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Five Casts & A Lifetime of Memories
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Life is a journey that can be full of challenges and unexpected surprises hiding behind even the most simple rock structures. For Chris and his son Austin, they visited the lower French River Delta f ... -
Hooked on the French River
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We just wanted to say 'Thank You' again for the wonderful hospitality! Had a great week at Bear's Den Lodge. We love it there…..
Morning Glory
It’s so peaceful and beautiful and you are ... -
Photos from the Fishest Group
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We did not have too many highlights this year, but here are a few photos from our 37th year.
The first 2 photos are of the biggest pickerel caught (and released), a 23", by my boat partner, Terry ... -
Three Quick Tips for Spring Walleye
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Spring walleye fishing in Canada is bountiful and a great start to any angler’s fresh fishing season.
Although there’s much more about walleye fishing than this brief tips and tri ... -
Musky Historical Report of the French River 1961 – 1994
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Guess what we found? As we were cleaning out our old files we stumbled upon this old report. We thought we should share these significant historical records supplied by Bear's Den Lodge and compiled b ... -
Testimonial 2018
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Dear Brenda, Art, Joe and Mike:
We just finished the long drive home to Western Massachusetts and, thanks to you, our canoe camping trip to the French River ended on a positive note. I wish there ... -
Fall Fishing: French River Musky
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One of the best times to fish for French River Musky is in the fall season (from late-August to October). The cooler autumn days bring about a change in the musky’s behaviour – going from a territ ... -
Welcome Back to the French River
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Welcome back to the French River! The fishing has been excellent with smiles galore.
The trees are picture perfect in the windswept landscape. Come see for yourself what your next adventure ent ... -
A Trip He Will Never Forget!
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On his first trip to Bear’s Den Lodge, 10 year old Tommy L. caught this 24 pound, 47” musky on a white spinnerbait.
In addition, a total of 131 pike were boated by the group in 3 days of fishin ... -
Father’s Day Hook
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"Some People come to fish for a fish, I fish for fish. It's not a contest, big small and in between. I just fish for fish. It didn't count my muskie I caught on a spinnerbait, it was just another fish ... -
Amazing Fishing Tales from the Den
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First French River Sturgeon for the Thall's group after 27 years of fishing the French River, during their annual trip. The four foot fish was caught on a hook and a worm after on 6lb test and an hour ... -
Picky Pickerel
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In early spring, right after ice has thawed, walleye will spawn shortly after.
The next ten days from pickerel spawn, they become rather lethargic - not wanting to go very far from their ... -
Travel Tips and Vacation Safety
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Friends and family vacations can be adventurous, exciting, and memorable when planning for a successful safe French River wilderness adventure. This may be that once in a lifetime dream holiday and Be ... -
Strategies for Spring Pike Fishing
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4 Tips for Spring pike fishing from local legendary French River fisherman & guide, Art Barefoot - owner of Bear's Den Lodge.
1. Look in the shallow dark bottom bays along the edge of emerg ... -
Spring Fishing Tips 2018
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As the long winter is nearing its chilly end and the warm spring around the corner, many anglers are preparing their fishing gear for the new year. On the third Saturday, May 19th, Walleye and Norther ... -
How to Personalize Your Stay
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Where do I start?
There are so many options and choices for those who wish to travel and select a "plan" or "package" for your stay in Northern Ontario. It becomes very confusing when seeing differen ... -
Sculpted by Ice – French River
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"What's So Great About The Great Lakes?":
Picture the world as it was 12,000 years ago where the land was covered by melting mile-thick glaciers. This amazing sculpture of ice, carved the land and cr ... -
Experience Fishing French River
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Would you like to Experience Fishing? Did you know that Bear's Den Lodge is a pilot site for this exciting program to help educate "women, children and new Canadians"? What about adul ... -
Ten Days, Ten-Thousand Casts Fishing for French River Musky
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“Most of the world is covered by water.
A fisherman’s job is simple: Pick out the best parts.” – Charles W. Waterman
It’s a passion that etches itself into an individual’s spirit. E ... -
Ashley Rae – She Loves To Fish
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Ashley Rae of shelovestofish.com, is a multi-fish species female angler and an accomplished well known Canadian outdoor writer from Ontario. Between the times writing as a newspaper/magazine columnist ... -
Why is the Bowfin Green?
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Can you guess why the bowfin is emerald green?
