Conference wahoo::fishing

    
    
    
    John,
    
       We go into the Boundary Waters every year in May.  We usually don't
    bother getting a Canadian license since we have real good luck staying
    in the good ol U.S.  But the packet we receive from our outfitter
    states that a 4 day license for Ontario is $11.00, 21 day is $22.00,
    and an annual is $33.00.  As for getting a license, you could probably
    get them at an outfitter in the U.S., or wait till you're in Canada.
    
       I'm almost positive they will honor U.S. boat registrations.  We
    only take canoes on our trip, but we have passed through Canadian
    customs with no problems.
    
       I don't know what type of fish you're after, but I'm sure it will be
    great fun.  I have a couple of customers who go into Canada every year
    and really do good.  They seem to hit more Northern, Lakers, and
    Walleye.  Where as we pretty much run the range of fish staying farther
    south.  We get everything from black crappie, walleye, perch, northern,
    and of course the Copper Thunder.  Hope this helps a little, have
    fun!!!
    
    
    Bear
    
    

    The guy that pointed us to that spot was up there last year in mid
    April and they apparently hit it just right (or he is at least
    upholding the mith that fisherman are liars). They were there for
    6 days and after 3 were so sick of catching so many fish that
    they only put out 2 rods and were arguing with each other
    about you should get up and land the next fish. Noone wanted to
    be bothered to put down their beer. "Spoil me just once!!!!"
    They were catching Browns, mud puppies, and a couple of big Kings
    in the 20+ Lb range. One of the Kings smoked a reel. They were
    fishing in about 40 feet of water within spitting distance of
    their motel.    
    
    John

     
    
    
         One helpfull sugestion DONT REMOVE THE SKIN OFF THE FISH!!!!!!
    
      Customs require the skin to be attached for ID perposes and if
    it not on there they will probably have baked salmon that evening
    for supper.
    
    
    
                                                 Good luck
    
    

    
    
    re:-1 > DON'T REMOVE THE SKIN OFF THE FISH!!!!!
    
       I think all that is required is a 1 inch square of attached skin.
    We fillet everything but leave the patch of skin.  Never had any
    problems with customs other than their attitudes and extreme lack of
    speed getting us through.  There's also a limit on the number of each
    species brought out.
    
    Bear
    
    

    John,
    
    Why bother with crossing the boarder in a car? Fish out of "Old Fort
    Niagara" on the US side (Great ramps) and camp at the 4-Mile Creek
    campsite. Its 4 miles from (East of) the river.
    
    If the lake is rough, fish the lower 2 to 3 miles of the river. Also
    watch for ice. It should be cleared out by mid April because of the
    warm March we have had.
    
    I will be there the last weekend in April for the ESLO derby. Always
    limit out by noon on Kings in the 15 to 30 lb class!
    
    You can always wander into Canadian waters from Niagara. Just only use
    ONE rod per person in Canada. (two are allowed in US)
    
    Have a good un!
    
    Don 

    You never said what species of fish you're gonna be chasing in Canada.
    That will make a big difference since they are very strict in Canada
    about preserving their fishery. You might have to sign a registration
    form for your boat (no cost to you) but otherwise it's no problem.
    You might want to verify your insurance coverage for Canada though.
    The one inch patch of skin is the rule I was told to follow but
    I've never been checked by anyone.
    
                                             Mike H.

    My understanding is that the kings, browns and lakers are the target.
    Will probably throw most back, but want to have a good time.
    As I mentioned in the base note, this is the first time up there
    so it will be touchy feely.
    
    Any suggestions on lures: types, sizes, colors etc.
    
    What areas near the Niagra river are productive.
    
    John
    

     I heard a year ago that around Toronto 95% of the catch in the lake
    are Steelheads.
    
    --The Bandit

    In Thursday's Manchester Union Leader the "GUIDE LINES" column by Dick
    Penny(??) was on fishing out of St Catherines.  Although I don't recall
    too many details as far as lures etc, Penny mentioned that one
    of the people who went with them was from Tink's Bait shop in
    Somersworth.  Penny's always had good things to say about Tink's, so
    you might want to give them a call, or try to stop by to pick up some
    information.
    
    RE Boat registration - As long as you have a valid state registration
    you will be all set.  Be careful at night, as I don't beleive Canada
    has any rules for bow/stern lights.
    
    If you'd like a copy of the GUIDE LINES article send me a note on
    CHET::BEAUCHESNE.
    
    Have Fun!
    Moe

Ontario's Provincial Park campgrounds are hard to beat.  There are 4 or 5 of
them along the shore from Toronto up to Gananoque (sp?).  Good facilities, and
cheap too.  Some even have boat landings or canoe rentals.   

I didn't fish the lake when I was there in May, but it was real nice.  
From the shore you could see huge eels cruising slowly along.

