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Spring Opening Walleye Season
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Warm weather is near as the ice begins to melt, we say our
heartfelt goodbyes to winter as we pack away our ice fishing tackle. To warm
our hearts with the fiery ambition to catch trophy spring walleye we mark our calendars
for the 3rd Saturday in May.
Anglers who enjoy fishing walleye-rich waters of Northeastern Ontario should visit the French River Provincial Park. There’s approximately 110 kilometres between Lake Nippissing and Georgian Bay. In our area, there is 65 square kilometres (40 square miles) to fish in the Lower French River Delta with varying depths ranging from 1 foot to 180 feet in the spring. The Lower French River system has 3 major inlets flowing into our section of the river. They are the French River, Pickerel River & Wanapitei Rivers that will help narrow your search along with 2 major outlets that flow into Georgian Bay.
A happy guest holding -
Bear’s Den Lodge: An Inspiration to Live a Dream
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Bear’s Den Lodge, a number one tourism full-service business in the French River, Municipality of Killarney area, has gone through a major transformation over the past 35 years. Since 1986, the daily operations and maintenance at the lodge located along Highway 69 now 400 North in Alban, Ontario have been managed by owners Art and Brenda Barefoot, along with their son, Joe Barefoot.
The Lodge owners were born in two neighboring small rural communities in Southern PA and each were raised in large families. Their families were well-versed in traditional farming, housekeeping, and banking. When Art & Brenda Barefoot were married -- fishing, hunting, farming, and foraging became part of the new family’s way of life.
The Dream
Long hours and days away from each other lead the Barefoots to seeking an opportunity of hard work to their own entrepreneurial endeavors. Ar -
Fall Walleye Fishing on the French River
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As days become shorter and the leaves begin to change, walleye fishing too turns over a new leaf. Fall is a fabulous time for walleye fishing on the French River! Schools of walleye return from the Georgian Bay to join the resident walleye population for spring spawn.
Measuring a French River Walleye
Finding Baitfish
In preparation for the winter & their seasonal spawning, walleye form hunting packs looking for a variety of baitfish. While there are many species of minnows, including emerald shiners and northern redbelly dace; the most productive and best areas to fish are ones that hold lake herring (cisco).
Image provided by Wikipedia
Cisco are a fatty-oily fish that are part of the salmon family. They are a tasty treat to help fatten walleyes in the fall. You can find schools near the water's surface as they pop like popcorn on calm days. However, it is difficult -
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 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 -
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 by Biologist George E. Moran of the French River Cooperative Fisheries Unit. This data includes musky historical records from 1961 - 1994 with a 5 year gap in record when the lodge was not in operation.
In 1989, Art Barefoot caught a 59 lb 11 oz French River musky which set a new record for the 14 Pound Line-Class World Record and still remains today. Unfortunately, the fish was caught in the gills making it unable to be returned to the river system. This sparked interest for the new lodge owner to suggest a need for conservation and preservation of the freshwater ecosystem. The report above was one of those many surveys conducted to help understand the population of the -
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 territorial couchpotato snatching up easy prey to a nomadic hunter as they move from structure to structure in the shortening daylight cycle.
[caption id="attachment_2510" align="aligncenter" width="625"] Harry with French River Musky[/caption]
This change in behaviour can be seen as early as the last full moon in August as the younger male muskies return from the Georgian Bay following the salmon and alewife looking for waters richer in oxygen and food for spawn. Muskies particularly begin to display this behaviour, when the water temps begin to drop to around 15°C (59°F). Their instincts drive them to binge feed before going into a torpor (much like bears hibernating) during the winter mon -
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 entails in Northeastern Ontario!
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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 fishing with his father and grandfather on the French River.
A trip that Tommy will never forget!
Will you be next? -
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." - 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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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 fight before being successfully released back into the French River System.
