5 replies to this topic

[waynel]

Hello

 

I'm a new member and also asked the question below when I introduced myself. I got 29 views and 0 responses.

 

Here's my question again:

 

I just inherited a 14 ft Sportspal canoe with an electric trolling motor. I already have a fishing kayak.

 

Fishing from a kayak is fine but is a lot more work when trying to troll (a good workout though). 

 

Now that I have the canoe, I'm trying to figure out a good place where I can camp (tent or rustic cabin) and fish using the canoe. I live South Western Ontario (Kitchener  / Waterloo / Cambridge area). I'm not looking for back country canoe trips (been there, done that).

I have a 4x4 truck (Tacoma TRD) so I'm good with rough roads. I'd like to stay within a 4hr drive of my area. I'm willing to go a bit further if there is a higher possibility of catching fish.

 

I'm not picky about fish species, although traditionally I've fished for trout (with mixed luck). I'd like a species that can be eaten. I'm for catch and release but the reason I fish is to catch and eat them.

 

Without giving away exact coordinates, does anyone have any recommendations? Enough information that will give me (and my buddy) a chance of catching some fish.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

---Wayne

[Ibstacle]

Welcome to the forum Wayne!

 

I occasionally troll from an inflatable dinghy for bass and pike at Gu*lph Lake and Belw*od Lake and I see people trolling from canoes quite a bit at Gu*lph Lake.

 

Fortunately for you, there are many reservoirs in your general area that you can go for the day trips and fish for bass, pike and sometimes walleye. However, fish populations in these small local lakes isn't that high and tbh who knows how clean the water really is so I recommend you travel a up north if you're interested in harvesting your catch. You'll probably catch way more fish up there too.

 

A good spot that isn't too far up north (about 2.5 hours from your area) is Spar*ow Lake. I went there a couple of times during the summer time and was able to easily fish from a canoe with my friend. The fishing is pretty good for decent sized bass, pike, and walleye. There isn't that much boat traffic so the water is calm for the most part. You should be able to find a cabin that isn't too costly. 

[waynel]

Thanks for the tips lbstacle ! I appreciate it.  Is there camping up at Spar*ow Lake?

[SmackUm]

Wayne if I were in your neck off the woods I'd probably target Largemouth Bass & Pike on small backwoods lakes in the Espanola area. I've watched Italo Labagnan on Canadian Sport Fishing https://www.canadian-sportfishing.com/ fishing a small backwoods lake in the Algoma District. The Stocked Lakes Brook Trout/ Splake Trout could also be of interest they make the best eating.

I usually fish from a canoe too I made a seat in the middle stuck a ram tube behind my seat and troll using a kayak paddle it works much better in windy conditions.

Best of luck!

[SmackUm]

A canoe carrier will save your truck & your back turning the canoe into a wheelbarrow for your gear. Sail boats to go https://www.sailboatstogo.com/  Folding canoe & kayak cart https://www.sailboat.../CANOE_RIG/5059

This one has no through axle giving it more clearance to help avoid rocks & stumps. They are popular with canoe campers in the Provincial & National Parks on trails, portages or hydro lines like in Pukaskwa National Park. The front end should just pop up with the gear situated mostly in the back it pulls quite well. The MNR should be able to give you a list of lakes and rivers in your search area and the details.

[fisherman2280]

Just remember to bring a piece of wood to go between the trolling motor clamps and the canoe or else you could end up damaging your ride.