Arctic Char

The Arctic Char is native to the lakes and rivers of northern Canada from Alaska to Labrador. Average size for the freshwater variety is approximately 4 pounds yet some saltwater Char may grow to 33 pounds. Colour in non-spawning fish is generally silver with deep green shading on the upper sides and back with a white belly. Spawning males are a red/ orange combination as shown in the photo. The best time to fish for Arctic Char is in the late summer and early fall.
Technique:
Frequently caught in rapids and swift water as it runs into calmer pools using spoons, flies, and spinners with medium spinning or fly gear. The Arctic Char may congregate in small schools and feed primarily on small fish, mollusks, and insects.

Atlantic Salmon

The atlantic salmon is well known for its long runs and acrobatics when hooked.The primary habitat are eastern Canada costal rivers. They usually return to the rivers where they were born in the spring, May through September. Atlantic Salmon begin to spawn in early October and unlike their west coast cousins they do not die after spawning. Most winter under the river ice and are fished in the spring.
Technique:
Summer and early fall are the best times to catch sea-run bright salmon. They are usually found in deep runs and fast pools.They are caught by fly fishing only. In the spring the equipment is slightly different because of the heavy water runoff when sinking lines and 2/0 to 5/0 flies are the norm.

Outfitters: Atlantic Salmon Fishing in Canada

Brook Trout or Speckled Trout

Also known as a Speckled Trout, the Brook Trout is actually a member of the Charr family as is the Lake Trout. They are found in eastern Canada from northern Ontario to Newfoundland. Brook Trout generally do not exceed 2 pounds, however, larger fish up to 6 pounds do occur in larger northern rivers. The best time is late spring and summer.
Technique:
Extremely strong fighters for their size, Brook Trout are found in streams, rivers, and ponds and are often caught in the whitewater at the base of falls. Spinners, spoons, and flies produce good results on spinning and fly gear. Specks feed on small fish and aquatic insects.

Outfitters: Speckled Trout Fishing in Canada

Lake Trout

The Lake Trout is found in deep lakes throughout Canada. Its preference for cold water makes the northern lakes prime habitat to grow the huge Lakers. Catches of over 70 pounds have been recorded and the fish may grow as old as sixty years. Average size, however, is much smaller between four to ten pounds. Prime fishing for Lake Trout occurs in the spring and fall when water temperatures are lower.
Technique:
Lakers are generally found in deeper water where water temperature is lower. The best location is often near reefs or rocky islands that are home to the smaller fish they feed on. Although jigging with minnows can bring results, the primary method of catching Lake Trout is trolling with baited spoons on medium to heavy baitcasting and spinning gear. These fish are popular in the winter where jigging through the ice can bring good results.

Outfitters: Lake Trout Fishing in Canada

Largemouth Bass

The Largemouth Bass is one of the most popular game fish due to the fact that it is very aggressive and responds to many lures and techniques. They are located in lakes, ponds and large rivers through southern Canada. Their preference for warmer water allow them to grow as large as 15 pounds. The average in most Canadian lakes is between 5 to 8 pounds. They are distinguished from Smallmouth Bass by the mouth lines which extend behind the eyes, and Largemouth are much larger in size on average. Summer and early fall are ideal times to catch these fish.
Technique:
Largemouth Bass like to work from cover and dart out quickly to hit their prey. They feed on various small fish species and their favourite food is crayfish. The type of cover that attracts this species includes weedbeds, fallen trees, and structures in the water such as docks. Largemouth Bass respond well to most live bait, especially crayfish and a variety of lures including spinners, plugs, and jigs. Dusk and early evening can bring the best results with surface lures using spinning and baitcasting gear.

Northern Pike

Also known as the Freshwater Barracuda, the Northern Pike is a ferocious predator. These fish are found in lakes and rivers throughout Canada from the Yukon Territory to Labrador and respond well to many different lures and live bait. Although the record Northern is 46 pounds and 15 to 20 pounders are not uncommon, the average catch is more in the 6 to 9 pound range. Best results occur in late spring and early summer.
Technique:
Northerns utilize cover to ambush their prey which is primarily other fish such as yellow perch, walleye, whitefish and other pike. They will attack large fish and can consume a fish that is up to one-third of their own size. Weedbeds are a favourite habitat. Northern Pike will hit spinners, spoons, plugs, spinner baits, jigs and most anything that is presented resembling food. Medium spinning and baitcasting gear works well.

Outfitters: Pike Fishing in Canada

Rainbow Trout

The Rainbow Trout is cultivated for recreation and commercial purposes. Found in the lakes, rivers and streams in western and southern Canada, the Rainbow Trout is actually a member of the Pacific Salmon family. Average size is from two to four pounds in streams and seven to ten pounds in lakes where they can grow up to thirty pounds. Summer is the best time to fish for Rainbow Trout in waters that are twelve to eighteen degrees celcius.
Technique:
Rainbow Trout are very acrobatic when hooked and angling methods differ from lakes to streams with fly casting being the prefered method for the latter. The best habitat for this species is moderately flowing streams providing abundant cover and some deeper pools. Angling methods used in lake habitat are similar to those used for Lake Trout. Rainbows feed on aquatic insects and small fish.

Outfitters: Rainbow Trout Fishing in Canada

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass have tremendous fighting ability and their trademark is the leap out of the water when hooked and the vigourous thrashing to free themselves. Their range in Canada is limited to lakes, ponds and streams in the southern regions. Smallmouth Bass grow on average to a size of two to three pounds and anything over five pounds is a real catch – both in size and challenge. The best time to catch this species is from late spring through fall.
Technique:
The ideal habitat for Smallmouth Bass is a rock bottom especially near rocky points and reefs in six to ten feet of water. They feed on smaller fish such as yellow perch and a favourite meal is the crayfish. They are receptive to both lures and live bait with crayfish and leeches being a good bet spincasting and jigging across the bottom during retrieval. Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, spinners, plugs, and spoons can be effective with light to medium spinning and baitcasting gear. Using ultra-light tackle can add to the experience.

Outfitters: Smallmouth Bass Fishing in Canada

Walleye

The Walleye, also known as Pickerel, is not an aggresive feeder and often requires great patience to catch but the reward according to many is the tastiest game fish in Canada. It is found in lakes and rivers throughout the southern part of the country and is fished from spring to fall. They are a member of the perch family, and like the perch they are found in schools. Average size is three to five pounds.
Technique:
Walleye have eyes that appear apaque and are very light-sensitive. They feed on smaller fish such as yellow perch and prefer the cover of heavy weeds, often congregating at the edge of weedbeds near schools of baitfish. Many methods are used to catch Walleye including still-fishing with jigs baited with leeches, minnows or worms and casting crankbaits. Drifting or trolling with bait rigs is another option on spinning and baitcasting gear.

Outfitters: Walleye Fishing in Canada