Bowfin or sometimes referred to as "Dogfish" come in a variety of shapes and at times colours. Their bodies are generally cylindrical and eel ... -
Five Tips for French River Bass Fishing
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With higher waters this season on the French River Delta, many guests who have an interest in bass fishing have been asking where to go and how to fish these waters in Northern Ontario.
Here' ... -
Continuing the Family Tradition – Duelberg Family
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National Fishing Week, encourages families come together and celebrate one of Canada's oldest family pastimes. Sometimes its new families that wish to tie new bonds and other families that are keep th ... -
31st Year – Pattillo Family & Friends
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Bear's Den Lodge has been operating for past 32 years under the ownership of Art & Brenda Barefoot. We owe much of our success to fantastic groups that have wanted to return on a yearly basis. Mon ... -
Celebrate National Fishing Week in Ontario Canada – Canada 150
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Join us to celebrate National License Free Fishing Week (July 1-9, 2017) for all Canadian families.
Celebrate in the heritage and culture in Northeastern Ontario for Ontario's 150 as well with seve ... -
Spring Walleye Fishing in High Waters
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Ready for the spring fling?
Many seasoned fishermen are currently relining their reels and sharpening their hooks for the anticipation of the Walleye Opener for May 20th (3rd Saturday of May) o ... -
Spring Opening Repairs
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Every spring is always an exciting time, full of new opportunities of trophy fishing and the well welcomed warm summer days that makes the memories of winter melt away. However with each thaw and ice ... -
North Shores – Sean Decory Photography
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Some amazing places and sights to behold on the French River and Georgian Bay area. Big adventures await those who love to explore and step back in history. Join us for Canada 150 celebration!
[cap ... -
Excerpt Memories of Bear’s Den Lodge 1967-1973
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It was a 1967, Canada's centennial year. Our neighbor, Ross Hoover, was selling real estate. He had a listing for fishing lodge on the French River. Ross, his wife Pat and my husband, Don, were all av ... -
Outdoor Radio Journal
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The Outdoor Journal Radio Show is live every Saturday morning 8:05AM EST. If you're in southern Ontario (Canada), tune your radio to Sportsnet 590 The FAN AM or visit www.odjradio.com and listen live ... -
French River – A Park of Remarkable Proportions
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Leave the city behind and challenge yourself with a remarkable French River Provincial Park getaway for Canada 150. Would you like to experience fishing in Ontario Parks? Canada was nominated as # ... -
Spring Pike Fishing
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As every fishing enthusiast can tell you, every fish is a predator. Northern Pike are no exception to this rule as their primeval morphology has not drastically changed over the 60 million years. ... -
French River Places in Muskies Inc. Records of Men’s Top 25 for 2016
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It's official, French River makes the record books again!
Dick Sprenkle's musky is recognized by Muskies Inc. for the Men's Top 25 for 2016. Dick's 54 inch French River trophy fish was successful ... -
Happy Holidays & Happy New Year
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Bear's Den Lodge would like to say thank you to all our valued customers and friends who had the opportunity to share your experiences with us this past season!
May your seasons be merry with tight l ... -
GCFA 2017 Calendars Available
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More women are enjoying the sport of fishing. Consider taking your daughter to enjoy the great outdoors. Support the Great Canadian Female Anglers by ordering your 2017 Great Canadian Female Angler's ... -
Bear’s Den Pumpkin Gingersnap Cheesecake
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List of ingredients needed:
Pumpkin Gingersnap Cheesecake:
12 ounces gingersnaps
1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped* (optional)
6 tablespoons salted butter, melted
2 tablespoons pa ... -
Ladies Finish Bear’s Den Lodge’s 2016 Season
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The women who fish from the Great Canadian Female Anglers finished out the 2016 season for Bear's Den Lodge, braving the late autumn chill with their favourite Musky Guide, Joe Barefoot.
