Fishing Tips

Spring French River Muskie held by a boy a in a blue jumpsuit.

Ontario Spring Muskie Fishing: Unveiling the Secrets of the French River Provincial Park

Discover Ontario, Experience, Explore, Fishing, Fishing French River, Fishing Tips, How To, Muskie, Musky, Ontario Parks, Tips & Tricks, Travel /

Looking for the ultimate spring Muskie fishing experience in Ontario? Discover how water temperature, specific locations, and seasonal techniques can dramatically improve your success on the French River. Table of Contents The Spring Muskie Magic Key Strategies for Success Targeting the Right Zones Gear and Tackle Innovations Muskie Identification Adaptive Techniques The French River Provincial […]

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Ontario's French River Smallmouth Bass held Karl Kalonka of Extreme Angler TV at Bear's Den Lodge

Spring Smallmouth Bass Fishing on Ontario’s French River: Best Spots & Pro Tips

Fishing, Fishing French River, Fishing Tips, French River Delta, French River Provincial Park, Freshwater Fishing, How To, Smallmouth Bass, Tips & Tricks /

As the ice melts and Ontario’s rivers awaken, spring ushers in one of the most exciting seasons for anglers: smallmouth bass fishing! The French River transforms into a fishing paradise during this time, offering unparalleled opportunities to connect with nature and reel in impressive catches. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice, Bear’s Den

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French River Pike caught on a well tied fishing lure.

5 Simple Freshwater Fishing Knots for Beginners

Fishing, Fishing French River, Fishing Tips, How To, Tips & Tricks /

Fishing knots seem like a tangled mess of loops and lines for beginners. However, mastering a few essential knots can make all the difference in your fishing experience. These knots are not just about securing your hook or lure; they are about ensuring your fishing line’s strength, maximizing your catch rate, and enhancing your connection

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Young man holding a Freshwater Drum caught in the Flat Rapids area of the French River Delta, Northeastern Ontario, Canada.

Catch the Beat: Fishing for Freshwater Drums

Conservation, Discover Ontario, Fishing, Fishing French River, Fishing Tips, Freshwater Drum, Freshwater Fishing, History, How To, Tips & Tricks /

In the heart of Ontario’s waters, where ancient rhythms echo through time, swims a fish that knows how to make waves—both in folklore and on the end of an angler’s line. Meet the Freshwater Drum, affectionately known as the ‘Sheepshead.’ Its drumming beats resonate through the ages, connecting us to Canada’s Indigenous heritage and the

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A man holding a 41 inch Male French River Spring Muskie with post spawn marks on its body.

In the Thick of It: Navigating Weedy Waters for Muskies

Fishing, Fishing French River, Fishing Tips, Freshwater Fishing, How To, Muskie, Musky, Tips & Tricks /

Imagine standing at the water’s edge, surrounded by lush green weeds that sway gently in the breeze. The air is crisp, and the sun casts dappled shadows on the surface. You know that beneath those thick mats of vegetation lies a hidden predator — the elusive muskellunge. As you launch your boat, the scent of

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Image of a man holding a French River Bowfin in Ontario Canada.

3 Important Ancient Fish of Ontario: Bowfin, Gar, and Sturgeon

Bowfin, Conservation, Fishing, Fishing Tips, Georgian Bay, History, Longnose Gar, Nature, Ontario Parks, Sturgeon /

Do you love history, particularly living history? Imagine yourself swimming with living dinosaurs, or perhaps even holding one. While this may not be Jurassic Park, in Ontario you can get close to that experience by encountering some of the oldest living fish still swimming on Earth: Bowfin, Gar, and Sturgeon. These three fish species have

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Image of a Black Crappie on the French River caught by Jake Confer

Black vs White Crappie: Simplifying the Differences

Crappie, Fishing, Fishing French River, Fishing Tips, Freshwater Fishing, Tips & Tricks /

What do you get when you cross a Black Crappie and a White Crappie? A Gray Crappie? No, that’s a silly joke. But seriously, what are the differences between these two fish, and why should you care? Well, if you’re a fan of fishing or eating crappie, you should definitely care. Knowing the differences can

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Author Joe Barefoot, M.B. holding a French River in the early spring before being released.

Spawning Walleye: What You Should Know

Fishing, Fishing French River, Fishing Tips, Freshwater Fishing, Walleye /

What are the most interesting aspects of a Walleye? Some may imagine hooking into a trophy 20-pounder. Others may just think they taste delicious fried or on the grill. Sure, that’s Walleye, Canada’s favourite freshwater fish. However, have you considered their adaptability and what lends to their elusive and sometimes mysterious behaviour? Walleye spawn in

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Comparison Image between Northern Pike vs Walleye. Both fish were caught in the French River, Northern Ontario Canada

Pike vs Walleye: Which to Catch and Why?

Fishing, Fishing French River, Fishing Tips, Freshwater Fishing, Northern Pike, Pickerel, Pike, Walleye /

So, what are the differences between Pike and Walleye? Or how does Pike taste compared to Walleye? Having lived most of my life in a fishing camp in Northern Ontario these are some of the many common questions I’m asked by novice anglers. There are many differences between the two species from their appearance, hunting

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