| Rod & Rifle - A Guide to Fishing & Hunting in Ontario | |||||||||||||||||||
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The diversity of the province has definitely caught the eyes of anglers and hunters the world over. Ontario's boreal forest, open fields, uncountable lakes and thriving rivers provide an unmatchable backdrop for a variety of hunting and fishing expeditions. The province and its citizens have also recognized this, and the infrastructure is in place for responsible and rewarding sport. This guide is intended to give an introduction to the province's hunting and fishing industries, providing regional overviews, wildlife profiles and other pertinent information to help ensure a safe and successful trip for sportsmen visiting the province. All revenue from the sales of hunting and fishing licences in the province is used exclusively for fish and wildlife management, helping to ensure that future generations will be able to challenge themselves against some of Canada's most abundant species. More information on hunting and fishing licenses can be found here. NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO Geography
Northwestern Ontario stretches from Lake Superior and the Minnesota-Ontario border all the way north to Hudson Bay. This area is home to over 100,000 freshwater lakes and rivers, a number higher than the entire human population of the region. These bodies of water offer some of the most abundant fishing in all of Canada, with a trophy catch just a hook and bait away. The section of Northwestern Ontario with the highest concentration of lakes is Sunset Country, the area surrounding Kenora and spreading east past Thunder Bay. These lakes are home to a variety of walleye, trout and trophy muskie. Sunset Country is not just a land of lakes, but is also home to over 156,000 sq km (60,000 sq mi) of boreal forest. Moose, deer and black bears all call the coniferous forests of Northwestern Ontario home, and their presence attracts big game hunters the world over. This combination of wetlands and expansive forest makes Northwestern Ontario a prime destination for migratory birds. Canada geese, mallards, blue bills and other ducks migrate through during the fall, often in large numbers. Hunting
Moose (Alces alces) The beautiful region gives eager hunters multiple ways to hunt these grand beasts, combining gun, bow and muzzleloader seasons with a diverse landscape and a plentiful moose population. If looking for the ultimate challenge, Sunset Country is a prime locale for winter hunts. These snow-filled adventures allow dedicated hunters to track and stalk moose throughout a winter landscape. Non-residents of the province who wish to hunt moose are required to obtain valid hunting accreditation and be a registered guest at a tourist establishment. Kenora is a popular base for hunters in the region, with the town's lodges, cabins, campgrounds and backcountry accomodators providing an assortment of accomodation options. Fishing Walleye (Sander vitreus) Just one hour east of Thunder Bay, anglers flock to Nipigon Lake in search of bountiful walleye populations. Located in North Central Ontario, the lake is typical of others on the Canadian Shield, with clear, deep waters, numerous islands and a mosaic of fish species. Ontario's largest inland lake is a great spot to snag a walleye, and should also be considered when searching for brook and lake trout. Fishing trip companies have set up throughout the region and can help anglers find remote lakes and streams where the scenery is breathtaking and the fish abundant. Muskie (Esox masquinongy)
Along the Ontario-Manitoba border lies Lake of the Woods, with its 104,650 km (65,000 mi) of shoreline, long bays and countless islands. The lake is close to Kenora and provides a special place for anglers to explore the area's small islands, eagerly anticipating a showdown with the lake's largest predator. Kenora and surrounding Sunset Country facilitate a number of fishing tour companies, which can help anglers new to the area with all the knowledge, equipment and facilities that are needed for a succesful day on the water. Transportation Northwestern Ontario is accessible from almost every major airport in North America. Flying into Thunder Bay Airport takes travellers directly into the heart of the region. Winnipeg, Manitoba, and International Falls, Minnesota, both offer airports that are just a short regional flight into Thunder Bay. Once in the area, a taxi can whisk visitors to their respective destination. Many resorts and lodges in the area also offer airport pickup—so make sure to check before departing. There are also a variety of charter and floatplane services that can take sportsmen to some of the more remote areas of Northernwestern Ontario. For those choosing to drive, US Highways 53 or 71 both lead to border crossings along the Minnesota-Ontario border. Highway 17 in Canada cuts right through the heart of Sunset Country. NORTHEASTERN ONTARIO