[caption id="attachment_2448" align="aligncenter" width="576"] Teri (left) & Carson (right). Photo credit to Adam of the Thall Group[/caption]
"When the fishing gets tough, the tough use worms." - Art Barefoot
Article by Joe Barefoot -
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 spawning beds and put in little effort to catch bait fish. By two weeks, they return to normal schooling patterns and continue through the French River System.
After returning to their normal patterns, the walleye will search through the waters for the recent perch spawn, shiners and other bait fish during their spawn. Sometimes, they will even go out of their way to target bass spawning beds since largemouth and smallmouth bass spawn later in the season.
A good fisherman or fisherwoman would be wise to bring a selection of lures to mimic the local prey. Even better is the use of minnows for the picky pickerel.
Article by Joe Barefoot, M.B. -
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 emerging weed beds.
2. Great lures to use at this time of the year are spinnerbaits in white, yellow or chartreuse with spoons in the 5/8 - 1 oz sizes.
3. If you are only finding small "hammer handle sized" pike, turn around and look at the back of the boat and cast deeper.
4. Larger Pike are usually in deeper water, staging on structure to ambush the smaller pike that are traveling in and out of the bay.
By Joe Barefoot
Click here for more pike fishing tips. -
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 Northern Pike will kickstart the Spring Opener for the 2018 season on the French River.
So What Does This Mean?
Spring can be the most rewarding time of year to fish for either walleye or pike, but it can also be the most challenging. Finding either species, usually is the hardest part of catching them after the spring thaw. However, if you tailor your search methods to the water color and temperature then you'll be on the biggest game fish of the season in no time.
So Where Am I?
Walleye fishing is about being at the right place at the right time. In spring, some of the largest factors depend on the weather and water conditions as they can affect when walleye and other spec -
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 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 -
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 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 -
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. 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 -
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, freelance/travel writer and blogger she travels to different parts of Canada sharing her fishing adventures with all.
Ashley joins us, Bear's Den Lodge, this Friday for her next fishing adventure on the French River! Keep watching as she loves to fish!
Authored by: Joe Barefoot, M.B.
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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 like in appearance. Normally their sides and back can be olive to brownish in colour with vertical bars for camouflaged pattern. Their underbellies are a whitish-cream colour like most other freshwater fish in Northern Ontario such as this bowfin below.
[caption id="attachment_1605" align="aligncenter" width="625"] Chris Crilly's Line Class World Record 29-inch Catch & Release French River Bowfin.[/caption]
But, why the brighter emerald-greenish colour you ask?
Just like mergansers and other various species of birds, who strut their brilliant plumage. Spawning.
Out of mating season, male bowfin (especially younger ones) can be quickly identified by the yello -
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's our quick and dirty five tips and tricks for both Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass:
Spinnerbaits are hard to beat.
Spinner photo provided by Cabela's
They provide anglers a near perfect bait with a lot of movement and flash to cover large areas quickly and effectively.
Largemouth are in or on the edge of weed beds.
This is especially true for backwater bays where fewer fishermen have gone to fish.
Smallmouth prefer rocky structures to provide cover.
Whether it be shelving or rock rubble, smallmouth are known hang out amongst the hard structures and on occasion strike wondering bait fish. As a bonus, they also love current. Finding these two con -
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 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 -
Spring Walleye Fishing in High Waters
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Ready for the spring fling?
Ontario Spring Walleye
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) on the Lower French River. Unlike other large bodies of water like Nippissing, Lake Ontario and even Georgian Bay, the French River is unique. The river is a confluence of five different rivers coming together to form different tributaries. The water is constantly flowing and mixing oxygen from top to bottom (up to depths of 110 feet) through the deep troughs created by glaciers millions of years ago. The remaining granite rock has created structure throughout the French River System, providing areas to hold schools of walleye or pickerel.
Example of Spring High Water
Runoff from snow and frozen ground of previous winter usually leaves the French River at a high w -
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 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
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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 #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. -
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. Their sharp needle like teeth, vacant eyes, thick sticky slime and serpentine shape has them suited to be one of the most dominate freshwater predators to take reign in the freshwaters of the Northern Hemisphere.
