Tel: 705-857-2757

 Email: bearsdenfishing@gmail.com

  • Five Casts & A Lifetime of Memories

    img 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 for just a day out fishing the same as when Chris remembered growing up fishing with his father.   My Experience Fishing “My father was the one who started me on fishing. Just about every day — every morning we would go to a spot to catch bait fish with a dip net. Later we would go to one of our bass spots and catch our limit. My father and I would go home and clean all the fish. We probably ate fish about three or four nights a week growing up... Sadly, my father passed away thirteen years ago so I decided to embark on this musky quest because of him. I felt it would be a new challenge to try musky fishing.”  “I started musky fishing three years ago. At first, I thought i

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  • Welcome Back to the French River

    img 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 entails in Northeastern Ontario!

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  • A Trip He Will Never Forget!

    img 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 fishing with his father and grandfather on the French River.   A trip that Tommy will never forget! Will you be next?

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  • Father’s Day Hook

    img "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." - Jim Johnson 53 years fishing the French River at Bear's Den Lodge.   [caption id="attachment_2461" align="aligncenter" width="300"] 1966 of Jim Johnson fishing from a cedar boat[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2460" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Jim Johnson's 53 year with a largemouth bass[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2462" align="aligncenter" width="243"] Dr. Robert M. Johnson fishing from the main dock at Bear's Den Lodge.[/caption]  

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  • Travel Tips and Vacation Safety

    img 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 Bear’s Den Lodge wants to see that everyone remains safe. BEFORE YOU PACK TO LEAVE Planning a safe travel trip is important for you and your group or family. Several important factors to consider whether you are traveling within Ontario, Canada or from abroad: Please check your health insurance policies and make sure your covered while visiting abroad and have the appropriate medical insurance numbers to contact. Simple over the counter medications may make your stay more pleasant if you are prepared during your travel and may include antacids, antihistamines, cough drops for that nagging cough, Tylenol/Ibuprofen or other pain relief for finding those muscles or occasional

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  • How to Personalize Your Stay

    img 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 different terminology going as far back as even the 1940s still in use.  Some younger generations may see terms like 'European' or 'American' Plans and think well I'm a Canadian, Chinese, German, or any other country they are traveling from and ask, "where's my plan?". [caption id="attachment_2266" align="aligncenter" width="300"] French River Shore Lunch[/caption] American Plan vs Housekeeping A good way to plan for your Great Canadian escape is to ask yourself what you and your friends or family want to experience? Do you wish to have no restraints on the time you can go out fishing and exploring the Ontario Park or would your rather not worry on having to prepare your own meals? [capti

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  • Experience Fishing French River

    img 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 adults, yes, we will also teach adults.   The pilot program was launched in the French River under the French River Resorts Association with hopes to spread the program idea to other outfitters in the Northern Ontario Region showing the opportunities that it creates. 2017, TNO's (Tourism Northern Ontario) Experience Fishing Pilot Program was introduced to the Northeastern Ontario Region because of a growing concern that our fishing heritage has was not being passed along to newer generations. These aims of educating younger generations of new anglers would keep the tradition alive along with revitalizing that particular section of the tourism market by making it fun and safe experience. Be

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  • Ten Days, Ten-Thousand Casts Fishing for French River Musky

    img “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. Each cast is like a painter’s brushstroke in the canvas of the soul where nature is the setting and the passion for the sport are the various colors that breathes life into the angler’s work.  Every scratch on the lure, frayed line, and even every reel that lost its crank are all part of the sport we call musky fishing.   Musky fishing is not something for the faint of heart as it takes time and dedication to find those “best” spots, earning one of its various nicknames’ “the fish of ten-thousand casts”. Chris Burnette and Harry Haddix, returned to Bear’s Den Lodge because of their successful previous outings fishing the French River, Ontario.   [caption id="at

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  • Continuing the Family Tradition – Duelberg Family

    img 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 the spirit of sport fishing alive by adventuring to the French River. [caption id="attachment_1996" align="aligncenter" width="625"] Urs donating his trophy 48 inch French River Muskie from 1986 to Bear's Den Lodge (2016)[/caption] One such family is the Duelbergs whose specialize in Large and Smallmouth Bass fishing. While bass maybe their favourite species to fish, they never miss out on any other opportunities. Urs was one of the first in the family to catch a trophy sized French River musky when he was 13 years old in 1986 while fishing with his father. His son, Mathias, continues in his father's footsteps where the two of them were out bass fishing late evening in the shallows. I

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  • 31st Year – Pattillo Family & Friends

    img 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. Montie Pattillo and his family are one such group we wanted to thank with this short post for the National Family Week as they were some of our first clients that helped us grow and become part of the Bear's Den Family. To see them every year is like a family reunion for us as now three generations are enjoying the French River bass fishing, swimming, scenery and much more! They even sport their own custom Bear's Den Lodge jackets with stripes of 31 years! See you next year! Make family memories in Northeastern Ontario! Authored by Joe Barefoot

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  • North Shores – Sean Decory Photography

    img 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! [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="768"] French River Guided Tour[/caption] Photo credit to Sean Decory for this amazing photo and check out his work at seandecory.com.

