Ontario Fly Fishing Group
Fantastic Weather and Fine Fishing. That’s the best way to describe our recent Ontario fly fishing trip. Ten guests and I experienced shorts-and-sandals temperatures in the 80s in Canada at the end of May. And with lake temps in the 60s, both the smallmouth and largemouth were cranked up and ready to rumble. Besides bass, those sleek water rockets (pike) were also ready and eager, and many guests caught some very fine Esox.
Scott and a rotund bass
John White and a nice smallie
Joel with a big pike
Eric and a lunker pike
There were several big muskie stories, too First-timer Chad Liptak (with his uncle Rick McMillin assisting) battled a four-foot muskie right up to the boat, only to have it shake off in Rick’s hand. Other guests also got muskies to follow, giving them a good case of muskie fever.
A lodge guide with Jeff’s big 28-inch walleye
Walleyes were shy during the bright sunny days, but one day Jeff Carroll, using a full-sinking line and a white Cactus Bugger, landed a huge 28 inch ‘eye– the largest we have ever caught on these trips. Warm water also sent the lake trout deeper, but one evening Rick McMillin was fishing for walleye in deeper water and hooked something very impressive. It turned out to be a 32 ½ inch lake trout, a huge laker for these waters.
Rick with a hefty largemouth
Eric with a lake trout
Another first-time guest, Scott Clark from California, landed the biggest smallmouth of the trip, a fat 19-incher. Several guests, including Ed Hoffman and Rick McMillin, got largemouth in the 19-inch range. Ed was also the big pike pro this trip, landing several over 32 inches, including one pushing 36 inches. Another enthusiastic trip regular, Eric Sacks from Illinois, got the “Fantastic Five” (five species on the trip) missing just the muskie, which would have given him the “Super Slam.”
Ed with a nice bass
Eric and a fine smallmouth
On the main lake we’re based on at Slippery Winds Lodge, we caught a wide variety of fish. Plus, all five of the side lakes that the lodge has access to were very productive this year for the specific species they are known for. Sprawling Sullivan Lake gave up some big pike like usual. Repeat guest, Jack Levine did well on bronzebacks in Sucan Lake. And Crossroute Lake largemouth were eager to please.
Lodge manager Lori and a smallie
Another thing that made this trip so enjoyable was the excellent lodge staff. Camp manager Lori kept everything running smoothly, the meals were excellent, and the other friendly and enthusiastic staff kept everyone happy. We were all sorry that we had to depart when the float plane taxied in on the final morning.
If you have been considering going on one of these outstanding North Country Adventures, sign up soon, since these trips fill up.
No comments yet.