While there are several species of Pike in the Nearctic and Palearctic realms the most common in Ontario is the Northern Pike (Esox lucius). They reside in places like the French River where aquatic life and wildlife are abundant and have little in the way of natural predators for Northern Pike. Because of this, they are very populace and average around 4 -10 lbs (1.8 - 4.5 kg) but are considered a trophy when over 20 lbs (9 kg).
Prime times for fishing Northern Pike on the F -
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 successfully caught and released on July 22, 2016 while using a Wiley Muskie King Jointed 9 fishing lure.
[caption id="attachment_1546" align="aligncenter" width="926"] Dick Sprenkle with his 54 inch French River Musky, "Catch of a Lifetime"[/caption]
French River Places in Muskies Inc. Records of Men's Top 25 for 2016 in the January/February 2017 edition.
[caption id="attachment_1738" align="aligncenter" width="884"] Dick Sprenkle at places 20th out of the Men's Top 25.[/caption]
Congratulations, Dick as you joined the record book of other record muskies at Bear's Den Lodge. -
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 that sometimes thrill seeking for our favourites should not reel past our opportunities for the lesser favourite species of fish.
[caption id="attachment_1605" align="aligncenter" width="625"] Chris Crilly with his world record 29 inch French River Bowfin.[/caption]
Chris Crilly is an avid bass fisherman from Burke, Virginia; however, during his stay at Bear's Den Lodge he managed to catch two bowfin. At first he thought nothing of this until he mentioned the unusual size of his bowfin. Searching through the record book, lodge owner Brenda Barefoot realized that Chris could have a Line Class World Record fish depending on the test of the line. After some encouragement, Chris sent in wh -
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... 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] -
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 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 -
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!"
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 -
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 fished some of their favorite French River muskie holes, but after a long day they decided to troll home during the twilight hours.
As the minutes passed so did the casts as they entered into Bear’s Den Bay when Harry’s last cast of the evening had action. A boil of water rose to the surface as Harry was retrieving his suick. His hands quickened as he worked his action, doing all that he could to entice the would be trophy to clench his lure, but to his and Chris’s dismay “she would not take the bait” as she eventually lost interest. Without giving up, Harry cast three more times into the same hole he originally brought her out of and to his surprise he hooked into a different muski -
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 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 -
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 are less weary and strike out of instinct; sometimes greedily as they pursue lures ment for large Pike and Musky. While those instances are not unheard of, especially during the early spring and fall months, more often than naught walleye have to be tempted and teased using live bait presentations which account for the vast majority caught. Walleyes, like perch, are a schooling fish and cluster around structural elements like rock humps, inside turns, breakline transitions, shoals, sunken logs, fallen trees, and docks on the French River Delta. Depending on the time of the season, they will migrate and follow schools of baitfish while other times they will lay in wait near different bottlene -
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 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 -
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 under the protection of slot limits since 1994.
Walleyes or Pickerel, as locals call them, grow large and fight hard in this great Canadian wilderness river system, French River Provincial Park. They have large cloudy light sensitive eyes and prefer the stained waters of the French River and Georgian Bay. Walleyes tend to feed at sunrise, sunset or at night in the clearer water areas. Migrating walleyes head for the Georgian Bay late summer and begin to return late August to prepare for spawning in the spring. Many lunker size walleye remain in the French River all summer providing fisherman the opportunity to trophy fish walleye all season.
We recommend using live bait rigs and -
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, 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 -
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 and smallmouth bass fishing. However, these waters and fishery are also a home to the pinks, chinook, and coho as they migrate from Lake Huron to Georgian Bay and into the French River Delta to lay their eggs. The salmon make their journey into the system as early as July, but are very rarely seen before September through November.
Often times anglers snag salmon while fishing for walleye or even muskie. Fisherman are surprised and often do not recognize their catch and confuse it for a different species, such as trout. Trout normally are not .
