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Ontario Fishing Lodge Experience | Fish'n Canada
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Nov 22, 2023
In this first episode of our “pandemic” airing season, Angelo and Pete break down the many different Ontario fishing opportunities available. Everything from drive-to, fly-in, and train-in lodges, to American or Housekeeping plans, outpost camps, and more are explained. The guys explain many of the important aspects of travel-to fishing destinations, especially when restrictions are in place. As well, once the air clears and we can all resume a normal lifestyle, this is simply a great all-around guide to the many types of fishing opportunities that not only the province of Ontario offers, but the rest of the country as well. ► Subscribe http://bit.ly/youtube-fishncanada Don't forget to leave a COMMENT and give us a LIKE if you enjoyed what you saw. SUBSCRIBE for new videos and episodes released weekly! CONNECT WITH US -------------------------------- ► WEBSITE http://fishncanada.com ► FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/FishnCanada/ ► INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/fishncanada... ► TWITTER https://twitter.com/angeloviolafnc/ One of Canada's longest-running fishing shows, Fish'n Canada travels from coast to coast in search of trophy fishing opportunities. First started by brothers Angelo and Reno Viola in 1986, The Fish’n Canada Show has been on the air for over 30 years. Today, Angelo is joined by lifelong fishing buddy, Peter Bowman, and the pair continue to travel across Canada educating anglers using the experience they’ve gained over the years
View Video Transcript
0:00
Pete and I are going over some last minute things to add to our checklist before we head out on a fishing trip
0:05
There are a lot of things to consider before embarking on your Ontario fishing adventure, whether it's a drive to, train to, or fly in
0:15
Please consider taking a trip to a Ontario fishing lodge this year. Guarantee it, it's going to be awesome
0:20
And in the process, you could be helping one of the many struggling operators during this crazy pandemic
0:25
I promise you you won't regret it. Wow. The Fish in Canada show brought to you in part five
0:34
Ram trucks built to serve. Prince Craft boats dominate the waters. Garmin
0:43
Plot your paradise. Real amids. Mercury outboards. Go boldly. And Ontario, Canada, in partnership with Destination Ontario
1:00
I got them, buddy. Oh, you found them. I found them. Oh, hey, guys
1:07
How you doing? Just in time. Pete and I are going over some last-minute things to add to our checklist before we head out on a fishing trip
1:13
Although we've done this a million times over the past several decades, it does make sense to make a list
1:18
It could make the difference between a dream trip and a nightmare. Especially with a pair of forgetful knuckleheads like us
1:25
You know, through the years, we have forgotten just about everything. from rainware to footwear, underwear, rods, reels, fishing net, bug sprays, sunglasses
1:35
you name it, we've forgotten it. One time we even forgot the keys to the boat. But the best one is, we got to Northern Ontario, we forgot our broadcast camera
1:43
That's why we need a list. Now, thankfully, a lot of this stuff we've been traveling with for years, but there are a few new items
1:50
a mask and lots of hand sanitizer, both of which we're hoping to get off the list as soon as possible
1:56
But for now, COVID-19 has made sure that they play a vital role in our lives
2:01
In our case, probably as important as our rods and reels. Good point, buddy. Now, although most lodge operators have implemented health and safety protocol
2:08
to ensure the well-being of their guests and their employees, we say take no chances
2:12
Uh-uh. Kick COVID in the butt. Be smart, be vigilant, and be safe
2:19
Now, when you get to your final destination, set up a virus-free bubble by disinfecting all frequently touched surfaces like door handles
2:26
Fridge and oven handles, even utensils and dishes should be given a once over
2:31
Everything that you're going to be coming in contact with should be given a quick wipe
2:35
But don't limit this to just inside stuff. The camp, boat and motor you'll be using will need the same proactive approach
2:41
Disinfect gunnels, seatbacks, bailing buckets, throttle handles, starter and choke buttons, pull cords, and anything else you may be coming in contact with when out fishing and operating the boat
2:51
Hey, there's no denying that COVID-19 has had a negative impact on all of our lives
2:56
But there are some positives that have come of it. And one of them is the fact that more and more people are discovering the great outdoors
3:02
in particular fishing. Without question, the most popular fishing destinations are drive-toes
3:09
Here in Ontario, we're lucky in that we have literally thousands of rubber-tire trips to choose from
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Here's a sample of what you can expect. We are very family-friendly
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We host guests from all around the globe. People come here, and they're looking for a truly..
