Explore the mighty Ottawa this summer !
WORLD-CLASS FISHING IN OUR OWN BACKYARD
Notably the longest and one of the most important river systems in Ontario , the Ottawa River ( Rivière des Outaouais on the Quebec side ) is part of a very special ecosystem for the people and wildlife along its shorelines and in its waters . The river itself attracts people from all over the world to its
ANDREW BEAUCAIRE- CAMERON outdoor attractions and stunning landscapes , and is host to some of the best trophy angling opportunities in Eastern Ontario and West Quebec . And it ’ s right in our backyard .
Starting from a remote source near Lake Timiskaming , the Ottawa flows southeast 1,271 kilometres before it joins the St . Lawrence at Montreal . Its waters pass through a series of hydroelectric dams along the way , and fall under Quebec ’ s Zone 25 and Ontario ’ s Zone 12 fishing management areas . Exceptions to the regulations should be checked annually along with catch limits and length restrictions .
Permit holders of either province can legally fish both sides of the river though it ’ s been said some Quebec conservation officers will not honor an Ontario Conservation licence tag , and only a Sport Fishing tag . Live bait is prohibited on the Quebec side of the river .
The species list includes many of Canada ’ s prominent sport fish such as northern pike , muskellunge , walleye and bass . Panfish like crappie , perch and bluegill are abundant and are a blast to target .
Lake whitefish and lake trout are found in deeper , colder sections of the river . My friend Chris Bertrand from Fort-Coulonge caught a laker at his ice shack this past winter . While the trout was out of season and released immediately , it surprised many who fish the area often . Chris got photos and video . “ I took pictures and videos because nobody would ’ ve believed me ,” he said . The fish was released “ healthy and active , ’’ he added . Pretty cool stuff !
Once the spawn has finished , fish migrate to summer locations , leaving the river ’ s tributaries , creeks and backwaters in search of food . As water temperatures spike , fish activity and metabolism increase , making the transition into summer one of the best times to hit the water . Since the Ottawa ’ s headwaters rise up north , water temperatures remain cooler than most neighbouring lakes , even on the eastern stretches . So opening dates are typically pushed back on the river compared to nearby fisheries management zones .
Northern pike inhabit all nooks of the system , and provide a ton of action year round . Once the season opens , and up until midsummer , back bays and creeks will be full of fish . Scope-out muddybottomed bays with ample weed growth . Get lures close to shore retrieve at a steady pace , pausing every so often . Many call this killing the bait . I prefer to toss lures like soft-plastic swim baits , suspending jerk baits such as Rapala husky jerks , and my trusty “ go to ,” the Williams Wobbler . Gar pike are also at the top of many anglers ’ hit lists , and for good reason . These fish reach record sizes and are a real treat for those looking for a real battle . Their acrobatics are like no other fish around .
Hi-visibility colour patterns and lures that put out a lot of vibrations work wonders to attract fish – especially walleye – in murky
and sometimes turbulent waters . This much-sought-after species can be found in the Ottawa in great numbers . Mouths of tributaries and large , long flats off the main river channels are ideal early to mid-summer . Current breaks near deep water are areas where I ’ ve found concentrations of walleye that are easily picked up with a jig head and soft plastic minnow imitation .
I ’ ve been turned off of live bait the last while for many reasons . Price and restrictions for example , but also some plastics out-produce a live minnow or leech on some days . Trolling can ’ t be ruled out , and usually produces larger fish on average .
Bass fishing can be bang-on some days , while others leave you scratching your head . Just about any technique can be used to match your style of fishing . Many stretches of shoreline have structure that bass like , though I prefer off-shore humps , rubble-ridden points and weed beds that attract few anglers .
No matter if you ’ re planning a day trip or weeklong fishing getaway ; try this storied waterway this summer . Your next clandestine fishing spot may just await you on the mighty Ottawa .
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