FISHING NIPIGON HANDBOOK. A pocket guide for fishing and outdoors activities in the Nipigon/Red Rock area of Northwest Ontario

Transcription

1 w w w. n w o u t d o o r s. c a FISHING NIPIGON HANDBOOK A pocket guide for fishing and outdoors activities in the Nipigon/Red Rock area of Northwest Ontario

2 Nipigon/Red Rock and area Thirteen species call the Nipigon area home, Making Nipigon an anglers dream. But Nipigon and area has a lot more to offer, from its miles of Lake Superior coastline, to its small isolated lakes and rivers for canoeing/kayaking. Don t forget the miles and miles of scenic trails with breath-taking vistas. Lots of hotels, bed and breakfasts. Ample camping at the Nipigon and Red Rock Marinas - right on the water. Tent/RV, Power and Wi-Fi. Extensive trail system with great views to explore. Nine Hole Golf Course. Fishing/hunting guides/packages. Kayaking/canoeing. Snowmobile trail network. World class deer/moose and bear hunting. A nature photographers dream. All the amenities of home but in the middle of the Boreal forest. For more information or for help making plans to visit: Contact: ghart@nwoutdoors.ca Visit: Page 2 N o r t h e r n P i k e 4 S m a l l m o u t h B a s s 6 L a k e T r o u t 8 S a l m o n 1 0 C o h o S a l m o n 1 1 C h i n o o k s a l m o n 1 2 P i n k S a l m o n 1 3 S m e l t 1 4 P e r c h 1 5 S t o c k e d L a k e s 1 6 A r e a M a p 1 8 T a c k l e n e c e s s e t i e s 2 0 b r o o k t r o u t 2 2 W h i t e f i s h 2 6 W a l l e y e 2 8 R a i n b o w t r o u t 3 0 b a s i c r e g u l a t i o n s 3 2 A r e a E v e n t s 3 4 O t h e r t h i n g s t o d o 3 5

3 Where to fish Lake Nipigon, Lake Superior and many inland lake hold pike. They are usually associated with Walleye however in some smaller lakes Pike may be the only dominant species due to their aggressive nature. In Nipigon and Red Rock large pike can be taken right at the marinas, simply look for shallower areas with weed beds. Under and around docks, pylons and submerged cover. In lakes/ slack water areas look for cover - weed beds, pencil reeds, overhanging trees, docks. Northern Pike Size: Typically inches, 15-30lbs are not uncommon locally Habitat: Lakes, River slack water, weed beds, shallower areas Spawning: Early Spring Foods: An aggressive ambush predator that will eat nearly anything from insects to ducks to small mammal and even each other. World Record: 55 pound, 1 oz. Common Baits: Being an aggressive ambush predator presentation is key not necessarily the bait. Slow retrieves of lures, plugs, jigs across/ top or just to the side of weed beds is key. For a fun time try top water/ floating lures/presentations over weed beds. What to fish Nearly any flashy or coloured or feathered item drug in front of a hungry Pike will usually draw a strike. Although not necessary a wire leader is suggested as many a lure/rap has been lost to the Pikes very sharp teeth and aggressive strike. Use top water poppers for a real treat when a large Pike springs up to take it on the surface. How to fish Depending on the tackle being used retrieve as directed. A simple stop/ go motion sometimes will trigger an attack, this simply requires a slight jigging motion, retrieve a few feet, hold... Then repeat. For lures that will sink simply retrieve, varying speeds around potential ambush points. Warning! The Pike has very large sharp teeth and are not afraid to use them, never put your own finger or hand in a Pikes mouth. Page 4 Page 5

