Section: ontario-bassin
Bill RiversSouthern OntarioFly-in Bass Camps |
| The most common weed and weedline pattern shows itself as a narrow strip of "silver dollar" pads growing intermittently along stretches of shoreline. Such stretches invariably hold scattered bass throughout the day. Almost all small back lakes are long, narrow gouges that terminate in soft-bottomed, weedy bays that give way to a small feeder or drainage creek. These spots concentrate fish early and late in the day when bass move into the shallows to feed on abundant crayfish, frogs, minnows, leeches and insect life. | |
 | A third benchmark of Ontario's back lakes is the ever-present beaver lodge and / or dam. These wood-and-muck marvels offer one of the most consistent bass fishing patterns in north-country lakes bassin'. Bass of both species congregate along the deep edges and sides of beaver lodges, amidst the tangle of of timber below the surface. They can be caught at these sites at almost any time of the day under most conditions. |
| The rocky points, rock-rubble areas, and shoals common to these lakes consistently hold bass, particularly smallmouth where they are present. Topwater plugs, spinnerbaits, spinners and crankbaits are deadly lures in these areas (and relatively snag free) and make for some exciting casting action. Pitching tube jigs and grubs on top and down the breaklines of shoals can also produce some great fishing. | |
| Live baits always work well, but at most fly-in lakes artificials catch lots of bass. In some regions, introducing live baits and baitfish into lakes is not permitted. Instead, take a broad assortment of lures including soft plastics (worms, lizards, craws and tubes), spinnerbaits, crankbaits, topwater baits (poppers, chuggers, jerkbaits and buzzbaits), jigs 'n' pigs, and in-line spinners. |  |
| Back lakes outings afford a wonderful opportunity for anglers to experiment with new lures, perfect their presentation tactics, hone fish location skills, and improve fish-fighting and live-release techniques. | |