Average pink salmon weighs 3-5 lbs at maturity and can reach as high as 10 lbs. The fins have large oval black spots on
Warm weather is near as the ice begins to melt, we say our
heartfelt goodbyes to winter as we pack away our ice fishing tackle. To warm
our hearts with the fiery ambition to catch trophy spring walleye we mark our calendars
for the 3rd Saturday in May.
Anglers who enjoy fishing walleye-rich waters of Northeastern Ontario should visit the French River Provincial Park. There’s approximately 110 kilometres between Lake Nippissing and Georgian Bay. In our area, there is 65 square kilometres (40 square miles) to fish in the Lower French River Delta with varying depths ranging from 1 foot to 180 feet in the spring. The Lower French River system has 3 major inlets flowing into our section of the river. They are the French River, Pickerel River & Wanapitei Rivers that will help narrow your search along with 2 major outlets that flow into Georgian Bay.
A happy guest holding 
Bear’s Den Lodge, a number one tourism full-service business in the French River, Municipality of Killarney area, has gone through a major transformation over the past 35 years. Since 1986, the daily operations and maintenance at the lodge located along Highway 69 now 400 North in Alban, Ontario have been managed by owners Art and Brenda Barefoot, along with their son, Joe Barefoot.
The Lodge owners were born in two neighboring small rural communities in Southern PA and each were raised in large families. Their families were well-versed in traditional farming, housekeeping, and banking. When Art & Brenda Barefoot were married -- fishing, hunting, farming, and foraging became part of the new family’s way of life.
The Dream
Long hours and days away from each other lead the Barefoots to seeking an opportunity of hard work to their own entrepreneurial endeavors. Ar 
As days become shorter and the leaves begin to change, walleye fishing too turns over a new leaf. Fall is a fabulous time for walleye fishing on the French River! Schools of walleye return from the Georgian Bay to join the resident walleye population for spring spawn.
Measuring a French River Walleye
Finding Baitfish
In preparation for the winter & their seasonal spawning, walleye form hunting packs looking for a variety of baitfish. While there are many species of minnows, including emerald shiners and northern redbelly dace; the most productive and best areas to fish are ones that hold lake herring (cisco).
Image provided by Wikipedia
Cisco are a fatty-oily fish that are part of the salmon family. They are a tasty treat to help fatten walleyes in the fall. You can find schools near the water's surface as they pop like popcorn on calm days. However, it is difficult 
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 
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 by Biologist George E. Moran of the French River Cooperative Fisheries Unit. This data includes musky historical records from 1961 - 1994 with a 5 year gap in record when the lodge was not in operation.
In 1989, Art Barefoot caught a 59 lb 11 oz French River musky which set a new record for the 14 Pound Line-Class World Record and still remains today. Unfortunately, the fish was caught in the gills making it unable to be returned to the river system. This sparked interest for the new lodge owner to suggest a need for conservation and preservation of the freshwater ecosystem. The report above was one of those many surveys conducted to help understand the population of the 
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 territorial couchpotato snatching up easy prey to a nomadic hunter as they move from structure to structure in the shortening daylight cycle.
[caption id="attachment_2510" align="aligncenter" width="625"] Harry with French River Musky[/caption]
This change in behaviour can be seen as early as the last full moon in August as the younger male muskies return from the Georgian Bay following the salmon and alewife looking for waters richer in oxygen and food for spawn. Muskies particularly begin to display this behaviour, when the water temps begin to drop to around 15°C (59°F). Their instincts drive them to binge feed before going into a torpor (much like bears hibernating) during the winter mon 
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!
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? 
"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]
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 spawning beds and put in little effort to catch bait fish. By two weeks, they return to normal schooling patterns and continue through the French River System.
After returning to their normal patterns, the walleye will search through the waters for the recent perch spawn, shiners and other bait fish during their spawn. Sometimes, they will even go out of their way to target bass spawning beds since largemouth and smallmouth bass spawn later in the season.