    
    EELS ??!!
    

    
    
    RE last few,
      
       Ed the eels he is talking about are probably lamprey's.
    
    
      The best lures to use? gotta be the NK 28 - best color black with
    purple stipe and white back, also hammered nickle with black and purple
    stripe. needle fish spoons, evil eye spoons, rapala's, and of course
    the old cleo's. we use the NK 28 lures the most we also had pretty
    good luck with the char/lime green colors last year but the color
    and lure type changes from day to day.
    
    RE .9 ? 
      Dick Phinney left for Lake O yesterday along with a couple other
    people from our club I guess they will be out there for at least
    a week maybe two they had excellent luck on Kings last year.
         I guess they had 2 or 3 boats going this year I had a chance
    to go but when I asked the wife I had to do some fast moves to avoid
    flying objects, WHAT DO YOU MEAN LAKE O YOU JUST BOUGHT A DAMN BOAT!!!
         I figured that wasnt the time to tell her about the august
    trip.    
    
    
    
                                            LEE

    The guy my friend talked to went with Finney last year. The article
    in last Thusday's Union Leader described that trip almost exactly
    the way we got it.
    
    We are leaving early Friday the 13th (and I'm not superstitious).
    
    
    By the way, are there any restrictions on the transport
    of beer into Canada?
    
    John
    

    
    Why would you want to bring beer into Canada when our beer is so
    much better than American beer??  
    
    Although yours is much cheaper. But you gets what you pays.
    
    I believe you can bring in one case (24) per person legally and
    if you don't try to get too greedy can bring in more. After all
    you are a tourist bringing money into the country; they will be
    nicer than if you were a Canadian coming back.
    
    Come and enjoy.
    
    Roger
    
    By the way exchange rate is about 17% in your favour.
    
    

    The best place to fish near the Niagara is the "Niagara Bar". Thats NOT
    a Gin Mill!!! It's about 4 mi due North of the river and runs SouthWest
    to NorthEast. You will find all sorts of structure, but the most
    predominant is a drop from 60' to 150'/200'. We usually troll zig-zag
    along the drop off with everything from surface lines to riggers 10'
    off the bottom at about 15' intervals. Once you find the Kings at one
    depth, stay there.
    
    Lures; NK-28, Evil Eye, Flutter Spoons, Northport Nailers, J-Plug----.
    I always start with Silver in early Spring and stay with it until
    someone proves me wrong. (Hasn't happened yet!)
    
    The real secret is the water is COLD (about 35 to 40 Deg F.) so, run
    SLOW !!! I usually get down to 1.2 to 1.5 mph and never miss. I've had
    days where I ran from 2.0 to 2.5 mph for an hour or so with NOTHING.
    Drop the drag buckets and instant fish!! Run your lures no more than
    50' behind a rigger (more like 30' is better) with the shorter lines
    above the longer ones. I usually run the top spoons 10' down and 10'
    behind the stern. Gets real exciting when they slam that sucker!!
    
    Good Luck! Let us know how you do!

Re .9

Rest assured that we Canuks have rules about lights for night time boating.
I don't have my regulations handy, but I do know that for boats up to 19ft 
you need minimally, the RED/GREEN on the bow and a WHITE at the starboard
stern.

/Brian

    RE. .16
    
    I am gald to hear that (lights at night) !  I was told be an old-timer
    in the province of Quebec that that was not the case.  If you can get
    hold of a spare rule book, or a phone/address to get one I'd appreciate
    it, as I usually spend a week or two in Canada with my boat and I'd
    like to see if the regulations are different than the US's.
    
    Thanks,
    Moe

    I never think of everything to ask at one time.
    
    Are dodgers or attractor spoons used or are the lures
    trolled all by their lonesome?
    
    Thanks for the information given so far. It has been very helpful.
    At least we will be able to talk somewhat like we know what the
    H we're talking about.
    
    John
    

Moe,

It is hard to be sure exactly which pulication has what your looking for, so 
here is the address for a few different ones:


	Safe Boating Guide  (basic info - 40 page booklet)

		Public Affairs
		Transport Canada
		Place de Ville, Tower C
		21st Floor
		Ottawa, Ontario
		K1A 0N5


	Notices to Shipping (subscription)

		(for Great Lakes)
		Canadian Coast Guard Office
		Regional Director General
		1 Yonge St., 20th Floor,
		Toronto, Ontario
		M5E 1E5
		1-416-369-3057

	Canadian Shipping Act  (approx. $70)
	Weekly notices to Mariners (subscription)
	Annual notices to Mariners (subscription)

		Canadian Coast Guard
		Aids and Waterways
		Place de Ville, Tower A
		6th Floor
		Ottawa, Ontario
		K1A 0N7


	Possibly get all the stuff at:

		Canadian Government Publishing Centre
		Supply and Services Canada
		Ottawa, Ontario
		K1A 0S9


Have fun,
/Brian

 Question: When is the best time to go to the big O and catch fish?

