“Have I just died and gone to Heaven?”
When I heard Bob Izumi say that during a Real Fishing episode, while on one of his fishing trips up to Northern Ontario’s Algoma Country, I knew I had to check out the Spanish River’s Blue Heron Resort for myself. I tried to arrange a quick trip but their early-season bookings were almost full and any opening didn’t mesh with my schedule. Determined though, we agreed to visit later in September, but would visit Birchland Cottages on Clear Lake, further west in Algoma Country, in early June for bass. This article reflects our experiences during both of those epic fishing adventures - with a special thank you to Bob for sparking the flame to make it happen.
For many years now I have been fortunate enough to enjoy the early catch and release bass fishing season that New York State has to offer. Trips to lakes like Chautauqua or Oneida at the end of May or early June were a great way to get a head start on the late opener we have throughout southern and central Ontario, where I live and usually fish. However, I recently became aware of a fully legit, year ‘round open bass season in an area of my home province that I haven’t spent a great deal of time in. So, in early June my brother Marcel (aka Red) and I pulled my bass boat up to Northern Ontario’s Algoma Country in Fisheries Management Zone (FMZ) 10.
Driving on Highway 17, west of Sudbury, I had forgotten how the topography changes from hilly and rugged Canadian Shield primarily moose country - to flatter, tamer agricultural lands preferred by whitetail deer. As we approached the Town of Blind River we knew we were only about half an hour from our first destination.
This story is from the Winter 2020 edition of Bob Izumi's Real Fishing.
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This story is from the Winter 2020 edition of Bob Izumi's Real Fishing.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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ONTARIO FISHING ADVENTURES
Last winter we did a special feature profiling several fantastic fishing resorts in various regions of Ontario. The article was so well received that we decided to do it again, with a new group of lodges. All of this year’s destinations provide top notch fishing for multiple species, they’re relatively unpressured and they are easily accessible by car. From high-end, full service resorts to more laid-back fishing camps, each of these locations offer a unique fishing experience. If you’re thinking about where to go for your next fishing getaway the following pages feature Bob Izumi's profiles of some the trips he made last year. Hopefully they will give you some ideas on where to look for a fishing trip that is sure to meet all of your expectations.
FISHING ALGOMA COUNTRY
Wil Wegman is an award-winning outdoor writer, seminar host and tournament angler from Bradford Ontario. In 2017 Wil was recognized for his dedication to the sport by being inducted into the Canadian Angler Hall of Fame. www.wilwegman.com
Tales from the Road
As you may know I like driving, so jumping in a vehicle and doing a road trip is appealing to me. For years I would routinely do 100,000 km per year or more on the road. So this Tales starts with me heading out again, back to Brennan Harbour Resort in Spanish, Ontario. Located in Algoma Country, this friendly resort is operated by James and Casey, who are a wonderful couple.
CHAIN PICKEREL ON STRIKE
I’ve never stalked a whitetail deer, but I imagine doing so is a bit like fishing for large chain pickerel. Success is found by locating those prime areas where the big ones live, and by working those areas thoroughly and patiently with exact techniques.
What's Cooking
Elk Tartare with Horseradish Crema
Tales From The Road
Since my last Tales article I’ve been averaging at least six days a week, sometimes seven, on the road. Road trips are, and have always been, a big part of my life. There’s just something about being on the go that I love. In fact, as I wrap up this column I’ll be hitting the road again and I can’t wait, even though I just got back a day ago. I think it’s ingrained in me so much that I don’t mind living out of a suitcase. I know it’s not for everybody, but I like it.
The MGM Fishing Trip
On the first Saturday of June 2020, a group of 20 extended family members will celebrate an amazing milestone. They will be participating in the 50th consecutive year of a family fishing trip begun by four founding members way back in 1971.
Hidden Gems
Every now and again we anglers are lucky enough to find lakes, ponds or creeks that feel so isolated from civilization that believing they are a reality is sometimes more difficult than finding them in the first place. Stumbling across, or being introduced to, a body of water with such enormous potential for catching fish is what any fishing enthusiast dreams of. Fortunately for myself, I have lucked out three times in one shot.
Black Crappie
The black crappie is a member of the sunfish family and features the same deep, laterally compressed body shape as other sunfishes.
Fly Tricks For Fall Trout
In the fall, fly fishing changes. Not only does the weather cool, the bug activity often quiets down as well. Different techniques are needed to adapt to the rivers where fish are often looking for different food. Searching techniques and paying attention to details can improve your success.
