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Understanding the Fishing Season in Canada

August 7th, 2008

Canada is said to have the finest and most ideal lakes and rivers in all of North America. Experts attest that the water bodies in the country are just right for the proliferation and thriving of many different species of fish. Thus, hobbyists and fishing enthusiasts always make it a point to drop by and take a short fishing vacation to Canada. It is important to note and know the significant fishing seasons in the country.
Of course, it is logical that fishing isn’t ideal during winter. There are fish species that can still be caught despite the freezing temperatures of the water, but the problem is that anglers may not be able to withstand the extreme cold temperature of the outdoors during the season. The usual fish species are normally in the deepest sections of the lakes or rivers or have migrated temporarily to other rivers until the season improves in Canada.
The start of the fishing season is heralded by the onset of spring. During the season, whatever ice and glaciers formed during winter are starting to melt and warm up. The months of May and June mark the start of the early fishing season. Different fish species during this season are starting to move to shallow parts of the water.
The months of July and August mark summer in Canada. Stable weather helps anglers find ideal temperature for this outdoor activity. This time of the year, more and more fish species are starting to appear. Patient and skillful anglers will most likely have a good catch.
Finally, the season of fall is the most ideal for fishing in Canada. Aside from the ideal weather to allow anglers to do different outdoor activities, the volume of all fish species going to the shallow waters is peaking during this month of September. During this season, prevailing temperatures in lakes and rivers across the country are starting to drop in anticipation and preparation of the onset of another long winter season. Fall is the most ideal time for fishing activities in Canada. That is why it is normal that tourists swoon the country especially the local fishing resorts during this season.
If you are planning to take a vacation or a short fishing trip to Canada, check out the prevailing weather in the country. Remember, the weather could be a great factor as you make the decision to come for a visit.

Costs of Fishing in Canada Is No Problem

August 2nd, 2008

There are a lot of activities that you can do in Canada. You can roam around in Edmonton Mall, considered to be one of the largest in the world. You can go nature tripping among its mountains or, better yet, fish.
Fly Fishing for Less
Costs of fishing in Canada is definitely not a problem. In fact, they’re experiencing reduced costs particularly in fly fishing. A 5-day trip with 4 anglers, for example, will cost about $140 for every angler. This includes river beat, complete with access pass, transportation to the river and back, riverside coffee, and a chance to explore the sceneries of Quebec, where fly fish are plenty. For a similar trip with only 1 or probably 2 anglers, it will be more expensive. It will cost an estimated $200 for every angler per day.
Are You In for the Carp?
Looking for a place to stay and to fish is solved by the Canadian Carp Club. They offer the best facilities and the cheapest accommodations. They can take as many as 30 anglers along with Trailer and Bivvy anglers. Thus, all of the charges are spread among all anglers. They can also provide affordable cheap, tackle, and bait. There are also instant freebies handed out.
Hiring of tackle will cost you about $50 a week. This includes leads, catapults, rigs, and hooks. You can also get your own fishing license for $12, which is good for one week. If you want to extend it for a month, you must pay $18.
If you’re fishing carp, you may require numerous bait. It is because the more bait you have, the more carp you can catch. The property owner feeds the carp on a daily basis. The club can also take care of boilies. You only have to supply them at least 5 to 10 kilos each week for every person. Each kilo costs $5. They also offer mainline boilies at regular UK prices.
Walleye Fishing Is Never Dull
One of the most perfect places for walleye fishing is the Lesser Slave Lake. Perhaps you don’t anticipate any huge walleye, but then it can provide you the best form of action. Normally, walleye caught will be around 15 to 20 inches in length. Occasional catches can go beyond 24 inches and walleye can weigh as much as 5 to 6 pounds. You can also choose different shorelines at numerous local lakes if you want a whole new kind of action. All this might cost $2,500, which is good for two people. This is also good for 6 days of fishing excursion in Alberta.
Now who says fishing costs are a headache? Definitely not on Canadian waters.

