Brook Trout - Lake
Trout
- Smallmouth Bass
Northern Pike - Rainbow Trout
Walleye -
Lake Athapapuskow is a sport
fishing paradise.
Anglers
are provided with a wide variety of species to satisfy any challenge.
Brook Trout
Also known as a Speckled Trout, the Brook
Trout is actually a member of the Charr family as is the Lake
Trout. They are found in eastern Canada from northern Ontario
to Newfoundland. Brook Trout generally do not exceed 2 pounds,
however, larger fish up to 6 pounds do occur in larger northern
rivers. The best time is late spring and summer. Technique:
Extremely strong fighters for their size, Brook Trout are found
in streams, rivers, and ponds and are often caught in the whitewater
at the base of falls. Spinners, spoons, and flies produce good
results on spinning and fly gear. Specks feed on small fish
and aquatic insects.
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Lake
Trout
The Lake Trout is found in deep lakes
throughout Canada. Its preference for cold water makes the northern
lakes prime habitat to grow the huge Lakers. Catches of over
70 pounds have been recorded and the fish may grow as old as
sixty years. Average size, however, is much smaller between
four to ten pounds. Prime fishing for Lake Trout occurs in the
spring and fall when water temperatures are lower.
Technique:
Lakers are generally found in deeper water where water temperature
is lower. The best location is often near reefs or rocky islands
that are home to the smaller fish they feed on. Although jigging
with minnows can bring results, the primary method of catching
Lake Trout is trolling with baited spoons on medium to heavy
baitcasting and spinning gear. These fish
are popular in the winter where jigging through the ice can
bring good results.
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Northern Pike
Also known as the Freshwater Barracuda,
the Northern Pike is a ferocious predator. These fish are found
in lakes and rivers throughout Canada from the Yukon Territory
to Labrador and respond well to many different lures and live
bait. Although the record Northern is 46 pounds and 15 to 20
pounders are not uncommon, the average catch is more in the
6 to 9 pound range. Best results occur in late spring and early
summer. Technique: Northerns utilize
cover to ambush their prey which is primarily other fish such
as yellow perch, walleye, whitefish and other pike.They will
attack large fish and can consume a fish that is up to one-third
of their own size. Weedbeds are a favourite habitat. Northern
Pike will hit spinners, spoons, plugs, spinner baits, jigs and
most anything that is presented resembling food.Medium spinning
and baitcasting gear works well.
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Rainbow Trout
The Rainbow Trout is cultivated for recreation
and commercial purposes. Found in the lakes, rivers and streams
in western and southern Canada, the Rainbow Trout is actually
a member of the Pacific Salmon family. Average size is from
two to four pounds in streams and seven to ten pounds in lakes
where they can grow up to thirty pounds. Summer is the best
time to fish for Rainbow Trout in waters that are twelve to
eighteen degrees celcius. Technique:
Rainbow Trout are very acrobatic when hooked and angling methods
differ from lakes to streams with fly casting being the prefered
method for the latter. The best habitat for this species is
moderately flowing streams providing abundant cover and some
deeper pools. Angling methods used in lake habitat are similar
to those used for Lake Trout. Rainbows feed on aquatic
insects and small fish.
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Smallmouth
Bass
Smallmouth Bass have tremendous fighting
ability and their trademark is the leap out of the water when
hooked and the vigourous thrashing to free themselves. Their
range in Canada is limited to lakes, ponds and streams in the
southern regions.Smallmouth Bass grow on average to a size of
two to three pounds and anything over five pounds is a real
catch - both in size and challenge. The best time to catch this
species is from late spring through fall.
Technique: The ideal habitat for Smallmouth Bass is a
rock bottom especially near rocky points and reefs in six to
ten feet of water. They feed on smaller fish such as yellow
perch and a favourite meal is the crayfish. They are receptive
to both lures and live bait with crayfish and leeches being
a good bet spincasting and jigging across the bottom during
retrieval. Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, spinners, plugs, and spoons
can be effective with light to medium spinning and baitcasting
gear. Using ultra-light tackle can add to the experience.
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Walleye
The Walleye, also known as Pickerel, is
not an aggresive feeder and often requires great patience to
catch but the reward according to many is the tastiest game
fish in Canada. It is found in lakes and rivers throughout the
southern part of the country and is fished from spring to fall.
They are a member of the perch family, and like the perch they
are found in schools. Average size is three to five pounds.
Technique:
Walleye have eyes that appear apaque and are very light-sensitive.
They feed on smaller fish such as yellow perch and prefer the
cover of heavy weeds, often congregating at the edge of weedbeds
near schools of baitfish. Many methods are used to catch Walleye
including still-fishing with jigs baited with leeches, minnows
or worms and casting crankbaits. Drifting or trolling with bait
rigs is another option on spinning and baitcasting gear.
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Guided
Fly-Ins with All American Plan Bookings, call for details
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