It would be difficult for even a fisherman to exaggerate the angling opportunities in Northern Ontario's thousands of lakes and rivers. Whether you're an amateur or a professional - whether you prefer trolling deep for the elusive lake trout, fly fishing for the brook or speckled trout in cold streams, ducking for bass near rocky shelves, channels and shoals or perch on a quiet sunbathed lake, casting for the mighty muskie or its prolific and voracious cousin the northern pike - you can find it all in our accessible wilderness. Fishing seasons vary with species of fish and location. A few waters provide open season on some fish all year; others have more specific regulations and some have special closures. For detailed fishing information including licenses, seasons and creel limits consult the district offices of the Ministry of Natural Resources. Ministry personnel in Blind River, Chapleau, Sault Ste. Marie, Wawa and White River district offices have prepared information on fishing lakes and rivers in each of their respective areas. Other good sources of fishing information are lodge owners, local bait shop or sporting goods store operators. Hiring a guide is also a good way to find the "hot spots". There's nothing like a shore lunch with fresh fish sizzling on a buttered frying pan.

Northern Pike

If you crave some fast action go after the Northern. They're common virtually everywhere in Algoma Country. They like to hang around weed beds in water from 4 - 15 feet deep. In rivers they prefer the current near the edge of the pool below a dam or waterfall. Try still fishing with live or dead suckers or smelts.

Walleye or Yellow Pickerel

Walleye makes fine eating and are found in much of Algoma Country with 8 - 10 pounders common in larger bodies of water. They are bottom eaters so they must be fished very slowly and as close to the bottom as possible. Walleye travel in schools so if one strikes stick around. Worm on a harness has proven effective in our area.

Lake Trout

The biggest member of the trout family swims deep and likes cold lakes. In summer use heavy tackle and wire line in deep water. In spring try shallower areas. Batchawana Bay and Michipicoten Harbour are a popular fishing spots, along with several lakes in East Algoma.

Rainbow Trout (Kamloops, Steelhead)

Rainbow Trout are a scrapping jumper that can range up to 15 pounds in the Great Lakes and rivers off the Great Lakes. Fish a spinner very slowly - just fast enough to make the blades revolve and stay out of weeds and snags.

Brown Trout This is the sly fox of the trout family. They can live in water with a wide temperature variation and are found in most of our area. One of the most difficult to catch. Try night angling. Never fish a Brown Trout downstream, always fish upstream or across it.

Brook Trout (Speckled)

A favourite of the fishermen, brookies have small scales making it the easiest to prepare for cooking. Found in cool streams or spring-fed lakes. They lie close to the bottom, in pools or undercut banks behind rocks, or under logs. Average size is between 1 and 3 pounds. Hits best in January, June and early September.

Small Mouth and Large Mouth Bass

Pound for pound bass provide some of the best action. They generally cluster near rocky shelves, in channels, over shoals in open bays and lakes. Large mouth is a warm lake water fish. The small mouth prefers clear flowing streams, rivers and cool lakes.

Yellow Perch

An all-seasons fish that is found virtually everywhere. When they're biting you can hit two at once. Lots of bones but very tasty as a fillet or soup base.

Chinook Salmon

April to June and August to October, Chinook salmon can be found in the St. Mary's River, the North Channel of Lake Huron, Batchawana Bay, Michipicoten Harbour and Goulais Bay. Average size 10 - 20 pounds, but up to 30 pounds is possible. Troll with a J-plug, bombers, silver streaks or northport nailers.

Pink Salmon

August to September, every other year (odd years), Pinks can be found along any shore area of the St Mary's River and the North Channel of Lake Huron. Spincast or troll with a host of lures; pixies and buzz bombs are favourites. Sizes from 2 - 4 pounds.

Whitefish

April to August, all over Algoma Country. Jig with teardrops, wax worms, golden rod grubs, pork, corn, worms or dry mayfly imitations. Common size is about 1 - 3 pounds.

Great Lakes Muskellunge (Musky)

Large fish like the Great Lakes musky need a large body of water for living room. Although not as abundant as they were before 1900, a good many are caught on the Great Lakes each year.

Fly-In Fishing and Algoma Central Railway

Modern air services, manned by experienced bush pilots flying out of Sault Ste. Marie, Wawa, White River, Hornepayne, Hawk Junction, Chapleau, Algoma Mills, Elliot Lake and other northern communities can whisk the flying vacationist to dozens of wilderness destinations in jig time. If you take to the air you could breakfast in Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Hamilton, Windsor or Detroit, Cleveland, Buffalo, Toledo, Rochester, Flint or Pittsburgh, and probably be bedded down at an outpost camp or wilderness lodge somewhere in Algoma by sunset of the same day. Package fly-in holidays are a convenient way to plan your whole Northern Ontario outing in advance. Book directly through our members listed in the back - talk it over with the Algoma Kinniwabi Travel Association or book through your travel agent by pinpointing your destination as Algoma Country in Northern Ontario. It's a holiday to remember and getting there is half the fun. Another unique way of getting to your fishing destination is packing your gear and hopping on the Algoma Central Railway out of Sault Ste. Marie. The railway passes through virtually virgin fishing country and makes stops to take on and let off fishing parties. Check with the ACR on the lodges along their route.

Hunting

A complete summary of hunting regulations is available from the Algoma Kinniwabi Travel Association in Sault Ste. Marie or from any District Office of the Ministry of Natural Resources. These offices are located at: Blind River, Box 190, P0R 1B0 (705) 356-2234; Chapleau, Box 460, P0M 1K0 (705) 864-1710; Sault Ste. Marie, Box 130, P6A 5L5 (705) 949-1231; Wawa, Box 1160, P0S 1K0 (705) 856-2396. Hunt Camps, Lodges and Guide Services Many of our Algoma Country resorts, lodges, wilderness fly-in camps transform themselves from summer vacation and prime fishing locations to seasonal hunt camps with experienced guides. These hunting lodges play an important role for the non-resident moose hunter. All non-resident moose hunters must be a registered guest at a tourist outfitter lodge to be eligible for a moose license.

If you are not familiar with the area or want to be assured of a fair chance of going home with a trophy don't hesitate to let the professionals cater to you. They can take care of your meals, accommodation, trophy mounting, packing and shipping of your game and let you relax into the excitement of the stalk. Check the many resort, lodge advertisements for the package that suits you.

Visit Algoma Country Travel Association's website for more info and a free Summer and Winter Travel Guide.