Travel Tips for a Good Canadian Fishing trip

August 1st, 2008

Going to Canada to fish is definitely a good idea for vacation. The activity is really fun and worthwhile. Hobbyists and fishing enthusiasts attest that fishing around the numerous fishing resorts across the country can be a potent and effective form of stress relief. Going to a Canadian fishing trip is all the more worthwhile if you observe proper travel preparation prior to going. As you embark on the travel, you should also do several recommended actions to make the trip more enjoyable.
Here are several travel trips that will help make your Canadian fishing vacation more worthwhile.
- Secure proper travel documents. Just like when traveling to other offshore destinations, it would be advisable if you secure proper and appropriate travel documents. Have a secure and legal visa and appropriately book accommodations and air fare. Make sure you take care of all necessary aspects before the trip so that you can be sure everything will be in its proper order when you come back from vacation.
- If you aim to fish, you don’t need to bring with you the fishing equipment and gadgets needed. Of course, you can bring your own but be reminded that doing so would only make your baggage heavier and bulkier. If you don’t mind that, go ahead and bring and use your own fishing equipment. Otherwise, you shouldn’t worry because Canadian fishing resorts almost always provide fishing equipment rentals to clients.
- Obtain a necessary fishing license before going fishing. Though fishing is a rampant leisure and occupational activity in the country, authorities always make sure anglers have all the necessary documents and permissions to fish. You should also secure a Conservation license because it is a prerequisite to a fishing license. As a form of consolation, be reminded that it isn’t hard and tedious acquiring both.
- Bring with you necessary identification documents like social security card, drivers or professional license and other pertinent and valid identification cards because those are required when processing fishing licenses.
- Get in touch with any Canadian friends or acquaintances because you need to be accompanied by a Canadian citizen when applying for a fishing license. This provision however is waived at some special cases.
On top of those guidelines, be sure to bring with you sufficient amount of money and your sense of discipline. As a tourist in Canada, you are expected and are required to abide by any special regulations and policies regarding fishing tourists. Make your Canadian fishing trip worthwhile.

Fly In Fishing Lodges- Visit One For A Memorable Vacation

July 8th, 2008

When you think of the wilderness or a remote place where nature is still in its unspoiled state, there is an anticipation of the chance to enjoy the real beauty of nature and the acceptance of the lack or absence of modern conveniences that are normally part of the modern way of living. There are many cases where this statement still holds true but not in the fly in fishing lodges in Canada.
The fly in fishing lodges in Canada is the answer to those who dream of spending a vacation in the wilderness but are held back by the difficulties and possible dangers of being in an unfamiliar place. The fly in lodges are so remote they are accessible only by float planes, unless you want to use your precious vacation time going there by land. And what is good about these fly in lodges is that there are many establishments or operators from which vacationers can choose from.
What services are offered by these fly in fishing lodges?
Anyone planning to experience a back-to-nature but comfortable vacation will find enough information online to make a decision . Although the services vary with each lodge operator, there are similar ones that are generally offered by most of them. Fishing trips can be arranged based on your budget, the number of vacationers and the length of stay. Some advertisements even let the prospective guests choose the kind of fish they want to catch ( you may click on the fish of your choice). Here are the services usually offered by these fly in fishing lodge operators:
1. Air transport to bring the guests in their chosen destination. Some of these destinations are so remote that there is a chance that you’ll find yourself truly alone.
2. Boats for fishing
3. Experienced guides
4. Cabins with the amenities of modern living like indoor plumbing and electric power. There are lodges that offer meals while some just provide cooking utensils.
5. Staff and housekeeping support if desired by the guest.
6 Rich fishing grounds because only a few have fished before you. There are places which impose the “catch and release” policy.
7. There are adequate facilities for a fly in fishing vacation for the whole family. Without the distractions of the modern world, a wilderness trip is a good chance to develop family bonding.
Fly in fishing trips are offered from May to late October with July to August as the most preferred months because the weather isn’t as cold. Why not book a “different” kind of vacation?

Fishing supplies for Canadian fishing

July 8th, 2008

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 Opportunities in Wawa, Canada

July 5th, 2008

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.

Fishing Clubs in Canada

July 3rd, 2008

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.

Know About the Fishing Industry in Canada

July 2nd, 2008

Canada has one of the healthiest fishing industries in the world. Its freshwater fishing is thriving and has remained in a great state for many years. Whether it is commercial fishing and processing or recreational fishing, Canada has plenty to offer.
Canada’s fishing resources and industry
Although Canada’s fishing industry contributes much to its economy, it wasn’t always so. Although efforts during the 1860s and onward were well-placed, results weren’t always up to par. That is, until the fishing industry began to boom from the early 1900s to the present, overcoming economic hurdles such as the Depression. Using both technology and scientific research, fishing practices and production were greatly improved.
Canada has the longest coastline in the world and owns the largest economic zone offshore, equivalent to nearly 4 million sq. km. Its freshwater system is also the largest in the world, encompassing about 2 million rivers and lakes, totaling over 755,000 sq. km.
Currently, it is Manitoba’s fishing industry that produces about 25% of the freshwater fish in Canada. There are about 13 species of fish that are being harvested commercially, including lake trout, northern pike, whitefish and yellow perch.
As proof of its efficiency, the fishing industry in Canada produced over 1 million tons of commercial fish in 2005, valued at about $2 billion. Its aquaculture production in the same year yielded over 150,000 tons, valued at over $700 million.
Businesses belonging to Canada’s fishing industry number about 11,000. It includes aquaculture, fish processing, ocean services, engineering and hydrography, among others. Coastal tourism is also a thriving industry. The coastal areas of Canada are home to about 7 million people engaged in tourism and fishing as a source of income. Currently, over 20,000 fishing vessels are registered and involved actively in the fishing industry.
Recreational fishing
Canada’s robust fishing industry isn’t limited to commercial ventures. There are about 3 million people who engage in recreational fishing in Canada, making the sport one of the country’s national pastimes.
The DFO
The fishing industry in Canada is managed and protected by the Department of Fisheries. It is responsible for the health, safety and productivity of Canada’s water and aquatic resources. It is the government agency that sets and implements standards for the development and sustainability of Canada’s fishing industry by providing facilities for safeguarding, conservation and research.
To protect its marine environment, Canada employs the Coast Guard which offers assistance to thousands of small commercial and recreational fishing vessels in case of emergencies. The Canadian Coast Guard is also responsible for educating boaters and fishermen about Boating Safety regulations. It also assists in hydrographic missions, scientific surveys, rescues and in the implementation of environmental pollution regulations.