Northeastern Ontario begins near the southern tip of James Bay and extends down into Rainbow Country and the shoreline of Lake Superior. It is a popular area filled with cottages but also offers wide-open space for both hunting and fishing. The area is more populated that Northwestern Ontario—with over 500,000 residents. The region's major cities include Sudbury, Timmins and Sault Ste. Marie. Rainbow Country, which is the area surrounding Sudbury along Georgian Bay, offers world-class sport fishing and the winter months make it a special spot for ice hut fishing on the bay's frozen waters. In the more remote north, the James Bay Frontier provides a stunning landscape for a variety of hunts, no matter the season. Northeastern Ontario is home to lake trout, pike and brook trout as well as both black bears and moose, who patrol the region's forests, wetlands and shoreline. Hunting Black Bear (Ursus americanus) Fishing Northern Pike (Esox lucius)
Lake Nippising, located between North Bay and Sudbury, is Ontario's fifth largest lake (not counting the Great Lakes) and is saturated with northern pike, as well as walleye, bass and muskie. Lake Nippising is also an ice fishing haven, with over 2,000 huts established on the lake during the winter months. As with the rest of Northern Ontario, Rainbow Country has an established group of fishing tour operators who can help with the logistics of planning a fishing trip. Lake Trout (Salvelinus namaycush)
Lake Temagami, located about 100 km (60 mi) north of North Bay, is one of Ontario's most desirable lake trout fishing spots. The long, finger-like bays, 1,600 small islands and various inlets make for a perfect environment for both fish and fisher. The areas old growth pine forests and clear blue waters add to the experience. Lake Temagami also harbours large populations of bass and walleye. With North Bay being Lake Temagami's closest city, it is a favourable spot for anglers to secure accommodations in the area. Transportation Northeastern Ontario is easily accessible, with an abundance of local airports and a dedicated highway system. Airports in Timmins, Sudbury, North Bay and Sault Ste. Marie provide transportation links to major Canadian centres such as Ottawa and Toronto, as well as offering charter flights to various outposts throughout Ontario. Highways 17 and 11 connect all the major destinations in the area and link this part of Ontario with the rest of the province.
Geography Southeastern Ontario is known primarily for its largest city and Canada's capital, Ottawa. While this area of the province is more populated than in the north, it still enjoys vast acres of pristine nature, clear lakes and streams and countless outdoor opportunities. The beautiful St. Lawrence Corridor is home to the city of Kingston, as well as some of the best spots to salmon and trout fish in the province. The northern shores of Lake Ontario also provide excellent fishing opportunities, with large-mouth bass, rainbow, brown and lake trout all found within its depths. Southcentral Ontario is home to thriving wetlands, which are prime moose habitats, and white-tail deer, wild turkey and Canada geese are all found within this region. Hunting
White-tail deer (Odocoileus virginianus) There are a few important things to remember when hunting white-tail deer in Ontario. The deer are able to reach speeds of 65 km/h (40 mph) and bound almost 6 m (20 ft). They can become extremely elusive when alarmed, so patience should be exercised when hunting from close-range. While hunting on private land, remember to obtain permission from the landowner and be aware of fellow hunters. All hunters must wear hunter orange during gun season. Fishing Black Crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus)
Some of the best crappie fishing in the region is along the Ottawa River. The Rideau River also offers a prime crappie environment. They can also be found in all the Great Lakes. The Ottawa Valley is a popular area for a variety of recreational opportunities, and fishing is no exception. The city of Pembroke puts anglers near the Ottawa River and Algonquin Provincial Park and is a central location for lodging in the area. Carp (Cyprinus carpio) Upper Chemung Lake is located 15 minutes outside of Peterborough and is a popular carp fishing spot. Fishers can enjoy the splendour and hospitality of The Kawarthas region while scouring the shores for fish. Fishing tour companies have been set up throughout the region, leading anglers to the some of the finest fishing holes in the province. Transportation Southeastern Ontario is serviced by Ottawa International Airport, which makes this region easily accesible from most North American destinations. Hundreds of flights arrive daily, with regional flights capable of delivering hunters and anglers to smaller airports throughout the province. The 401 highway runs perpendicular to Lake Ontario and links the entire southern section of the province. The southern part of Ontario is densely populated so the infrastructure is in place to make most areas accesible by motorized transportation. During the winter months snowmobiling and snowshoeing are two unique transportation alternatives when planning a snowy hunting or fishing expedition.
