would search the surface for activity . We ’ d work the shallower water around the island , concentrating on any activity . The lures of choice for speckled trout in spring are small casting spoons like the Williams Ridge Back , Little Cleos , or EGBs and in-line spinners in sizes 2 and 3 , like the Mepps Aglia or Black Fury . Later in the season , the Rupert River offers excellent fly rod opportunities as well .
Lake trout are targeted in deeper water with traditional methods of lead core line or downriggers . Spoons are the lure of choice ; Williams Wablers , Whitefish , and Toronto Wobblers are the three top-guide picks . Northern pike are fished in the shallows in the spring , which hold pike all year . The bigger fish will move off to deeper water seeking cooler temperatures as summer progresses . Work cabbage beds at the mouths of bays or mid-lake humps in four to seven metres of water in the heat of late summer for a chance at the fish of a lifetime .
Walleye are concentrated at river mouths in the spring . While there in June , the mouth of the Takwa River which empties into the lake was a walleye magnet . Three hours of jigging and casting provided me , my partner Pat Campeau and our guide , with over 150 walleye in the one- to two-kilo range in a single morning . Lead head jigs and Mister Twister curly tails in varied colours could not be retrieved without a hit . It was the best prolonged walleye action I have ever experienced ! The action was so constant I experimented throwing spoons instead of jigs , ripping them and allowing them to flutter back down ; they were equally effective . Soft plastic crayfish imitations like the Buzz Bug also worked well .
At Osprey , all the largest fish are released . With today ’ s replica mounts and digital photography there is absolutely no need to kill trophy fish and remove them from the gene pool . That said , you are permitted to bring back something for the table , so check local regulations or the lodge for legal limits .
Mistassini had been on my to-do list , and I ’ ll be back . I fished it in June , a spring fishery , out of the Osprey camp on the main lake . The fishery is multi-species and the old adage “ so many fish , so little time ” rang true . I had no chance to properly target lake trout as speckled trout , walleye , and pike were too good to pass up ; nor did I have the chance to get to the Rupert . We caught well over 200 walleye , trophy northerns , and beautiful speckled trout in three days on the water .
If you fish the Osprey camp , expect rustic comfortable camps with water and a functional kitchen . Osprey can host 20 guests in four-person cabins , with a main camp dining area , as well as communal shower and bathroom facilities .
This lake is truly massive , and dense with shoals that require vigilance if venturing out on your own . If you fish the lodge portion of the lake , the Cree guides have generations of experience , know the waters , and understand the seasonal fish movements .
Tight lines , and remember that a selective harvest ensures a future fishery for all . For more info on Osprey Lodge , go to mistissini . ca / en / osprey-lodge . html .
View of Osprey Lodge camps on Mistassini .
Mark ’ s Cree guide Norman Neeposh preparing shore lunch and displaying nice catch of walleye .
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