For th ... -
Fall Water Safety
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From swimming to fishing, every year Canadians and tourists alike experience the abundance of aquatic activities through thousands of different waterfronts. Of those who experience and explore these w ... -
New Line Class World Record – Bowfin
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Fishing the French River contains many hidden surprises for avid anglers. Many of us have our interests from the baits we cast to the fish species we prefer to catch. But it's always good to remember ... -
Not So Far from Home – French River Musky Fishing
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I must say that Alicia Moir-Raytrowsky and I have really enjoyed our time at #BearsDenLodge on the French River. Today I managed to catch my first musky! After searching all over for one... ... -
Fish of a Lifetime
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Our party of four from various parts of Pennsylvania (PA) traveled north for a week of fishing on the French River Delta near Hartley Bay, Ontario. Our destination was Bear's Den Lodge which we had ... -
52.5″ Musky for 51st Year Group
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"It hit in three to four feet away from the boat. It was raining. The muskie gave me a real fight, it ran three times taking my black and chartreuse eagle tail under the boat. What a fight!"
Wi ... -
A Musky for Father’s Day
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"Nothing like catching musky in your front yard!" said Chris Burnette to the start of his and Harry Haddix’s week at Bear’s Den Lodge. The seasoned West Virginian muskie hunters had fishe ... -
French River Produces a Musky a Day
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Returning to the French River Bill and Nancy Hamblin talk to the lodge owners, Art & Brenda Barefoot, before the hunt for the elusive French River Muskie. The weather conditions for the day were s ... -
Natural French River Architecture – University of Waterloo
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TECHNOLOGY IS NOT THE MASTERY OF NATURE BUT OF THE RELATION BETWEEN NATURE AND [HUMANITY]—Walter Benjamin
NATURAL RELATIONS TECHNOLOGICALLY TRANSFORMED
University of Waterloo - Architecture s ... -
Nature from A Bird’s Eye
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Have you ever wondered what birds see? Imagining yourself flying over any obstacle and taking in the vastness that is the open skies?
We always look for ways to immerse ourselves, to reconnect with ... -
Fishing for Walleye in the French River!
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Walleyes (a.k.a. Pickerel) are known to be a finicky fish. Some anglers describe walleye feeding habits as something of a constant “tap-tap” feeling or a bump, but there are occasions when they a ... -
Dear Art and Brenda,
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Just a short note to let you know I had a super time at "The French". Your hospitality, as always, is overwhelming. It was nice getting to know you both better, as well.
My trip home went smooth, b ... -
Canadian Trophy Fishing
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Canadian outfitters, experts specializing in the adventure outdoors- world class, Canada trophy fishing for northern pike, walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, muskie, catfish, sturgeon, black c ... -
What the Outdoor Writers are reporting:
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Bear's Den Lodge, French River, Canada is listed as the "Premier Fishing Lodge" in the sports section of the Chenango County Hometown Daily, August 3, 1995 by Bob McNitt, Outdoor Writer lists and stat ... -
Our Logo
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After 31 years of ownership for the Bear's Den Lodge, Art, Brenda, & I thought it would be best to make some revisions and follow through with a New Year's Resolution of revitalizing ourselves. We ... -
The Cozy Main Lodge
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Bear's Den Lodge, a "historical" museum, was built in 1925 for a New York Banker, H. Martin. Mr. Martin hired Bud West, local tourist lodge operator, to build a lodge on the property were an old logg ... -
Spring Peaks & Zika Seeks
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Are you planning for a camping trip this year? Already shopping at your favourite retailers and outdoor suppliers? Are you prepared?
Something that I’m sure has been bothering many, or at lea ... -
Fishing – The Job that Hooked My Heart
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"Ever since I was a young boy I always had fond memories heading north and fishing with my brother in Ontario," says Art Barefoot (Co-Owner of Bear's Den Lodge). "From the people, the sights, and even ... -
Walleye Fishing French River
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Walleye fishing in the French River Delta and Georgian Bay has one of the highest rod hours in Ontario Canada. Ever increasing numbers, these fish naturally spawn in the Delta of the French River u ... -
Pike Fall for this Hook, Line and Sinker…
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Know Your Cast, Fall Pattern Fishing.
Northern Pike are an aggressive freshwater fish with an attitude of its own. These predators chase, attack lures and are very territorial. As fall approaches ... -
The French River Salmon Run Wild
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A Pink Salmon Ends the Fall Season
Fishing on the French River Delta is home to some the most diverse freshwater species of game fish, known most predominantly for its muskie, walleye, pike, large an ... -
Ode to the Bear’s Den
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The water was still; the scene just sublime
with rock and trees, our mood did combine
The cusp of the season lay just ahead
Trees green and gold, were shocked by the red.
Billion year old granit ... -
Would You Like to Visit the French River?
