Bring gear to fish both bass and walleye in the waterways of the region.
I love fishing for bass and walleye. Lots of bass and walleye, so when we get the opportunity to visit Ontario’s Algoma Country, regardless of the time of year, spring, summer or fall, I always stock my boat with plenty of gear for both bass and walleye.
Lake Structure
It is amazing how many lakes and rivers in this region of Northern Ontario inhabit both species in almost the exact same locations on any given lake or river system. Long rocky points, offshore jumps and reefs, sand bars or weed clumps, you fish these natural structure elements enough you will find either bass, walleye or both on any given cast.
Fishing Techniques
Proven techniques for both species include vertical jigging soft plastic baits like tube jigs, Ned rigs, drop shots or a simple jig and minnow or nightcrawler dragged and hopped off bottom. A six to seven-foot medium-action spinning rod spooled with an eight-pound test line is really all you need for either species in the deeper water haunts of Algoma Country. If you’re in the mood for some exciting splashy bass blasts, bring some top water baits and hang on! Trolling long slender minnow-style baits over the same locations at dusk can result in some of the bigger walleye this area is famous for.
Having the opportunity to fish for both species on a single trip is definitely a bonus to visiting anglers.
Fishing Destinations
Some of the locations we plan when targeting both bass and walleye include Chapleau, Wawa, Thessalon, Elliot Lake, Missanabie and the Mississagi Valley.
With 28,000 square miles of beautiful Canadian wilderness, Algoma Country has thousands of bodies of water to choose from and the best fishing lodges or resorts anywhere. You can choose from full-service American Plan lodges to housekeeping cabins, with all the trip essentials you’ll need: boat, motor, fuel, guide services and amenities.
Whether you drive in, fly in or train in there are countless lakes and rivers in this region with trophy-sized bass and walleye waiting for you, and most times both on the same body of water you’re fishing.
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About the Author
It's possible Karl's love for fishing began as early as the age of five. His parents took the kids on weekend trips across Ontario fishing for panfish, catfish, and bass. "I started with a bobber and worm from the time I was five years old," says Karl. These days, he has the enviable task of doing what he loves for a living, travelling across Ontario fishing, filming and producing two outdoor series, Extreme Angler and Crappie Angler TV.