3:26
Northern Ontario fishing lodge experience with clean amenities and gourmet dining in a truly
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historic Canadian setting. Beautiful. That's awesome. A couple of spectacular jumps as they always do
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We defy you to try and find a cooler place to overnight than this one, Bruce Bay Cottages
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and Lighthouse. Even if you're not into fishing, this destination has a very very..
3:56
unique accommodation experience in that you can overnight in the authentic lighthouse that
4:01
sits high atop McKay Point, overlooking beautiful Lake Huron. This is nuts, buddy
4:11
I don't believe the net or not. I can't tell you that. It's not bad. I'll sling him up
4:16
Actually, I almost needed a net on that one. This is nuts
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This is crazy. Look at that. For the most part, drive-toes are popular because they're economical, no restrictions on luggage, and ideal for bigger groups like families and friends
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These are those special moments that stay with you a lifetime. Oh, look at that fish, buddy
4:40
Oh, my God. There's virtually no end to the drive-to options in Ontario
4:51
You're limited only by how far you're willing to drive. For us, distance isn't a concern if the final destination promises outstanding fishing
4:59
That brings us to one of our mutual favorite drive-to destinations, sunset country in northwestern Ontario
5:06
It's a phenomenal fishery. We rate Andersons as one of the top lodges in all of Ontario
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With great accommodations meals and access to world fishing it gets no better Oh whoa There one Oh that boy Do it feel good
5:24
I know. I think we better grab the net. Yeah, I believe this is networthy
5:30
Yes, it is. Nice worry. There's nothing wrong with that northern right there
5:36
Hey? There is nothing wrong with that northern right there. We don't even think twice about towing the print scrap lawn for the 20-hour drive from our office in southern Ontario
5:55
Oh, yes. That's a big fish. That's a big fish. I can tell that rod is just working it
6:04
Oh, look at that fish, buddy. Oh, my God. Take your time
6:08
Take your time. Oh, yeah, that's a good one. That's a big one, Pete. It's a scar on. Yes
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Wow. Oh, good. Look at the size. Oh, right there. Oh, yeah
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Can you imagine, folks, a lake full of predators this size? Yeah
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Because that's what this lake is. They're all big. They're just no small fish
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They're known for this right here and even bigger, like even bigger than this
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This is what we go fishing for. This is it right there. Whoa. Whoa
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That's what we're coming up to Hawk Lake right there. That's a hawk lake fish. Get it! Yes
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Dude, that's a big and big fish. Like, wow. That is a 10-pounder
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Oh, look at the length of that fish. I believe last year, there were over 320-28-inch plus walleye caught on this small body of water
7:05
And that is due to catch and release by 100%. They throw every walleye back, be it this big, this big, or this big. No. Yeah
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Nice one. That's a pig. Look at the size of that. Buddy, that's a 10-pounder
7:19
Gorgeous walleye. My God, that's a big fish. A lot of people have never caught a walleye that big, okay
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You say, we've heard stories that people catch it, and they got, I got an 8 or 9-pounder
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and reality is it's not an 8- or 9-1. That was a true 9-to-10-pound fish right there every minute of the day, and that's a big, big walleye
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probably the biggest of most people's lives. As you can see, Hawk Lake truly is a phenomenal walleye fishery and a world-time
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class travel destination. This didn't come by chance. It came through a vision and hard work
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So the fishery has really exploded and done quite well under a nice management. And people have
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really, they've really enjoyed that. They respect that because they can go have a great day
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on the water, catch them trophy-sized fish. And I think that's been very successful. And I'm glad
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we did it because it's a good model for other lodges, a thing to follow as well
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Back to the lodge for a hell of a supper. Yeah, baby. Oh, son. I like that. That will be awesome
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This hot spot is a weed bed and a back bay that Steve and I discovered while on our trip to laxuel
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The waypoint on your screen will get you right there. This is one of the largest cabbage beds we found during our trip
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and it most definitely held the biggest concentration of northern pike in that vicinity
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We used a variety of baits, but a glide bait seemed to really trigger these pike into hitting
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For more hotspots like this one, check out fishing Canada.com. To get to today's outstanding trophy walleye fishing, we first drove north on Highway 400 to Highway 69
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We then took Highway 17, northwest, all the way past Dryden and just east of Canora
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We finally turned south on Hawk Lake Road, taking us to the beautiful Hawk Lake Lodge
9:07
This award-winning facility is absolutely perfect for a once-in-a-lifetime fishing trip. It pretty much has it all
9:13
Here we go. Look at that fish. That's a baker. The next type of trip is a little more adventurous, a little more exciting, and in some
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cases a little more expensive, the Ontario Fly-In experience. This fishing trip is a must on any serious angler's bucket list