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Imagine waking to the sounds of song birds chirping happily in the first rays of your summer morning. Splashes rippling through the crisp mirror reflection, while the busy beavers and otters continue ... -
Bear’s Den Lodge Inspired by Nature for 90 Years – A Diamond in the Wilderness
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French River Delta landscape of granite rock, pine trees and more to appreciate.
Does nature inspire you? If yes, Bear's Den Lodge would like to share an inspiring "place" some call a "special pl ... -
Gone Were the Days of Wooden Boats, a Labor of Love , But Not Forgotten
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Looking at some old photographs, I remember the pride in purchasing the very first wooden boat for Bear's Den Lodge some thirty years ago, it was the brightest pride and smoothest, fastest ride in t ... -
French River, Ontario History 1600 to Current – 400th Year Anniversary of Champlain
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French River History: reveals early explorers were looking for a shorter route to the West. Hence, the French River was the main "Water Highway to the West in Canada, from 1600 to the mid 1800’s." ... -
Holiday Gift Ideas for the Outdoor Lover
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Do you have that special outdoor lover and need a special gift for the holidays? Have you bought every lure possible for the tackle box? Christmas is closing in quickly and still don't know what to do ... -
Welcome to the Bear’s Den Lodge Blog
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Welcome to the Bear's Den Lodge Blog.
Bear's Den Lodge posts will take you on a journey from the history of the French River, to stories, nature, fishing tips, great food, adventures and just p ...
Bear's Den Lodge has been operating for past 32 years under the ownership of Art & Brenda Barefoot. We owe much of our success to fantastic groups that have wanted to return on a yearly basis. Mon...
READ MORE > With higher waters this season on the French River Delta, many guests who have an interest in bass fishing have been asking where to go and how to fish these waters in Northern Ontario. Here'...
READ MORE > Ashley Rae of shelovestofish.com, is a multi-fish species female angler and an accomplished well known Canadian outdoor writer from Ontario. Between the times writing as a newspaper/magazine columnist...
READ MORE > Know Your Cast, Fall Pattern Fishing. Northern Pike are an aggressive freshwater fish with an attitude of its own. These predators chase, attack lures and are very territorial. As fall approaches...
READ MORE > Walleyes (a.k.a. Pickerel) are known to be a finicky fish. Some anglers describe walleye feeding habits as something of a constant “tap-tap” feeling or a bump, but there are occasions when they a...
READ MORE >Partners
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CFN is all about showcasing Canadian Fishing & fishing responsibly. If you have the same passion, join our mission. Supply us with articles, pictures or videos and whenever possible join us at shows and help spread the love of fishing.
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Parry Sound & Area Food Collaborative. Healthy & Sustainable Food System.
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Events, news, visiting French River, Ontario & Land of the Voyagers.
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Conservation & Education Georgian Bay Biosphere.
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The Great Canadian Wilderness, Just North of Toronto. Head Out for Adventure!
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Welcome to the Northern Ontario Tourism Industry information website.
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TNO is the largest of 13 Regional Tourism Organizations (RTOs) funded by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport
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North America’s Premier Fishing & Destination Show!
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From the French River to the James Bay Coast, there is no denying our Northeastern region is BIG.
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Great cities, great attractions, great outdoors – so many possibilities in all four seasons. Explore the possibilities in Northern Ontario.
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GCFA has had the pleasure of teaching & sharing fishing experiences with female anglers from all over Canada.
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Explore fishing, cottages & resorts on the French River, Canada.
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A river of national historic significance, the French River is the first designated Canadian Heritage River
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Welcome to Destination Canada’s official travel guide to Canada. Bienvenue dans le guide touristique officiel de Destination Canada.
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Situated at the entrance to the North Channel amidst sparkling white quartzite peaks and pink granite
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Make sure you check the Ontario Parks before heading out
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YOUR Canadian COTTAGE FOR YOUR NEXT GETAWAY! French River Cottages available May, 2018 - 0ctober 2018. 3 day minimum charge per person applies. Prevailing rates available for shorter stays. Less than 3 days have added charges and are available. Make memories with family and friends on the French River, arrive as guests and leave as family!
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Your hosts, Art & Brenda Barefoot
Bear's Den Lodge
2870J Hartley Bay Rd.
Alban, Ont. P0M 1A0
Tel: (705) 857-2757
Winter Address:
124 Shagbark Rd.
Alum Bank, PA 15521
Tel: (814) 839-2443
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