Tips for Canadian fishing

June 26th, 2008

Canada is a haven for fishing and hunting with its extraordinary number of fishing lakes and a variety of established cabins and resorts. Every year, tons of tourists flock these sites to exhibit their love for the sport or just to enjoy the peaceful scenery and relax while fishing.
If you decide to visit Canada for a fishing trip, here are some tips for you to enjoy your trip.
Acquiring a license?
Non-residents of the area at the age of 18 and above must acquire a license in order to fish and to abide by the regulations of the lake. Those under 18 can still fish but only with licensed adults. However, the person under 18 can’t have a catch limit, so it’s still recommended to purchase a license for under 18 fisherman.
What hooks and baits to use?
Most lakes in Canada have catch and release regulations. This also includes the kind of hook to use. The regulations permit single barbless hook, which can be done by filling in or squeezing the barbed area. This is done to decrease the death rate of fish being caught and released to the lake.
As for baits, live-bait fish is a big no-no for catch and release lakes. So bring alternative baits required by the lakes you’re going to fish at.
Dealing with trophy fishes
You never know, you could get a trophy fish in no time. However, in catch and release lakes, it’s necessary for you to return the trophy fish back to the water. In order to preserve your triumph in catching one, you should measure the length and girth of the fish. Take a picture afterwards for proof of your success.
How to release the fish?
Being careful is the key so the fish is still breathing while you release it to the water. Play the fish quickly and release it as soon as you have taken the measurements and the picture. Remember to quickly remove the hook from the fish as soon as you get it. Don’t squeeze the fish too much or poke the gills or the eye sockets.
If the fish becomes unconscious, you should hold it upright in the water then move it to and fro to let the water run into the gills. After a few minutes, the fish will struggle and that’s the time to release it.
The best way to enjoy Canadian fishing is to integrate these tips and enjoy the scenery. Good luck with fishing and most importantly, have fun!

Pointers Before Going to a Canadian Fishing Tour

June 26th, 2008

If you are planning to take a worthwhile and fun vacation alone, with friends or with family, it is very much advisable to consider going to Canada. If you like outdoor and recreation activities, you should try fishing in the numerous beautiful lakes and rivers across this North American country. Canada is in fact aggressively promoting its fishing industry. It has been luring tourists to come and enjoy the hobby, which the country guarantees fun and at the same time unwinding and satisfying. Before going on a Canadian fishing tour however, it is important that you make sure you take note of all requirements and recommended necessities.
Just like normal traveling, you must take the usual traveling means when going to Canada. Secure a proper visa, book plane tickets and make reservations at different lodging accommodations. When in the country, you will be at an advantageous leverage to springboard to any fishing activity at the numerous fishing resorts across the country. A Canadian fishing tour would definitely not be complete if you don’t lodge at a famous and wonderful fishing resorts. You won’t have a hard time getting to such resorts. You can ask your travel agent or friends and tourist guides about recommended fishing spots and resorts across the country.
Before going on a Canadian fishing tour, you should make sure you are taking with you necessary identification and legal documents like identification cards, social security card, drivers license and others. You will need those identification papers when you apply for a fishing license. Be reminded that Canada is open to all tourists wiling to do fishing activities in its fishing spots provided you have all the necessary licenses and permits to do so. Yes, you aren’t allowed to fish without any locally issued fishing license. The Canadian government wants to make sure its aquatic resources remain protected at all costs and as visitors to the country, you are expected to fully cooperate with the country’s endeavors.
Lastly, you should schedule your Canadian fishing tour appropriately. September is the best and most recommended month for fishing because aquatic creatures in lakes and rivers are more abundant during this pre-winter month. Months of May to August are also ideal. You will surely enjoy fishing best when the outdoor weather is conducive and cooperating.