9:37
Whether you book into a main camp lodge or stay in a lake all by yourself, the fly-in to a remote
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Lake is an adventure unto its own. The vistas just can't be beat
9:49
As hosts of the Fish in Canada show, we've had the privilege of experiencing many fantastic
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fly-in fishing trips. The list is almost endless. Lozahn Aviation and their Hasty Lake Camp is arguably one of the best large-mouth and small-move
10:05
flying opportunities we've ever experienced. Oh my god. Look at that small-mouth
10:12
That's ridiculous. Although Luzon Aviation isn't a traditional lodge, we feel it deserves mentioned in any conversation about the Quiddy Central Ontario fishing experience. Woo
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That, my friends, is a small moan. For the past 50 years Luzon Aviation has been a family and operated business with access to seven different fly fishing locations in northern Ontario Nice fish But once we had a taste of Pasty Lake exceptional bass fishing
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we couldn't help but go back time and time again. Come on, baby
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Come on, baby. Oh, come on, baby. Come on, baby. Look how fat he is
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I think just ate something. I think he ate a rat. That is gorgeous
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Wow. Nikita Air Service and the charming and rustic Eddie North's Atawapascat Adventures
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offer some of the best fly-in pike fishing Ontario has to offer. Here we go
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Look at that shit. That's a pleasure. You know, he's skinny, but he's a gorgeous
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Beautiful fish. Big head. Look at the size of that head, Pete. Yeah, that's the thing
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His heads of these fish are incredible. Rope, rope. The wolf. You okay
11:40
Yeah, I think so, buddy. Look at that blind eye. You big beast. Whoa
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Oh yeah. See you, buddy. And finally, one of our favorite types of fishing adventures, the train in
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Traveling by rail has a certain charm onto its own. Here, speed is definitely not of the essence
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The clickety clack of the train we just adds to the fishing lodge experience
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Our favorite train in Ontario destination is perhaps a bit of a cheap
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That's because our pick, the famous Lodge 88, occupies a much-deserved spot on two lists
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Lodge 88 is a sublime flying fishing destination. We've made this flight a few times over the years
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But for anglers with a little tighter budget, or perhaps a fear of flying
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they offer a train-in experience as an alternative. Regardless of which method of training
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travel you choose once you get there you're destined to enjoy some of the best walleye fishing action of your life look at the size of this thing oh my god buddy
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bring him in look at that whoa that's the way you get Wally on the snaggy
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holly moly moat that whoa I got me to nine around your lens there wow
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oh that's a good one man that has a nice looking fish boy that guy fought like a
13:02
I know I thought it was bigger I did tell like he was... Well, not because they had the grog with that
13:07
Oh, that's a big walleye. That's got to be a 22-24-inch? Oh, oh, he's more than 24
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Is he? Well, we're gonna measure him. He is 27. Nice. What a wonderful spot this is, man
13:18
This lake is unbelievable for us. It has been such a lucky lake
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We come down, we go to that lodge right there and get the best lodge that we've ever been to
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and we stick walleye like this, left, right, center. A bad day, you'll still get a couple of these things
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On a good day, it's Mayhem. Today's hotspot is a big underwater boulder in Hasty Lake
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The waypoint on your screen will take you right there. Every time we came up on this rock, we saw big fish around it
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This would be a phenomenal early season hotspot as big female bass will spawn directly beside the rock
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Cast a tube jig right next to the boulder and hang on. To get to today's awesome walleye fishing, we first took Highway 400 north to Highway 69
14:17
We then took Highway 17 northwest to White River. We then turned right onto 631 and finally left on Tuckany Road to the White River Air Base
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From there, it's a short flight into the luxurious Lodge 88. Right off the dock
14:34
Right here on Laxoul, we're catching our dinner. One of the interesting aspects of these trips
14:45
is that you could book most of them two different ways, the American Plan and the Housekeeping Plan
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The American Plan option offers full daily food service, although with COVID-19 and social distancing
14:57
this may not be available in all locations. The American Plan includes a hearty breakfast in the morning
15:03
a box lunch for out in the boat and dinner served in the evening. Camps that offer fishing guides often throw in the classic Ontario shore lunch
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a fried fish for the midday meal, at least once or twice during the stay
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An authentic Ontario shore lunch is what most great fishing trips are made from
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Obviously, all these services come at a cost. The American plan is the most expensive way to enjoy an Ontario fishing experience
15:27