4 Smallmouth Bass Size: Up to 27 inches (less locally) Habitat: Cooler water, rocky/sandy bottoms, weed beds, cover Spawning: Spring Foods: tadpoles, insects, frogs, crayfish World Record: 11 pounds, 15 oz. Common Baits: crankbaits, jigs, top water poppers An extremely hard fighting fish for its size makes the smallmouth a very sought after gamefish. Where to fish Locally around Nipigon there a few hotspots for smallmouth bass. Firehill Lake just east of Nipigon, Cox Lake Just North of Nipigon (Cameron Falls Road), Black Sturgeon River and Hurkett dock just west of Nipigon all hold bass. Boat access at the Hurkett dock allows access to Black Bay which has some great smallmouth bass fishing around the islands at the northeastern end. What to fish Jigs, spinnerbaits, smaller Rapalas / Shad Raps, good ole spinner/worm. How to fish Cast around docks, weed beds and cover - retrieve a few feet, twitch, continue and repeat. Great fun with top water poppers as well. Bass like their water warmer, the go dormant in a near hibernation mode during the long winter. As the water warms they become active feeders and love the cover of local docks/boats. Page 6 Page 7

5 Where to fish Lake Trout like it cold. They are a cold water fish and that s where you look for them. Fortunately the Nipigon River system as well as Lake Superior have abundant cold water. In the spring into early July Lake Trout can easily be caught from shore at the Nipigon Marina and along the river. Those with boats can catch them just as easily. Jesse Lake also holds a good population of Lake trout especially near the narrows half way up the lake. Lake Trout Size: inches 2-12 pounds with larger fish offshore/deep water Habitat: Cold, oxygen rich water. Deep water in summer. Spawning: Fall Foods: Smaller fish, plankton, insects World Record: 72 pounds Common Baits: Casting/trolling spoons. Downriggers in summer/deep water. In the heat of the summer trolling deeper and downriggers become necessary. In September the Nipigon Marina heats up as the Lake Trout come into spawn/feed. In the Evenings they can be seen jumping in the marina. What to fish Little Cleos, Trolling Spoons, Monkey Puke (actual Lake Trout spoon), Whites and reds are popular too. Don t be afraid to use big spoons as the Lake Trout can be big. How to fish Simple casting/trolling in the spring and in the fall. Summer heat may require something to get your hook deep. Downriggers/dipsy divers can increase your odds. Through the ice they can be had by a smelt on a jig head near bottom. Page 8 Page 9

6 Lake Superior Salmon introduction In the 1950 s pacific Salmon were introduced into Lake Superior primarily in Minnesota/Michigan. Pinks, Chum, Coho s and Chinooks were all introduced. Populations of Pinks and Chum never really took off although Pinks, Coho and Chinook have all become naturalized Chinooks are the most plentiful salmon at this time. They spend their lives in Lake Superior and enter rivers to spawn and then die. The Nipigon River has a healthy population of salmon spawning and is the primary location for angling in the fall. Salmon are also angled during spring/summer trolling on Lake Superior and down rigging when water temps get to high. Coho Salmon Size: 5-10 pounds Habitat: Cool, oxygen rich water. Open water, Rivers to spawn Spawning: Fall Foods: Smaller fish, plankton, insects World Record: 36 Pounds Common Baits: Casting/trolling spoons. spinners, Fly Pacific salmon who make a fall spawning run up the Nipigon River in September. Can be caught on open water in Lake Superior. Where to fish Nipigon River - Alexander Dam - rocky gravel beds, Lake Superior What to fish Large Spoons, Large Jointed Rapalas (Firetiger) How to fish Lake Superior, Nipigon River up to Alexander dam trolling/down rigging. Page 10 Page 11

7 Chinook Salmon Size: 5-30 pounds Habitat: Cool, oxygen rich water, open water, rivers to spawn Spawning: Fall Foods: Smaller fish, World Record: pounds Common Baits: Casting/trolling spoons. spinners, Fly The largest and most common of the Pacific Salmon introduced in the 1960 s Where to fish Nipigon River - Alexander Dam - rocky gravel beds, Lake Superior What to fish Large Spoons, Large Jointed Rapalas (Firetiger). Heavier gear should be used. How to fish Lake Superior, Nipigon River up to Alexander dam trolling/downrigging. Pink Salmon Size: 2-5 pounds Habitat: Cool, oxygen rich water, open water, rivers to spawn Spawning: Fall Foods: Smaller fish, plankton, insects World Record: 15 Pounds Common Baits: Casting/trolling spoons. spinners, Fly One of three introduced Pacific salmon species, the smallest, Pinks are usually seen in schools spawning in some local rivers. Where to fish Nipigon River - Alexander Dam - rocky gravel beds, Wolf River West of Nipigon What to fish Spinners, Panther martins, Small/medium little cleos How to fish Cast, retrieve, repeat Page 12 Page 13