SOUTHWESTERN ONTARIO Geography Southwestern Ontario is densely populated and speckled with cities and towns. It is also a prosperous agricultural region, with tobacco, soybean and wheat fields filling the rural landscape. Georgian Bay, Lake Erie and Lake Huron can all be fished from Southwestern Ontario shores, giving anglers an opportunity to snag various salmon, trout, walleye, perch and pike. Grand River Country is home to Ontario's largest river, the aptly named Grand River. The river supports a large fishery and is teeming with walleye, trout and bass. The Bruce Peninsula area is flanked by Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, thereby offering a myriad of fishing opportunities. The region has also seen the succesful reintroduction of the wild turkey and is awash with Canada geese and other waterfowl. The Niagara Region also offers excellent fishing opportunities, with Lake Erie, Lake Ontario and the Niagara River all within close proximity. Hunting Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) Fishing
Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) Lake Huron is renowned for its salmon fishery and its success has created a salmon fisher's paradise, east of the Pacific Ocean. It is the 3rd largest Great Lake (in volume) and has been a prosperous fishery site due to the lake's extreme depths. Various sites along the Canadian shoreline offer excellent potential for success. Lake Huron is also full of coho and pink salmon, steelhead and lake trout. The area of Bruce Peninsula covers both Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, and fishing tours have been established in order to maximize fishing success. Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens)
Lake Erie is one of the province's most talked about perch fishing spots. The lake's shallow depths, subsequently warmer temperatures and fertile soils make it extremely productive. Perch thrive throughout the lake, sticking near the shore during spring, moving out towards the middle during summer and back to the shallows in fall. Walleye, salmon and trout are also found thriving in Lake Erie, giving anglers a variety of options. Transportation Southwestern Ontario is easily reachable by both land and sky. American hunters and anglers can drive into the region from both Michigan and New York, with multiple border crossings at each locale. The Hamilton International Airport, London International Airport and the Region of Waterloo International Airport all handle various North American flights and offer frequent flights to and from Toronto. Once in the region, a variety of taxis, car rentals and bus charters make getting around simple. The dense population is supported by a strong infrastructure, which makes most areas of Southwestern Ontario easily accessible. GREATER TORONTO AREA (GTA) Geography The Greater Toronto Area is Canada's largest metropolitan area, home to over 5.6 million people in 2005. Centred around the city of Toronto, the GTA is full of big city attractions and urban amenities. Although almost one out of every five Canadians calls this region home, there is a network of lakes and rivers surrounding the city. Including Lake Ontario, these bodies of water allow for a variety of outdoor opportunities such as goose hunting and bass, salmon, trout and carp fishing. All of this can be experienced mere minutes from the grandeur and spectacle of Toronto. Hunting
Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) Fishing Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Located just outside of Mississauga, the Credit River plays host to two massive steelhead runs, with some estimates claiming that over 10,000 trout partake every year. Steelhead can be found in the river from late August until May with peak runs occuring in early winter and early spring. The runs are timed after heavy rains or spring snow melt. Fishing tour companies in the area offer private and group charters. Large-mouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) Lake Scugog, which is located minutes from Toronto, is a man-made, shallow lake that is teeming with bass. The western shore of the lake constantly produces results with fish as large as 2.7 kg (5.9 lbs) being pulled from that advantageous spot. Anglers on Lake Scugog should remember to use a heavy line, as the lake is dense with weeds and can make reeling in a panicked bass difficult. The fishing is excellent, and allows for anglers to enjoy Toronto's world-class accommodations and attractions after a day on the river. Transportation Lester B. Pearson International Airport is Canada's busiest airport, and is located just 32 km (20 mi) from downtown Toronto. Flights depart and arrive to and from destinations throughout the world. Almost every major airport in the world can connect with Pearson and the airport can also connect travellers with more remote destinations throughout the province. In keeping with its urban stature, a variety of taxi and car rental services are also available out of Toronto and the entire area of Southern Ontario is connected by the 400-series of highways and municipal expressways. Visitors will also find that the GTA is connected by an extensive mass transit system, GO Transit. All of these travel options make it possible to experience all that the region—and the rest of Ontario—has to offer.
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