Although it's great to have these exquisite meals without cooking and cleaning
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The American plan does tie you up to a regular eating schedule served at a predetermined time
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This is not optional, even if the fish are biting. So they just texted us from the lodge, and they want to know what we want for supper, bison or chicken
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Oh, yes. Housekeeping packages on the other hand provide lodging only and you do your own cooking and cleaning You bring your own supplies you come in you set up and you let us know ahead of time what you need and we deliver Now what really nice about this is that you
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come and go as you please, giving you the option of fishing early or late in the day depending on
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weather conditions and how late the poker game ran the night before. You can also plan special
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meals that quickly become trip traditions among the group. Peter, I got another one for you
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Right off the dock, right here on Laxuel. We're catching our dinner
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What a perfect way to end the fishing day. Eating fresh caught and cooked walleye with your fishing buddies
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Generally speaking, these camps can equip with a refrigerator freezer combination, a propane oven stove, a barbecue grill, and all the pots, pans, dishes, and utensils
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You bring all the food. Don't forget the coffee, or it's going to be a long four days
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Most housekeeping plans also feature a cabin with electricity, inside plumbing, hot and cold running water, and showers
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However, some of the more remote flying camps commonly referred to as outposts only provide outside toilets or outhouses
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Not everybody's cup of tea. Hey, what can I tell you? I need my porcelain in the morning
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These remote camps also typically have limited to no electricity and rely on propane and or wood for heating and cooking
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They usually require the guests to bring a sleeping bag, linens, and towels
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In other words, this is truly roughing it. This is what all outbacked wilderness experiences should be
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Your own lake without another human being in sight for days. So one final thing we'd like to leave you with during these incredibly uncertain times
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Please, please consider taking a trip to a territorial fishing lodge this year
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Guarantee you, it's going to be awesome. process you could be helping one of the many struggling operators during this crazy
17:50
pandemic. That's right Pete and these are good honest hard-working folks many of whom
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own family operated businesses for generations. Running a business like this isn't a job
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it's a lifestyle. It was my father's dream and now we're living it still in my generation
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and I strongly believe that it's our responsibility to ensure that the resource is
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there for the next generations. My family bought this resort back in 1975. We consider
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a wilderness vacation resort, which means it's a place to come up and really enjoy everything
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there is about nature. From fishing and enjoying shore lunches and that kind of stuff to watching
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bearer and moose, it's really getting in touch with nature. And I think for the most part
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people are really missing that in today's world. Where else can you come and enjoy the fishing at its finest, get to hike on the trails
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and the best view in the north. We want to keep a quiet, quaint, but we still want individuals
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that love this region to come out and enjoy it. So please consider them this year
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When you're looking for a place to invest that hard-earned vacation dollar, I promise you you won't regret it
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Catch you next week. This hot spot is a river of the famous narrowes on Ontario's Lake Tamismicamie
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The waypoint on the screen will put you right on it. Since this is a breakline or drop-off, I highly suggest trolling the area covering as much water as possible
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Trolling crank baits, spinners tipped with worms, and even the old tried-and-true Canadian Wiggler are by far the best presentations here
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However, drifting minnows works as well. For more hotspots like this one, check out fishin Canada.com
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To get the Pine Portage Lodge, we first took Highway 400 north from Toronto
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We then took Highway 69 north to Sudbury. Next, we took Highway 17 Northwest and finally took Highway 101 to the Watson Skyway Air Base at Wawa Lake
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From there, it's a short flight to the lodge. The Fish in Canada show brought to you in part five
20:07
Ram trucks built to serve. Prince Craft boats dominate the waters. Garmin. Plot your paradise. Real them in. Mercury outboards. Go boldly
20:23
And Ontario, Canada, in partnership with Destination Ontario. Close captioning for this episode was brought to you by Fishing Canada.com
20:33
The gateway to your next fishing adventure. Come alone to our cabin in the wild, because we're in for some for fishing Canada
20:44
Yes, we're in for some fish in Canada
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