8 Perch Size: Small, Larger ones are called Jumbos and can weigh up to a few pounds. Habitat: Weedbeds, large schools, rocky points Spawning: Spring Foods: Insects, smaller fish, plankton World Record: 4 pounds, 3 oz. Common baits: Worm tipped jigs under bobber or through the ice Smelt Although decimated by commercial overfishing, recent years have seen a local increase in perch populations. Every spring, the Nipigon waterfront is home to spawning schools off Jumbo perch and the banks lined with people fishing for them. This typically lasts a week or two. They are commonly caught through the ice and Black Bay just west of Nipigon is a great ice-fishing spot for them. Size: Tiny Spawning: Spring Common Method: Dipnetting A spring time event as the small smelt, introduced as food for larger fish, enter many streams and rivers around Nipigon in the spring. Dipnetting at local rivers like Jackpine, Little Gravel and many other Lake Superior tributaries can be fun for the whole family. Late nights, bonfires and people lining the river banks. Page 14 Page 15

9 Stocked lakes Locally stocked fish are reared in the Dorion fish hatchery located in Dorion just west of Nipigon, on Fish Hatchery road (go figure). Stockings typically take place in spring or late fall (or both) with fingerling sized fish. Some lakes are stocked with much larger brood stock in the 2-5lb range. A fingerling Brook Trout has a life span of approximately 7 years where they can reach weights in the 7-10lb range (splake grow faster reaching this size in 4-5 years). Always keep this in mind when looking at stockings as the stockings from 3-5 years ago provide the best angling opportunities. Stocked lakes and how many fish were stocked from Locations given, some appear on map on page Name Lat Long Blake s Lake Lake Deer Lake Peters Lake Han s Lake Lofquist Lake Malborne Male Moonshine Lake Moonshine Lake Moonshone Lake NoGood Lake ShoePac Lake Stillwater Lake Thompson Lake Some facts on stocked lakes Stocked lakes are designed as put and take lakes. This means they stock them with the assumption fisher people will come, catch their fish and maybe have a nice meal without risking natural populations. Some stocked lakes are easy to get to, some you can drive right to. Others may require a short walk on a trail/old logging road. Still other lakes may be nearly inaccessible at certain times of the year. The easier a lake is to get to, the more likely you are competing with others. Nightcrawlers, spinners and floats are a necessity for shore fishing. Most of the lakes are fished from shore, however if you can get a boat/ canoe in the fishing can really heat up. Two to five pound trout are not uncommon. Take a net No really take a net. Tip: Fussy splake or brook trout. Spinner with worm under a bobber. Reel in 5 feet slowly then stop. Repeat until all the way in. 21 Second Street, Nipigon Page 16 Page 17

10 Nipigon Area Fishing Location Map Steelhead Stocked Lake 1. Wolf River Good wading/flyfishing river. Rainbow, occasional fall salmon 2. Hurkett Dock Bass, Pike and Perch right off the docks. 3. Black Sturgeon Dam Bass, whitefish run in the fall, pike and occasional rainbow. 4. Black Sturgeon Bridge Bass, closed and closely monitored during spring walleye spawning. 5. Lofquist Lake Stocked with brook trout, some walleye and ling. 6. Firehill Lake Bass 7. Nipigon Marina Jumbo Perch spring, occasional rainbow, Laketrout in spring/september, Pike, Whitefish, Salmon late summer/fall 8. Nipigon Bridge down river Rainbow, Lake Trout, Salmon 9. Red Rock Marina Laketrout spring/fall 10. Fraser Lake - Walleye and Pike. Sandy Beach, concrete Launch 11. JackPine River Spring/Summer Steelhead run, Mouth/ shoreline for ice fishing and coaster brook trout 12. Upper Nipigon River Trophy Brook trout, Lake Trout 13. Cox Lake Smallmouth Bass, Pike 14. Jesse Lake Lake Trout, Whitefish, shoreline for Brook Trout 14. Alexander Dam Concrete Boat Launch, rainbow, salmon, lake trout, whitefish - can get crowded at times Page 18 Page 19