A good fisherman or fisherwoman would be wise to bring a selection of lures to mimic the local prey. Even better is the use of minnows for the picky pickerel.
Article by Joe Barefoot, M.B. 
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 emerging weed beds.
2. Great lures to use at this time of the year are spinnerbaits in white, yellow or chartreuse with spoons in the 5/8 - 1 oz sizes.
3. If you are only finding small "hammer handle sized" pike, turn around and look at the back of the boat and cast deeper.
4. Larger Pike are usually in deeper water, staging on structure to ambush the smaller pike that are traveling in and out of the bay.
By Joe Barefoot
Click here for more pike fishing tips. 
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 Northern Pike will kickstart the Spring Opener for the 2018 season on the French River.
So What Does This Mean?
Spring can be the most rewarding time of year to fish for either walleye or pike, but it can also be the most challenging. Finding either species, usually is the hardest part of catching them after the spring thaw. However, if you tailor your search methods to the water color and temperature then you'll be on the biggest game fish of the season in no time.
So Where Am I?
Walleye fishing is about being at the right place at the right time. In spring, some of the largest factors depend on the weather and water conditions as they can affect when walleye and other spec 
“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 
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, freelance/travel writer and blogger she travels to different parts of Canada sharing her fishing adventures with all.
Ashley joins us, Bear's Den Lodge, this Friday for her next fishing adventure on the French River! Keep watching as she loves to fish!
Authored by: Joe Barefoot, M.B.
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 like in appearance. Normally their sides and back can be olive to brownish in colour with vertical bars for camouflaged pattern. Their underbellies are a whitish-cream colour like most other freshwater fish in Northern Ontario such as this bowfin below.
[caption id="attachment_1605" align="aligncenter" width="625"] Chris Crilly's Line Class World Record 29-inch Catch & Release French River Bowfin.[/caption]
But, why the brighter emerald-greenish colour you ask?
Just like mergansers and other various species of birds, who strut their brilliant plumage. Spawning.
Out of mating season, male bowfin (especially younger ones) can be quickly identified by the yello 
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's our quick and dirty five tips and tricks for both Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass:
Spinnerbaits are hard to beat.
Spinner photo provided by Cabela's
They provide anglers a near perfect bait with a lot of movement and flash to cover large areas quickly and effectively.
Largemouth are in or on the edge of weed beds.
This is especially true for backwater bays where fewer fishermen have gone to fish.
Smallmouth prefer rocky structures to provide cover.
Whether it be shelving or rock rubble, smallmouth are known hang out amongst the hard structures and on occasion strike wondering bait fish. As a bonus, they also love current. Finding these two con 
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 
Ready for the spring fling?
Ontario Spring Walleye
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) on the Lower French River. Unlike other large bodies of water like Nippissing, Lake Ontario and even Georgian Bay, the French River is unique. The river is a confluence of five different rivers coming together to form different tributaries. The water is constantly flowing and mixing oxygen from top to bottom (up to depths of 110 feet) through the deep troughs created by glaciers millions of years ago. The remaining granite rock has created structure throughout the French River System, providing areas to hold schools of walleye or pickerel.
Example of Spring High Water
Runoff from snow and frozen ground of previous winter usually leaves the French River at a high w 
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
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. 
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. Their sharp needle like teeth, vacant eyes, thick sticky slime and serpentine shape has them suited to be one of the most dominate freshwater predators to take reign in the freshwaters of the Northern Hemisphere.
While there are several species of Pike in the Nearctic and Palearctic realms the most common in Ontario is the Northern Pike (Esox lucius). They reside in places like the French River where aquatic life and wildlife are abundant and have little in the way of natural predators for Northern Pike. Because of this, they are very populace and average around 4 -10 lbs (1.8 - 4.5 kg) but are considered a trophy when over 20 lbs (9 kg).