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  • Excerpt Memories of Bear’s Den Lodge 1967-1973

    img 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 avid fishermen. That ad sounded interesting and Labor Day Weekend was coming up. The four of us were heading north. We drove down to the Harley Bay Road into the bush. There were lots of twists and turns, lots of trees and rocks before we, finally, were at the marina. We hired a water taxi to the Bear's Den. It was a dark dull fall day. I remember the first view of the lodge. It was very impressive. There it sat, red and white on its perch, high above the water. It looked massive. We landed at the dock, climbed the many stairs and entered the main lodge. The large open area was dominated by the wood burning fireplace, surrounded by stone. A balcony was around the room. They were animals he

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  • Outdoor Radio Journal

    img 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 online. Angelo Viola has hosted Sportsnet 590 The FAN's "Outdoor Journal Radio Show" since 1996. Traveling around the world to produce popular television programs such as "The Fish'n Canada Show" and "The Outdoor Journal", Ang and fellow explorer Pete Bowman are no strangers to outdoor life. They use their experience and a unique sense of humour to cover the environmental issues and events that are important to the Canadian Outdoorsman. Listen to our Online Radio Outdoor Journal Radio - Bear’s Den Lodge

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  • French River – A Park of Remarkable Proportions

    img 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 #1 Destination by the New York Times as the 52 Places to Go in 2017. Travel and immerse yourself in the history the French River Delta has to offer. Hike, fish & boat the amazing wilderness travelway lush and vibrant landscapes with our personal guides.

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  • Ladies Finish Bear’s Den Lodge’s 2016 Season

    img 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 the last two days of the season all the women caught their break and went home with smiles as no one was "skunked" during the fishing expedition, even if they could not find their own elusive French River trophy fish. They instead found their lines tight with other species of fish and the comradery in fishing together. [caption id="attachment_1640" align="aligncenter" width="625"] Heather's Pike photo by Joe Barefoot[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1638" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Flat Rapids in Late Autumn, photoed by Lori Kenny-Skerritt[/caption] Authored by Joe Barefoot, M.B.

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  • Fall Water Safety

    img 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 wonderful activities to reconnect ourselves with nature, there is always a need to stay smart and stay safe. Because of our countless opportunities to be in, around, or even on the water; tragically there are hundreds of Canadians who drown each year according to the Canadian Red Cross and the Lifesaving Society. For those who know me, would understand why I have decided to write this short article. I have had my own experience with near drowning, but what caused me to speak out about these sometimes avoidable accidents was a news article of a 69-year old local man who unfortunately passed away on October, 15th 2016. While I never knew this man, I can empathize for his family. Below, I hav

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  • Not So Far from Home – French River Musky Fishing

    img 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... I finally caught one right off the dock. He came out from under the dock and t boned my swim bait. He was probably the fish that took Alicia's little pike she caught on our first night here. We weren't able to land him then because he wasn't really hooked and we didn't have a big enough net at the time to grab him. A couple days later and he was ready for another "meal"!  - T.J. Raytrowsky [caption id="attachment_1572" align="alignright" width="400"] T.J. measuring his French River Trophy. Photo Credit: Alicia Raytrowsky[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1573" align="alignleft" width="400"] Elusive, but only a cast away.[/caption]

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  • Fish of a Lifetime

    img 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 been introduced to over fifteen years ago by members of the Johnson Family, who have been coming to Bear's Den for fifty-one years. We began the week of July 17, 2016 on a positive note with Bob Griffith, State College, PA catching a 52 1/2 " Muskie, his personal best ever.  Optimism was high as we fished through the week with several smaller muskies caught.  Then on Thursday, July 21, I caught and released a 40" Muskie after a thrilling fight. We fished the next day, Friday, July 22, our last day of this trip, with some nice pike caught, but no muskies.  We agreed after a mid-afternoon meal to not fish late (10:00 PM normally) and be back to the lodge by 9:00 PM to pack for our t

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  • 52.5″ Musky for 51st Year Group

    img "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!" With a quick measure and photo of the French River musky, Bob Griffith of State College, PA, released his largest muskie to date during the group's 51st stay at Bear's Den Lodge. Since 1989, Bob reports that he has caught other muskies in past, but was concerned about releasing them quickly so "Not all fish were photographed". [caption id="attachment_1538" align="alignleft" width="625"] Larry William's Muskie from released 2 years ago (at the time of writing this).[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1539" align="alignleft" width="625"] Bob Griffith with a previous French River Muskie.[/caption] The 51st Year Johnson Adventure Tour Group from PA have enjoyed many other musky catches and

