The Fishing
Fishing in Temagami is a big story (but not as big as the one that got away!). Most area lakes contain some combination of lake trout, walleye (pickerel), smallmouth bass, northern pike and whitefish. Splake, rainbow trout and speckled trout are also found in some lakes and rivers. While the lake trout and walleye fisheries have attracted the attention of anglers throughout the world, less attention has been paid to bass, pike and whitefish fisheries. These species provide excellent fishing and are growing with popularity with anglers.
One of the area’s biggest fish stories has been the success of the Temagami Area Fish Improvement Program. Started in 1986, TAFIP gives nature a hand through improving walleye habitat and assissting in the reproduction process. Volunteers gather spawn in spring shortly after ice “break-up” on area lakes and rivers, and hatch up to 2 million eggs, releasing them as fry in about 6 weeks. A tour of the hatchery includes a look at the spawning tanks and a video. (Tours available during May hatching and in July and August.)
Whether you are out on Lake Temagami or on one of the many smaller lakes along the Highway 11 corridor, your local tourist operator or bait and tackle shop is the best source of information and fishing trips. Most lodges have boats, motors and guides available but you can also bring your own boat and motor and use one of many marina boat launchings. Please ensure that your boat is free of Zebra mussels before launching in local waters. Another option is to take advantage of one of several fishing charters available on Lake Temagami or Cassels / Rabbit Lakes or fly in to a remote lake for a “reel adventure”.
Ice fishing usually starts in Temagami in early January. Lake Temagami produces excellent whitefish in the early season until trout season opens from February 15 to March 15. Other lakes, notably Cassels / Rabbit and Jumping Caribou are open for trout January 1.
Most lodges have ice fishing packages which provide food and accommodation, transportation to a heated hut, bait and equipment. Instead of driving to Temagami this winter, consider taking the train. The Northlander departs Union Station in Toronto at mid-day and delivers you rested and ready for a relaxing getaway in Temagami at 6:30 pm. just in time for a great meal.
Fishing Licenses are available at the Ministry of Natural Resources office in Temagami or from several lodges. Canadian residents require an Outdoors Card and a Resident Seasonal License or Conservation License. Non-resident licences are available for the season 7 days or 1 day and may be purchased as conservation license with a lower catch and possession limits.
We encourage all visitors to assist in protecting our resources for the use and enjoyment of future generations. Practice catch and release or minimum harvest.
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