Luring Locales

Georgian Bay, Ontario
The land of classic kayak touring and islands scraped clean to the bedrock by glacial retreat is one of my top choices for a fishing paddle tour. Georgian Bay is home to an area called the 30,000 Islands because it is literally a labyrinth of waterways separated by 30,000 islands. Portage inland and there are too many lakes to count. No matter where you fish, you are likely to encounter smallmouth or largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye, and the occasional muskie. Given its many islands, fish-attracting underwater structure, and protected bays and inlets, Georgian Bay can provide a canvas for a lifetime of exploring.

Parry Sound is the logical jumping-off place for most, with quick access to the Outer Islands of Georgian Bay-a largely bug-free paradise composed of rocky islands-or inland waters such as Spider and Clear Lakes, which are a quick portage away.

Most of Georgian Bay is crown land, which means that most any island that doesn't have a cottage on it can be your home for the night. Check local regulations on camping. Portions of the bay and its inland lakes are designated parks with reserved campsites. Log on to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources for registration and licenses.

When to Go: Go right after ice-out and you will have the place to yourself-along with a couple gazillion smelts (finger-sized fish caught at night around creek mouths via nets or small hooks with bait). Fishing for northern pike picks up in May, and bass come into play around June.
Fish to Fish: Smallmouth and largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye, muskie, and the occasional rainbow or lake trout-mostly in inland lakes
Where They Hide: Pike and largemouth can most often be found around weed beds and protected bays. Smallmouth bass frequent rocky underwater structures and points. For a midsummer's day treat, try still fishing in the Outer Islands with a sunfish, big hook, steel leader, and bobber. Northern pike in excess of 20 pounds cruise the islands' cooler waters in summertime, providing trophy fishing and a big enough fish fry for a party of six.
Terminal Tackle: Jointed Rapalas, both floating and diving, poppers, Clousers
Bites and Beers: Don't expect much. The local tourist food is notoriously bad, and the year-round population is not large enough to support cool local eateries.
Recommended Outfitter: Grindstone Angling (905-689-0880) has a shop and provides guiding out of Waterdown, Ontario.
-M.G.