Prime times for fishing Northern Pike on the F 
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 successfully caught and released on July 22, 2016 while using a Wiley Muskie King Jointed 9 fishing lure.
[caption id="attachment_1546" align="aligncenter" width="926"] Dick Sprenkle with his 54 inch French River Musky, "Catch of a Lifetime"[/caption]
French River Places in Muskies Inc. Records of Men's Top 25 for 2016 in the January/February 2017 edition.
[caption id="attachment_1738" align="aligncenter" width="884"] Dick Sprenkle at places 20th out of the Men's Top 25.[/caption]
Congratulations, Dick as you joined the record book of other record muskies at Bear's Den Lodge. 
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 that sometimes thrill seeking for our favourites should not reel past our opportunities for the lesser favourite species of fish.
[caption id="attachment_1605" align="aligncenter" width="625"] Chris Crilly with his world record 29 inch French River Bowfin.[/caption]
Chris Crilly is an avid bass fisherman from Burke, Virginia; however, during his stay at Bear's Den Lodge he managed to catch two bowfin. At first he thought nothing of this until he mentioned the unusual size of his bowfin. Searching through the record book, lodge owner Brenda Barefoot realized that Chris could have a Line Class World Record fish depending on the test of the line. After some encouragement, Chris sent in wh 
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] 
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 
"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 
"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 fished some of their favorite French River muskie holes, but after a long day they decided to troll home during the twilight hours.
As the minutes passed so did the casts as they entered into Bear’s Den Bay when Harry’s last cast of the evening had action. A boil of water rose to the surface as Harry was retrieving his suick. His hands quickened as he worked his action, doing all that he could to entice the would be trophy to clench his lure, but to his and Chris’s dismay “she would not take the bait” as she eventually lost interest. Without giving up, Harry cast three more times into the same hole he originally brought her out of and to his surprise he hooked into a different muski 
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 
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 are less weary and strike out of instinct; sometimes greedily as they pursue lures ment for large Pike and Musky. While those instances are not unheard of, especially during the early spring and fall months, more often than naught walleye have to be tempted and teased using live bait presentations which account for the vast majority caught. Walleyes, like perch, are a schooling fish and cluster around structural elements like rock humps, inside turns, breakline transitions, shoals, sunken logs, fallen trees, and docks on the French River Delta. Depending on the time of the season, they will migrate and follow schools of baitfish while other times they will lay in wait near different bottlene 
"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 
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 under the protection of slot limits since 1994.
Walleyes or Pickerel, as locals call them, grow large and fight hard in this great Canadian wilderness river system, French River Provincial Park. They have large cloudy light sensitive eyes and prefer the stained waters of the French River and Georgian Bay. Walleyes tend to feed at sunrise, sunset or at night in the clearer water areas. Migrating walleyes head for the Georgian Bay late summer and begin to return late August to prepare for spawning in the spring. Many lunker size walleye remain in the French River all summer providing fisherman the opportunity to trophy fish walleye all season.
We recommend using live bait rigs and 
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 
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 and smallmouth bass fishing. However, these waters and fishery are also a home to the pinks, chinook, and coho as they migrate from Lake Huron to Georgian Bay and into the French River Delta to lay their eggs. The salmon make their journey into the system as early as July, but are very rarely seen before September through November.
Often times anglers snag salmon while fishing for walleye or even muskie. Fisherman are surprised and often do not recognize their catch and confuse it for a different species, such as trout. Trout normally are not .
Average pink salmon weighs 3-5 lbs at maturity and can reach as high as 10 lbs. The fins have large oval black spots on 
For those asking, we will open when permitted by Public Health Ontario and Ontario Parks. Bear's Den Lodge will be updating facilities and adding hand sanitizing stations. Health & Safety
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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
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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
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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
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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
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YOUR Canadian COTTAGE FOR YOUR NEXT GETAWAY! French River Cottages available May, 2020 - 0ctober 2020. 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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