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Experience Fishing – How to Teach Your Child to Cast
READ MORE >
The Value of Experience of Fishing
Have you
watched the excitement in a child’s eyes when you share the experience of
fishing? They are overjoyed with the
opportunity to learn how to fish. Of
course, fishing does not mean they will catch a fish. Rather, a child’s excitement
glows at the opportunity to learn something new.
Fresh air,
a new “toy”, something that mom or dad have talked about awaits. Pride and joy
abound in the great outdoors. Water has
a sense of refreshing and relaxing. And
then, that first yank on their rod. The
rod bends and it is an event to get hooked.
They squeal or cheer at the sight of their first fish and then they want
to catch another. They want to cast the line; they want to bait their own hook
and it is the beginning of a lifetime of pleasure.
There is nothing
like the thrill of catching your first fish. -
Spring Opening Walleye Season
READ MORE >
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 -
Three Quick Tips for Spring Walleye
READ MORE >
Spring walleye fishing in Canada is bountiful and a great start to any angler’s fresh fishing season.
Although there’s much more about walleye fishing than this brief tips and tricks guide, the following information is bound to give you a great spring start. You should, however, consider visiting a walleye fishing hot-spot in Canada (such as Bear’s Den Lodge) to get the best fishing experience!
One of the many French River walleyes to be found during spring.
Tip #1 – Tools of the
Trade:
In order to begin walleye fishing a recommended tool is obviously a fishing rod, but what rod should you use? At Bear’s Den Lodge we recommend that many of our guests fishing the French River should bring a fast to moderate action rod in graphite or carbon for jigging. A shorter and faster action rod (generally 5.5 – 6 ft rod though varies per person) is preferable fo -
Picky Pickerel
READ MORE >
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. -
Travel Tips and Vacation Safety
READ MORE >
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 -
How to Personalize Your Stay
READ MORE >
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 -
Ten Days, Ten-Thousand Casts Fishing for French River Musky
READ MORE >
“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 -
Spring Pike Fishing
READ MORE >
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 -
Fall Water Safety
READ MORE >
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 -
French River Produces a Musky a Day
READ MORE >
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!
READ MORE >
Walleyes (a.k.a. Pickerel) are known to be a finicky fish. Some anglers describe walleye feeding habits as something of a constant “tap-tap” feeling or a bump, but there are occasions when they 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 -
Spring Peaks & Zika Seeks
READ MORE >
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
The Value of Experience of Fishing
Have you
watched the excitement in a child’s eyes when you share the experience of
fishing? They are overjoyed with the
opportunity to learn how to fish. Of
course, fishing does not mean they will catch a fish. Rather, a child’s excitement
glows at the opportunity to learn something new.
Fresh air,
a new “toy”, something that mom or dad have talked about awaits. Pride and joy
abound in the great outdoors. Water has
a sense of refreshing and relaxing. And
then, that first yank on their rod. The
rod bends and it is an event to get hooked.
They squeal or cheer at the sight of their first fish and then they want
to catch another. They want to cast the line; they want to bait their own hook
and it is the beginning of a lifetime of pleasure.
There is nothing
like the thrill of catching your first fish. 
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 
Spring walleye fishing in Canada is bountiful and a great start to any angler’s fresh fishing season.
Although there’s much more about walleye fishing than this brief tips and tricks guide, the following information is bound to give you a great spring start. You should, however, consider visiting a walleye fishing hot-spot in Canada (such as Bear’s Den Lodge) to get the best fishing experience!
One of the many French River walleyes to be found during spring.
Tip #1 – Tools of the
Trade:
In order to begin walleye fishing a recommended tool is obviously a fishing rod, but what rod should you use? At Bear’s Den Lodge we recommend that many of our guests fishing the French River should bring a fast to moderate action rod in graphite or carbon for jigging. A shorter and faster action rod (generally 5.5 – 6 ft rod though varies per person) is preferable fo 
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. 
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 
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 
“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 
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 
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 
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 
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 
Looking at some old photographs, I remember the pride in purchasing the very first wooden boat for Bear's Den Lodge some thirty years ago, it was the brightest pride and smoothest, fastest ride in t
READ MORE >
National Fishing Week, encourages families come together and celebrate one of Canada's oldest family pastimes. Sometimes its new families that wish to tie new bonds and other families that are keep th
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After 31 years of ownership for the Bear's Den Lodge, Art, Brenda, & I thought it would be best to make some revisions and follow through with a New Year's Resolution of revitalizing ourselves. We
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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
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A Pink Salmon Ends the Fall Season Fishing on the French River Delta is home to some the most diverse freshwater species of game fish, known most predominantly for its muskie, walleye, pike, large an
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The Great Canadian Wilderness, Just North of Toronto. Head Out for Adventure!
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TNO is the largest of 13 Regional Tourism Organizations (RTOs) funded by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport
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North America’s Premier Fishing & Destination Show!
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From the French River to the James Bay Coast, there is no denying our Northeastern region is BIG.
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Explore fishing, cottages & resorts on the French River, Canada.
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A river of national historic significance, the French River is the first designated Canadian Heritage River
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Welcome to Destination Canada’s official travel guide to Canada. Bienvenue dans le guide touristique officiel de Destination Canada.
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Situated at the entrance to the North Channel amidst sparkling white quartzite peaks and pink granite
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Make sure you check the Ontario Parks before heading out
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YOUR Canadian COTTAGE FOR YOUR NEXT GETAWAY! French River Cottages available May, 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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