Section:   Fishing Tips & Tactics

Tips & Tactics

that catch more fish, more often

© Bill Rivers

presented by ...

Esnagami Wilderness Lodge

Fishing Unknown & Unfamiliar Lakes

Upon Arrival

Arriving at your departure point or fly-in airbase, the work begins again. Now is the time to ask others about the destination to which you are headed, including:

  • outfitter / air service personnel
  • bait & tackle shop proprietors
  • cottagers, campers, canoeists
  • fishing / conservation club members
  • lodge operator / guides
  • camp clientele (especially repeaters)

A Fly Over

If your group is flying into a remote outpost or lodge, ask the pilot to do a "fly over" of the lake(s) you will be fishing. With a rough, photocopied outline map in hand, look for and mark any:

  • congregations of boats
  • adjoining back lakes
  • inflowing / outflowing streams
  • shoals, sunken islands, points
  • large weedbeds / weedlines
  • log jams / shoreline cover
  • rapids, dams
  • lodge / cabin location

Previous Party Info

Upon arriving and unpacking, with map in hand, talk to departing anglers about the lake, the fishing, and the camp, including:

  • fishing hotspots
  • proven baits & tactics
  • reasonable expectations (numbers, size)
  • boating hazards
  • boats & motors
  • camp gear & appliances
  • portages / trails to back lakes
  • shore lunch site(s)
  • bait availability / minnow traps
  • sanctuary areas


A Working Map

 

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