 My parents have given me a one day charter on Lake Ontario for my b-day, all
I have to do is decide when to go. 

 I want to catch salmon, lake trout, browns or steelhead.

 When is "prime time?"

 The Doctah

    
    
    Best time for fishing the big O is generally from May-June to 
    late November.....Salmon....browns and rainbows are around 
    mostly in the May-June time frame.....Salmon...and Lake trout
    are around in the later part of the season.  Salmon move from
    one end of the lake to the other it would seem....If you are going
    out on a charter boat...the captain will know where the type of
    fish that you want to catch will be for that time of year.
    I caught a 15 lb Laker last year out by the Duck Islands....we also
    caught an eel.....If you want a real good fight on your hands...an
    eel will let you know that it dosen't want toleave the water.
    
    
    

    The claim is that it should be hot right now!!
    
    As soon as I log off, I am going home and pack.
    
    See you laterrr..rrr.rr.r..
    
    John
    

    
    
    You can be pretty sure of catching something.....I know that the
    rainbows and lake trout and even the browns are there now....don't
    know where the salmon might be this time of year.
    
    
    

    John,
    
    We usually don't use dodgers until later in the year. I use them all
    the time in fall with a squid about 18" behind them. No reason NOT to
    use them early, just don't need em!
    
    Don

    
    
      Just got back from the big "O",Kind of slow this weekend!! water
    temp. was still around 39-41 deg. We had a heavy rain Sat. night,
    it warmed up the water a little 40-43 deg. picked up a few browns
    Sun. Morning,but of course had to head home just when the fish were 
    turning on!!! Heading back again this weekend,should be prime with
    this warm weather.Big fish of the weekend between our boats was a
    11 lb. brown,a few 8-9 pounders ,one small coho,one small steelie.
    
    
                                                      " REDEYE "
    
     

    Well, we ended up fishing out of Fort Niagra Saturday and Sunday.
    Nothing Saturday for us and we saw only one boat come in at the
    dock with anything. Very rainy. There was a barge run agroung on
    the bar close to the green can that they finally got out of there
    on Sunday morning. There was a lot of diesel fuel in the water from
    the barge. The barge was intentionally run aground to save it
    because it started  to break up in some bad weather a few days earlier.
    
    We did get a few lakers from 5 to 8 Lbs on Sunday. That was all
    we say anyone else catch as well. There were a couple of Kings caught
    on one of the charter boats.
    
    At least we did not get blown off the water.
    
    Nice ride back east up to Pulaski and then down to Altmar
    to the state hatchery. The ladder comming out of the Salmon River
    into the hatchery was full of fish as long as your leg (no, not
    that one). Got some nice video of that. 
    
    Saw a lot of deer at dusk in NY just before crossing the boarder
    into Vermont on route 9. 12 in one bunch and several 3 to 5 groups.
    Got me thinking about fall already.
    
    Not an especially productive trip but we did get familiar with
    the area and should do better the next time. Certainly much
    better than working.
    
    John
    

    
    
    
    Well we're back again!!,and this time we made up for last weekend being
   so slow!
    
    Tally was--  Fri. Five fish, all browns
    
                 Sat. ten fish, 14.5 lb. brown couple in the ten lb. range
                                                                           
                 Sun. four fish (only half a day fishing) 11lb coho,3 brwns
    
                 Mon. nine fish (half day) 14 lb brown 10 lb brn rest under
                                Lost a nice steelie,or alantic 7-10lb range
    
    
                 Done for this spring,back to Champlain!!!!!!!!!!!!
    
    
                                                           " Redeye "

    Redeye,
    
    Can you give me details on what you were using and type of structure? 
    I am going in 1 week to Sudos (sp) Bay
    
    keith

    
    
       Hi,
    
      Not much structure where we were,things are usually pretty flat.We
    were in 10-15 feet of water,fishing parallel to shore.We got most the
    fish on fastracks, off the boards.Grn tiger stripe,slv belly,and 
    silver/blk dots were the predominant two lures an our boat.Greens
    seemed to be the color.I ran noodle rods off the downriggers with small
    rapalas and small rebels.Straight body and broken back brown trout worked
    good.
    
      Riggers = 5-7 ft down, 25-35 pulls back
    
      Boards  = out side line 60-80 pulls, 10 less each rod in.
               Word of caution!!-- Watch those fasttracks in less than 
                                   12 feet of water they like the bottom!!!
                                   Must have lost 50 bucks worth of plugs!!
    
      P.S.- Never had a release on a spoon!!!!! ??????????
    
                                                              " Redeye "