Archive for October, 2009

Wayne Sheridan reports.  River levels continue to fluctuate on the Grey-Bruce Rivers. Fishing is hit and miss right now, with Owen Sound and Southhampton being the best bets. There are a few small rainbows hanging around the Maitland River, but levels are low and clear. The steelhead are very spooky. A nice fast melting snow will increase steelhead activity. Best time for fishing is noon.

River Flow Rates: moderate but will increase with weekday rains

Saugeen River (Durham) dropping at 1.34M, Saugeen River (Walkerton) fluctuating at 9.5M, Saugeen River (Port Elgin) down at 7.8M, Sauble River (Sauble Falls) down at 0.73 Sydenham River (Owen Sound) down at 4.97, Maitland River (above Wingham) dropping at 9.9, French River at Woseley Bay rising at 187.4M, Credit River at Streetsville steady at 4.5, Credit River at Orangeville down at 11.22M, Grand River (Doon), rising at 4.13 (below Shand dam) dropping at 1.65

Prime Fishing Times: Saturday October 31st:  10:05pm to 12:57am (moon overhead), 9:52am to 12:28pm (moon underneath).

Great Lakes: Lake Superior, 30-40ft, Lake Michigan 40-60ft, Lake Ontario 40-80ft, Lake Huron 40-80ft, Lake Erie 50ft. Best locations near river mouths. Great Lakes and other lakes are now experiencing turn over. Salmon and trout will hold in water pockets of water near baitfish. Best baits; Lyman’s in blue and white. Also pink Lyman’s. Remember to recharge with a flashlight. Spoons, body baits, cracked ice and monkey puke. Use Lyman’s, cleos, spinners, and roe when fishing from the bank.

Saugeen conditions: moderate, tea colored water, 12C, and visibility Saugeen River, 6ft.

For more info., you can contact Wayne at, brntrout@golden.net .

Or you can visit Wayne at http://www.canadianangling.com .

Earlier this week I also had the opportunity of shooting a :30 sec. PSA commercial at Port Dalhousie encouraging anglers to keep an eye out and report any anglers that may be “bullying” and physically assaulting, especially immigrant anglers.  Unfortunately there has been many documented cases of these unfortunate and unacceptable occurrences in southern Ontario.

Bernard Ho and Angela Lee (owner www.peterstackle.com ), and many other anglers were on-hand for the shooting of the commercial.  As soon as we arrived on-site, Bernard Ho hooked and landed this nice brown trout.

If you witness any physical assault on anglers you are encouraged to call Ontario MNR number: 1-800-667-1940, OPP number: 1-888-310-1122, or, for cellphones, please dial: *OPP.

Ocean Kayak Prowler Big Game Angler (12‘ x 9”)  – includes paddle, (1 brand New Life Jacket – not as shown in photo), Humminbird 383 Colour Fish Finder. This package has an approximate retail value of $1,500.00.

SALE PRICED
 $975.00 plus G.S.T. and P.S.T. – Payable to Canadian Sportfishing Productions Inc.

 Kayak, available for pick up at Canadian Sportfishing Productions Inc., 1074 Cooke Boulevard, Unit # 2 – Burlington, ON L7T 4A8

 Phone enquiries: Attn: Paul Lord, 905-681-3610 Ext. 210

I took advantage of late October weather and water conditions and headed-up to the Kinmount, ON area to scout-out several bodies of water last weekend.  My wife Barbara and I met with our good friend Karl Dickob who is the President of the Fishery Enhancement and Aquaculture Association ( www.ontarioaquaculture.net), and who also is a wealth of information when it comes to the fishing lakes in the Minden, Haliburton, Kinmount area.  We ended up spending 2-hours on the Burnt River, right in Kinmount, than fishing Solerno & Contou Lakes on Sunday.  Our goal was to locate a variety of species of fish that I could film fishing from a Kayak this week.

As things turned out, I ended up doing a live-bait walleye show on the Burnt River, ON on Wed.  We started by fishing right at the base of Three Brothers Falls, and worked our way down-stream about 2-3 miles to the town of Kinmount, ON.  The walleye were caught using a slip-bobber rig, as well as bottom-bouncing 4-5″ sucker & chub minnows.

