Fishing

Image of a sexual mature male sea lamprey. The adults' skin colours change like salmon with the male lamprey developing a "rope-ridge" across their back.

Sea Lamprey: A Parasitic Pest in the French River and Beyond

Sea lampreys are vampiric invasive species that have caused significant damage to the native fish populations in the Great Lakes. The French River in Northeastern Ontario is one of the many waterways they have invaded. While sea lampreys are monitored and population controlled by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) and Fisheries and […]

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A young boy in cold weather clothing holding a French River Walleye.

Cold Water Walleye Fishing: Everything You Need to Know

Imagine hooking a fish that can weigh up to 20 pounds, fight like a bull, and tastes like a delicacy. For many, this is the allure of cold water Walleye fishing, Ontario’s most coveted freshwater fish. However, catching Walleye in cold water is not as easy as it sounds. These fish are masters of adaptation

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Muskie strike leaving teeth marks on French River Northern Pike.

French River Muskie Legend That Got Away (For Now)

Hi Brenda and Bears Den Team, Just wanted to extend a sincere thanks for an incredible and memorable trip to the French River. The highlight of course was the tale of the legend that got away (for now). While reeling in a hammer handle sized pike a giant musky shot up from the depths and

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French River Walleye caught near weeds during a rainy day.

Weed Out the Walleye: Strategies for Fishing in the Salad

“Weed Walleyes” is a term used to describe walleyes that are found in or around vegetation on lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. While walleye are known for their preference for deep water and rocky structures, they are also found in shallow weed beds (salad) throughout the season. Walleye Fishing in Weeds Most Walleye anglers using traditional

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Kim Stilson holding a French River Smallmouth Bass

Hooked on the River: Smallmouth Bass Fishing Secrets

Looking for a thrilling and rewarding fishing experience? Fishing rivers for Smallmouth Bass will have you experience some of the most beautiful and diverse rivers in the world!  Image fishing places with picturesque clear cool water falling and tumbling over ancient granite rocks. Swirls and eddies over rock rubble bottom provide an excellent habit for

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Largemouth Bass fishing in Ontario on the French River Delta.

Largemouth Bass Fishing in Ontario: A Beginner’s Guide to Catching Trophy Fish

Bass fishing is excellent for beginners no matter the age! Largemouth are prized by many for their size and are excellent fighters on light tackle. Ontario is home to the largest trophy Bass fishing in Canada, according to Outdoor Canada. For many, Largemouth Bass fishing in Ontario is the beginning of the most exciting lifelong

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Comparison image of differences between Bass and Walleye.

Walleye vs Bass: Which Fish is the Catch of the Day?

Walleye and Bass are two of the most popular freshwater fish in North America. Both are prized for their fighting ability, their delicious taste, and their abundance in many lakes and rivers.  But which one is better?  This question has sparked many debates among anglers. In this article, we will compare these two fish species.

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How to Gender Muskie & Pike

Have you ever wondered if the last Muskie or Pike you caught was male or female?  It’s a common question that everyone has when you’re learning about trophy freshwater fishing. Gendering a Muskie or Pike is quite simple, have them fill out a form! Sexual differences between Female & Male Muskies Jokes aside, the simplest

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How to Catch Summer Walleye: A Guide to French River Fishing

Summer is a time of love and many love to fish. In Northern Ontario, many anglers’ passion is the long warm days of Walleye fishing. For the French River, Walleye are active and move from their spring time patterns to deeper waters and current. Early Summer Walleye Locations? Early summer Walleye fishing is like Spring

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Fall River Fishing Tips for Largemouth Bass 

Fall is a fantastic time to fish in many of Ontario’s rivers, especially the French River Delta. You don’t have to be a professional to catch trophy Largemouth Bass at this time of year! For over 30 years, we’ve witnessed many guests catch bigger bass on the French River, especially during our shoulder seasons.  Below

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