11 Local tackle Necessities By no means is this a complete list of tackle used for catching fish locally, simply recommendation s based on the most commonly used tackle locally. Some fish require special considerations as well as tackle and some colour combinations work depending on the fish s mood. J-13 Jointed Rapala s (Firetiger shown) Bright colours and action - used for salmon during the fall run and trolling Lake Superior. Will also catch pike and Large Walleye. Little Cleo Casting/Trolling Spoon Will catch: All trout species, Salmon, Walleye, Perch (smaller sizes), Pike. Make sure to have a few sizes/colours of these spoons. Blue/silver, Gold/red, Gold/ orange are the most common but others will work as well. Mepps Spinners, Panther Martins Great for trout, smaller salmon, perch. Hooks and Bobbers Tried and true method of fishing - works great for perch, brook trout, bass and whatever else may be hungry. Add a small spinner and a little movement can be great at many of the stocked lakes around Nipigon. Red Hooks are always an added bonus. Rattling Raps/Shad Raps Great for Bass, Lake Trout, Pike and Walleye. Jig heads Ann assortment of Jig heads and bodies are great for bottom feeding fish like Walleye, Perch, even trout and Pike. Always good to have an assortment of colours and sizes. Tipped with a worm or minnow for great results. Hula poppers Topwater action for Pike and Bass Page 20 Page 21

12 Angling Angling for Brook trout is quite common in NW Ontario. From little streams and creeks for the smaller fish up to a pound or so using light gear, spinners, worms and bobbers, to big fish using weighted jigs, trolling/casting big spoons or the finesse of the fly rod, there are ample locations to fish for the Brook Trout. Brook Trout Lifespan: 7 Years Maximum Age: 15 Years (est.) Habitat: Inland lakes, rivers, streams. Clear water with good oxygenation. Spawning: Fall Spawn habitat: Gravel beds in rivers where groundwater percolates through Foods: Surface insects, nymphs, aquatic insects, other smaller fish, World Record: 14.5 lbs (1915 Nipigon River) Common Baits: Artificial Flies, Lures, Jig Flies, Bait (worm/minnow) Special Protection The Nipigon Brook trout has some very specific regulations applied to it. Size restrictions (Minimum 22 inches) with a limit of one fish extends from Nipigon Bay on Lake Superior, the Nipigon River and Lake Nipigon (Barbless hooks only on Lake Nipigon). ALWAYS CHECK YOUR LOCAL REGULATIONS! Other Angling opportunities The Nipigon strain Brook Trout is stocked throughout the area. These stocked lakes are considered put and take lakes and have no size restrictions, a limit of five and they have no closed season. These lakes can provide days of enjoyment with affecting the native fish in the Nipigon system. Brook trout are a cold water sport fish highly sought in Northwestern Ontario. The world record Brook Trout came from the Nipigon River with the Nipigon strain of Brook Trout providing some of the largest natural Brook Trout in North America. Although referred to as a trout, they are actually members of the Char family. Along with Lake Trout, they are the only native species of trout in the region ad rainbow and brown trout have been introduced through stocking. Page 22 Page 23