Yesterday we fished a back lake that was a lot of work to get to.  I just followed Karl as he took us down winding roads and eventually to an off-road trail that was only wide enough for an ATV.  Well, Karl took the camera crew and all the gear in his Dodge 4×4 pick-up truck, and I took the fishing gear and Kayak on my 4×4 Explorer.  The trail was so grown in with large blow-down trees blocking the trail that we did not get into the lake until 12:30 pm.  In one case, Karl had to connect a heavy wire cable to his to a large 50′ tree that completely blocked the trail, put the truck in 4×4 mode and went backwards until he snapped the tree in half and cleared it off the trail….looked like a live Dodge 4×4 TV commercial!  When we got to the lake we quickly assembled everything and started fishing.  Within 20 min. of being on the lake we all saw a large swirl on the surface of the water about 100 yd. away. I quickly started paddling (4-5 mph) towards the swirl, cast a #11 Original Rapala over the spot and immediately hooked-up on the first trophy rainbow.  After a lengthy fight, the fish was released and the filming was-on.  I ended up trolling and catching a mix of rainbow trout that averaged 4-5 lb., and smallmouth bass.  All were caught on the www.rapala.com, Original #11 Rapala.

This was my second year fishing from, www.oceankayak.com , Kayaks and I can tell you that they are truly designed for fishing, both in salt & freshwater.  I was using the Prowler Trident 11 Angler ( http://www.oceankayak.com/kayaks/angler_editions/prowler_trident_11_angler.html ), which comes equipped with rod holders, a Humminbird 383 color sonar, and many other accessories.  If you are interested in getting a Kayak, either for general recreational use, or for serious fishing, I would encourage you to check-out the full line of Ocean Kayaks.

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OFAH FILE: 842
October 29, 2009
 For Immediate Release
 

National Hunting, Trapping and Fishing Heritage Day proposed
O.F.A.H. applauds move to celebrate our nation’s founding traditions
The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (O.F.A.H.), the province’s largest hunting and fishing conservation organization, applauds the introduction of Bill C-465, An Act respecting a National Hunting, Trapping and Fishing Heritage Day by Rick Norlock, Conservative M.P. for Northumberland-Quinte West on October 26, 2009.

“Mr. Norlock has been a staunch supporter of the outdoor community in Canada, and we appreciate this gesture and formal acknowledgement of the significant role that angling, hunting and trapping has played and continues to play in the foundation of Canada,” said Mike Reader, O.F.A.H. Executive Director. “For millions of Canadians, these outdoor activities provide important cultural and social benefits. Through license fees and voluntary efforts, anglers, hunters and trappers also contribute hundreds of millions to fish and wildlife conservation programs across Canada, and billions of dollars annually to the national economy. Mr. Norlock’s bill recognizes these contributions and serves to re-affirm the value of these heritage activities.”

The simple, straightforward bill seeks to designate September 23 as an annual National Hunting Trapping and Fishing Heritage Day. It mirrors similar legislation in other jurisdictions, including the U.S., which has celebrated National Hunting and Fishing Day since 1972 when it was passed by Congress, proclaimed into law by the President of the United States, and re-affirmed by every President since that time.

Over a century ago, anglers and hunters became the earliest and most diligent supporters of conservation, long before laws or fish and wildlife agencies protecting our valuable natural resources even existed, and helped to create the North American Model of Wildlife Management, the underpinning of all fish and wildlife conservation efforts in both U.S. and Canada. Anglers and hunters were also the first to recognize that development and unregulated use of natural resources were a threat to the future of many species, and supported the creation of laws and regulations governing the sustainable use of these resources.

“Bill C-465 should serve to remind Canadians that anglers, hunters and trappers are wise stewards of our valuable fish and wildlife resources, the driving force behind the re-introduction and protection of many species that may have otherwise been threatened, and are among the leaders of the conservation movement that dates back to the 19th century,” said Reader.

