Fish, Hunt & Ride | Spring 2017 FHRSPRING-2017 | Page 11

KNOW WHAT ’ S WHERE AND WHEN TO GO

Best laid angling plans pay off in catches

KNOW WHAT ’ S WHERE AND WHEN TO GO

AHEAD OF EACH ANGLING SEASON , along with my go-to hot spots , I plan and research new locations to fish and species to target . It ’ s a huge pleasure , given so many great angling opportunities on our regional doorstep . Drive
JAMIE PISTILLI an hour in any direction and possibilities are endless , even though it can be hard to leave the city in early season when the Canal is teeming with giant carp and Rideau River crappie fishing can keep a rod bending for hours .
But looking around pays off , so here ’ s a peek at my plans so far :
MAY | As the warmer spring weather moves in , it ’ s time to stop winter fly-tying and hook sharpening and get excited about hitting the water , starting with big water . Those looking for constant shore-fishing action can target the Ottawa River ’ s channel catfish along the Parkway . Simple circle hook , line and sinker with a fresh dew worm , chicken liver or frozen shrimp will help net this hard-fighting whiskered fish .
The trout opener is popular for anglers fishing for trout that are just beneath the surface . Anglers to the west frequent Charleston and Muskrat lakes while those venturing north often target Lac Simon and 31 Mile lake where lake trout swim a plenty . This species can be caught for a few weeks using a classic spinning rod setup with a crankbait or a spoon trolled far behind the boat . I like to troll in an “ S ” pattern , letting the lures change speed , which often triggers strikes from following fish . Speckled trout and rainbows are also high in the water column and often ready to strike a small spinner , tube or classic fly presentation such as a woolly bugger or muddler .
JUNE | Typically by May and June , the water has warmed up and anglers can find longnose gar cruising the shallows with new weed growth holding early season northern pike . Just off from the fresh greens you can find walleye holding on the drop offs and near any rocky structure . They can also be found with the pike
in the vegetation , chasing baitfish . A big spoon or spinnerbait works quickly for pike , or a classic quarter-ounce jighead tipped with a minnow helps hook into these two species . Other lures worth a few casts are shallow crank baits , slash baits and topwater surface baits , like a large buzzbait .
If your vacation schedule permits , a trip to Montreal mid-June may be in order to target American shad . It ’ s always great shore-fishing fun , and the right lures ( shad darts ) are sold by locals out of the back of vans . No kidding ! Pie IX and Carillon dams are where to head for these high-flying fish .
Anglers searching for a trophy can target the mighty muskellunge , opening the first weekend in June on the Madawaska , Rideau and Jock rivers , and by month end , the Ottawa River for these elusive giants . Bass opens at the end of June adding to the possibilities . Don ’ t overlook the St . Lawrence itself for a shot at footballsized smallmouth bass and trophy muskies .
JULY AND AUGUST | In these months in the nation ’ s capital , all fish species are open and can be caught using a variety of presentations . I like heading out pre-sunrise on the Rideau before summer weather brings out the pleasure boat crowd on the water . After dinner the boat traffic dies down as well and casting a top-water bait for bass , pike or muskie is a great way to end a summer day .
SEPTEMBER ONWARD | September starts what I call “ the playoffs .” Fish feed actively to prepare for winter . Muskie anglers get strikes trolling large crankbaits in late October and November and those diehard anglers still casting choose large plastics such as a magnum bulldawg . Fall bass anglers move to deeper water with drop-shot rigs and tube jigs a local favourite .
Late season trout fishing at Kenauk Nature ( www . kenauk . com /) has both rainbows and speckled trout once again in feeding mode , cruising just below the surface . It ’ s a great time to see wildlife and fall foliage – and there ’ s no bugs ! As the water cools down , slow down your presentation and you should be rewarded with a monster .
I wish everyone a happy and season . So many species , so little time !
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