13 Records born A few days later the giant fish was weighed at the Orient Bay train station and its measurements recorded. The Giant Brook Trout came in at 14 pounds, 8 Ounces, was 31.5 inches long with a depth of 11 inches (estimated girth of 23 ). To this day this is still considered the world record brook trout. Although the original mount was destroyed in a fire at the Nipigon Museum, a few pictures do exist and replicas can been seen at the Nipigon Museum. A River of giants Nestled at the heart of NW Ontario lies the Nipigon River which flows from Lake Nipigon to the Northern most tip of Lake Superior. Here the Brook trout are quite literally records. The Story of the world record brook trout In 1915, Fort William (Thunderbay) physician Dr. J.W. Cook took to fishing on July 21 with his fishing partners R.J. Barnes, Roy Neeland and J.A. Fyfe as well as numerous native guides. At around 6PM while fishing in a pool below Rabbit rapids, just down from Virgin Falls, Dr. Cook hooked into a large Lake trout or so he thought. After landing the giant fish, the local guides pointed out that the fish was indeed a Brook Trout one of giant stature. The fishing party continued fishing and on the following day Dr. Cook hooked into two more large Brook Trout (on the same line with two hooks) at the same time. The other two Brook Trout caught on the same line simultaneously weighed in at 5 pounds and 6 pounds, 8 Ounces respectively, this was to also be a record the largest Brook Trout double header. A River in Decline The fish caught in 1915 were at a time where the Nipigon River had been over fished for decades and populations had been greatly depleted. Four dams in the 1920 s to 50 s have forever changed the river by increasing the water depth over 100 feet, flooding 15 km of rapids, including the now famous Rabbit rapids and Virgin Falls. Today Although the river is changed, thanks to strong conservation efforts, the Brook Trout giants are in fine form today. There is quite likely a record out there but you don t get that old and big without being smart. Page 25

14 Where to fish Most commonly fished on Lake Superior and Jesse Lake - typically through the ice. Can be caught at the Nipigon Marina in spring/fall on bottom. What to fish Minnow tipped jig heads, set bait on bottom, near surface wax worms/ bobber and surface jigs when feeding at surface - will see them jumping. Surface flies/fly rod in spring before mayfly hatch. Lake Whitefish Size: 2-5 pounds Habitat: Cool deeper water, sandy/rocky Spawning: Late Fall Foods: Smaller fish, plankton, insects World Record: 15 pounds 6 oz. Common Baits: Jigging/bottom worm/minnow tipped jig heads. Surface jigs, wax worms while feeding at surface in spring. Through the ice is a very popular method in the winter months. How to fish Through the ice, jigging just off bottom with jig head tipped with smelt pieces/minnow. Dragging baited jigs across sand areas/beach - really well during fall spawning period. Great fun with a fly rod at surface until the mayfly hatch. Is it a whitefish or cisco? Whitefish and Cisco look nearly identical although whitefish tend to be bigger. The tell tall sign is Whitefish have a downturned mouth/jaw and Cisco have normal/upturned mouth. The picture on facing page second fish from top is a Cisco. Page 26 Page 27

15 Where to fish Most of Lake Superior is closed to Walleye so one must fish inland lakes. Frazer, Elizabeth are the most common walleye fishing lakes around however there are many more just north of Lake Helen. What to fish Jig heads tipped with minnow or worms. Artificial tubes and jig heads as well. Bottom bouncers with spinners. Walleye How to fish Best results in early morning/evening. Find an area of shallow water near a deeper pocket. Bounce jigheads off bottom as you retrieve. Size: 1-5 pounds (Much larger specimens are regularly caught) Habitat: Weed beds, rocky outcrops, deep water during hot summers Spawning: Spring Foods: Smaller fish, plankton, insects World Record: 25 pounds Common Baits: Jigging/bottom worm/minnow tipped jig heads. Spinners/wedding ring, Raps. Page 28 Page 29

16 Steelhead (Rainbow Trout) Size: 1-5 pounds (Larger specimens are regularly caught) Habitat: Open water, small creeks/rivers in spring/fall Spawning: Spring Foods: Smaller fish, insects World Record: 48 pounds Common Baits: Flies, spawn sacks, pink worms, trolling spoons Where to fish Nearly all tributaries of Lake Superior have spawning runs of Rainbow in the spring, some larger rivers like Nipigon, Wolf and Jackpine have well established runs and are hotspots for fishing. Before they can enter rivers/creeks in the spring they can be readily caught at river mouths. Trolling open water on Lake Superior in Nipigon Bay. Year round populations in the Nipigon River. What to fish Spring/fall spawn: Egg pattern flys, small pink worms, yarns, spawn sacks, eggs. Little Cleo casting/trolling spoons How to fish Casting spoons at river mouths early spring. During spring spawn - spawn sacks, flyies, yarns, eggs all drifted along bottom. Trolling spoons during summer/fall. During fall false spawn - same as spring but fish are much more aggressive. Page 30 Page 31