With over 100,000 members, subscribers and supporters, and 660 member clubs, the O.F.A.H. is the largest nonprofit, charitable, fishing, hunting and conservation-based organization in Ontario, and the voice of anglers and hunters. For more information, visit www.ofah.org.

-30-

Contact

Lezlie Goodwin
O.F.A.H. Communications Coordinator
705-748-6324 ext 270

Noel Gyger reports.  Weather was fair all week but lots of rain today. Some rivers have come up but most are still in fishable shape. The Coho runs are coming to an end and most fish are in their spawning colours.  By regulation it closes for Coho on October 31. We’ve had a very good run of Coho this year.  Both spin, conventional, spey fly fishing and single hand fly fishing have been working well. The Kitimat Coho run is really slowing down but catches can happen if you know where the fish are holding upriver. I think it is a good idea to release all dark Coho and keep only the bright ones.  Another good idea, for conservation, would be to keep only males. Cutthroat Trout fishing on the Kitimat River is good.

The Zymoetz (Copper) River is fishing “fair” for Steelhead. The Kalum is fishing only “fair” for Steelhead but “excellent” for Coho.

If you would like to book a guided fishing trip on a BC tributary, you can contact Noel at, www.noelgyger.ca .

Join Italo and his guests, Roger Cannon, Bob McGeown, and John Waind as they show you how to use sinking flies and strike indicators to flyfish for trophy migratory brown & rainbow trout in Upper NY, USA.

Ben L. was fishing in the Cootes Paradise area in Hamilton using live bait when he hooked into this fine largemouth Bass specimen. Thanks very much Ben for entering your catch in our Dickies Sportfishing Sweepstakes!

Wayne Sheridan reports. Warm wet weather in the middle of the week has made the fish very active near river mouths. Steelhead and rainbows are now starting to hang around river mouths of the Great Lakes. Rainbows are continued being caught all around Georgian Bay river mouths. If you like sightseeing, the leaves are changing colors and it will be a nice drive in the Grey-Bruce. The next weekend will be prime time for fall colors. Once the snow comes, the leaves will drop off the trees very quickly.

River Flow Rates: moderate but will increase with weekday rains

Saugeen River (Durham) down at 1.30M, Saugeen River (Walkerton) down at 9.5M, Saugeen River (Port Elgin) down at 7.65M, Sauble River (Sauble Falls) down at 0.76 Sydenham River (Owen Sound) down at 4.7, Maitland River (above Wingham) down at 9.0, French River at Woseley Bay steady at 186.4M, Credit River at Streetsville steady at 4.4, Credit River at Orangeville down at 11.2M, Grand River (Doon), down at 4.3 (below Shand dam) dropping at 1.6

Prime Fishing Times: Saturday October 24th:  5:57pm to 6:56pm (moon overhead), 5:38am to 6:25am (moon underneath). Low moon Thursday October 22nd

Great Lakes: Lake Superior, 30-40ft, Lake Michigan 40-60ft, Lake Ontario 40-80ft, Lake Huron 40-80ft, Lake Erie 50ft. Best locations near river mouths. Great Lakes and other lakes are now experiencing turn over. Salmon and trout will hold in water pockets of water near baitfish. Best baits; Lyman’s in blue and white. Also pink Lyman’s. Remember to recharge with a flashlight. Spoons, body baits, cracked ice and monkey puke. Use Lyman’s, cleos, spinners, and roe when fishing from the bank.

Fly Fishing: egg patterns, and bloodworms

Saugeen conditions: moderate now but rising due to rain, muddy colored water, 12C, and visibility Saugeen River, 3ft.

For more info., you can contact Wayne at, brntrout@golden.net .

Or you can visit Wayne at http://www.canadianangling.com .

I had the chance of fishing with George Hatcher and his son-inlaw, Shane this morning at the base of Niagara Falls.  It was cold, windy and wet, but we managed to hook-up on one female Chinook salmon that hit a Rapala J13 in the fluorescent orange/gold color.  The water was still murky, and we only saw a few salmon roll on the surface, so they were pretty much inactive.  Chinooks in the Lake Ontario tributaries will soon be done, so the next few weeks will be the last chance to really hook-up on striking fish.

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