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  • French River Produces a Musky a Day

    img 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 spotty with high winds and choppy waters but no musky can be caught without putting effort into it. In their search for the massive monster, Bill trolls his chartreuse bladed black bucktail and bam, the fight begins! Within the first two hours after to their arrival to the Bear's Den Lodge Bill hooked into an impressive 45.5 inch Musky, creating the first of another successful muskie hunt. [caption id="attachment_1465" align="aligncenter" width="578"] Bill's first day French River Fishing , an impressive 45.5 inch Musky[/caption] On day two, just after breakfast at the Lodge, Bill and Nancy went searching for another French River Musky. Once again after several hours of dedication in flaili

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  • Natural French River Architecture – University of Waterloo

    img 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 students venture to the great Canadian wilderness of the French River to explore the classroom for inspiration.  During their stay, their project was to document two feet cubed of nature then build a model that would fit snugly inside a two foot cubed container. The model material should be sourced from the Cambridge Rona or Home Depot. As suggested by their professors, it is worth considering that all matter is of the earth. It is also easy to conceive of the two feet cubed that you have documented as nature. While it is more difficult to conceive of the materials of the model as also natural, they are merely natural relations technologically transformed. The natural relations of t

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  • Nature from A Bird’s Eye

    img 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 that of our roots and get connected with nature. However, sometimes the absolute beauty of the French River Provincial Park is not only where you stand but what's surrounds you. To traverse the rugged terrain and watch out over the sparkling water is an aspect many can enjoy, but what so few before could witness is seeing the French River wilderness with a bird's eye view. We decided at Bear's Den Lodge was to help provide a richer experience to an area many have returned to. By reaching out to our friends at Snow Drift Media, Sean DeCory Photography and Monkey & Machine. They collaborated with us to provide an experience all can enjoy, who are planning their vacation for the French

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  • Spring Peaks & Zika Seeks

    img 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 least gaining interest, is the rising concern for the Zika Virus. We have been hearing about it on TV, in newspapers, and even the various social networks. Various media outlets are bringing to light different advisory warnings for those traveling to countries with the outbreaks. While various regions all over the world are still in their winter seasons the virus will have a harder time spreading until spring peaks with the mosquito population. Do not fret! This short article will detail import things you should know about the virus and ways you can stay healthy in the great outdoors! The most common way to contract the virus is from mosquito bites. According to the Centers for Disease Co

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  • Fishing – The Job that Hooked My Heart

    img "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 the thrill hearing the reel squeal from another fight with a fish. It was paradise and I wanted to be part of it." "Life wasn't always easy growing up in a humble Pennsylvanian farmstead, but I knew after my first voyage north that I wanted to be an outfitter." [caption id="attachment_1093" align="aligncenter" width="625"] Owner & Chef Art Barefoot providing laugher and warm meals[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1094" align="aligncenter" width="625"] Line Class World Record Muskie Holder Art Barefoot explains the Muskie fishery and structure of how to fish the French River to Bill Hamblin (center) and long time guests Chris and Harry.[/caption] "Through high school I w

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  • Pike Fall for this Hook, Line and Sinker…

    img 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, weeds tend to die causing these fish to establish new habitats and hunting grounds during the cooler waters of autumn. During this period, they hang over hard bottom with green weeds until vegetation wanes and depletes oxygen necessary for aquatic life. This puts strain on pike in the noxious environment, causing northerns to seek new cover habitats over saddles, points, rocky reefs or shelves that descend into deeper water. [caption id="attachment_1084" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Catching Pike on the Cast[/caption] Weed edges over muddy bottoms normally die faster than solid bottoms. Cast for pike on weed edges of green vegetation. Often times in the fall, trolling spoons

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  • Ode to the Bear’s Den

    img 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 granite, the most elegant of rock One lone mosquito our mood tried to mock. Parallel lines of pollen, engraved there in gold. Secrets of past water levels were "outed" in bold. And now as we leave the magnificent French The pickerel will be safe from our deadly clench. So thank you Brenda, Art & Joe To us, you just won the "BEST IN SHOW" Lorne M. Evoy Klaus Kuck Sept. 28, 2015

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  • Bear’s Den Lodge Inspired by Nature for 90 Years – A Diamond in the Wilderness

    img 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 place", a "simple life" and to others, it is a "bit of heaven on earth" for the past 90 years. This diamond, or jewel in the North provides you the opportunity to become a part of a significant part of Canadian history some 400 years ago during Champlain's journey through the French River. Imagine journeying these corridors 400 years ago in a canoe with Champlain. New and adventurous waters lay ahead; not knowing what nature had in store. Between these magnificent granite rocks with white quartz blazes were sparkling diamonds in the blue water reflecting the magnificent sky and landscape it enjoyed. Today, being a protected and the first Canadian Heritage Provincial Park it remains much unc

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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

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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

READ MORE >
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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

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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

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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.

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Bear's Den Lodge

Hartley Bay, R.R. 2, Site 3, Box 10
Alban, Ont. P0M 1A0
Tel: (705) 857-2757

Winter Address

124 Shagbark Rd.
Alum Bank, PA 15521
Tel: (814) 839-2443

Contact Email

bearsdenfishing@gmail.com

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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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