice
Canada has the largest number of rivers, lakes and other inland waters. There are some species of fish that are more plentiful in some areas while other areas sometimes ban the fishing of other species. But with so many fishing locations to choose from, it's impossible not to find the perfect spot for a day or two of angling or fly fishing.

Fishing trips are also commonly organized by Canadian clubs and resorts, so locals and visitors have a choice whether they prefer a chartered boat or a simple drive-in for their fishing trip. In some areas, fishing is also allowed regardless of the season although certain restrictions apply on some species.

Bounty
Canada has minimal fishing pressure and pollution levels are kept low, so fish is plentiful. The country's waters are also filled with numerous species of fish, including halibut, trout, salmon, pike, sturgeon, arctic grayling, steelhead and walleye, among others.

Conservation and preservation
Another benefit of fishing in Canada is its clear, safe waters. Conservation efforts are active in this country and are practiced not only by recreational and commercial fishermen but also by its many fishing clubs, outfitters and those involved in its tourism industry.

Fishing licenses are required for those who wish to share in the bounty of its waters and certain regulations are implemented to ensure that certain species are protected in specific areas at certain times of the year. Restrictions are also in place regarding harmful fishing practices. These efforts ensure that Canada's waters remain healthy and that the benefits of fishing in this country will be experienced by generations more to come.