17 Basic Rules and Regulations * * This is not the official rulebook, please consult your official fishery regulations and do not rely on this as facts may be interpreted differently and some may change. This is meant as a guide only. What Fishing Zone are you in? Nipigon is located at the junction of three major MNR fishing zones. If you are East of Highway 11 and the Nipigon River and are inland (not directly on Lake Superior), you are in Fishery Management Zone 7 If you are West of Highway 11 and on the Nipigon River and inland you are in fishery management zone 6. If you are fishing on Lake Superior, including Nipigon Bay up to the mouth of the Nipigon River (At the powerlines just south of Nipigon, congrats you are in fishery management zone 9. Things to keep in mind Brook Trout are protected in Nipigon Bay, Nipigon River and Lake Nipigon. Special rules will apply. What are the size restrictions? Pike are no fish between 27.6 and 35.5 and one over 35.4 in the Nipigon River. Most other areas are not more than one over 27.6 Brook trout from any body of water directly named Nipigon or Lake Superior have a minimum length of 22 and a limit of one. Some areas are no fish - check regulations. Walleye closed in Black Bay, Nipigon bay and Nipigon River up to first dam and Black Sturgeon River up to dam, elsewhere not more than one over Lake trout in September no more than 1 greater than 22. There are no size restrictions on listed stocked lakes in regulations booklet. All trout/salmon count towards your limit (aggregate). Example: A non-conservation limit of 5 trout could be taken up by 2 Brook Trout from a stocked lake, 1 Salmon and 1 Rainbow trout from the river, and one lake trout from Jesse Lake. Walleye are protected (No fish) in Nipigon Bay and Black Bay due to commercial overfishing and any river/creek that empties into them up to the first impassable barrier (dam, falls, gandalf). Do not keep any walleye! Stocked lakes (additional fishing opportunities) are open all year, have no size restrictions and have a limit of 5 fish and typically have Nipigon strain Brook trout. The official rulebook can be found at How much does it cost? (2015 prices) Outdoors Card: $9.68 Ontario resident 1 year license = $29.46 Canadian Resident (Non-Ontario) 1 year = $55.16 Canadian Resident (Non-Ontario) 1 day = $13.51 ( No outdoors card) Non-Canadian 1 year = $83.27 Non-Canadian 1 day = $23.01 (No outdoors card) Non-Canadian 8 days = $53.54 Any Canadian under 18 or over 65 do not need an outdoor card or license. The official rulebook can be found at Page 32 Page 33

18 Dorion Birding Festival Dorion - Third Weekend May Annual Lake Trout fishing derby Red Rock - First weekend June Frazer Lake Walleye Classic Tournament Mid-June Red Rock FN Pow-wow Third Weekend of July Blueberryblast Nipigon - August Long weekend Live from the Rock Folk Festival Red Rock First full weekend August Fall Fishing Festival Nipigon Labour Day Weekend Hike for Health Nipigon/Red Rock - Last weekend September Ice Climbing festival March Other Things to do... Camping/exploring Nipigon and Red Rock Marinas. Hiking Trails Cliffside Vistas Canoeing/Kayaking Golf - Birdwatching Wildlife Viewing Nipigon Legion events - Trail riding Cross Country Skiing Snowshoeing Swimming Museum Page 34 Page 35

19 Current Network of websites And growing... W W W. N W O U T D O O R S. C A This booklet is presented as part of the Northwest Ontario Outdoors Network. Visit nwoutdoors.ca, thunderbayfishing.com and other websites in the network for additional and/or specific information. We make no guarantees on the accuracy or legitimacy of the information contained inside. ALWAYS CONSULT OFFICIAL REGULATIONS!