Back Lake Brook Trout Bonanza In Algonquin Park!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 พ.ค. 2018
- Looking to build on our fantastic trip in 2017, my young son Brendan and I ventured into Algonquin Park once again in May 2018.
Just like last year brook trout were the objective and we found them in both numbers and size!
This year we focused on a number of remote back lakes. Lakes with no trails leading to them with very little fishing pressure.
While you cannot legally camp in these remote lakes, fishing them on a day trip is perfectly fine.
What we did over the course of 15 days was INCREDIBLY challenging and tough, especially for my young son at times. But he's a trooper and the rewards were great.
www.canadafishingguide.net
your son will never forget those trips. im saying that as a 37 yr old man whos dad showed me algonquin brookies as a little boy and its some of the best memories i have. i cant wait to do some trips with my little ones. thanks for the video.
Clearly you can relate, thanks for the comment! Cheers
Hold these memories!
I was born in florida and moved to toronto and fell in love with brook trout. After seeing your video I learned about the portaging in Algonquin and have now been twice but im topping out at 16 inchers right now. One day thanks to you I will have one worth making a replica of, so thank you very much.
Daniel thanks so much for the reply, you made my day. :) Best of luck in your quest!
That’s one tough kid you got there and a great fisherman. Well done to both of ye.
I have been waiting all year for your new video!!!! Thank you sir!!! You inspired me to get all my gear for portaging!! Thank you both sir!! Thank you much!!!
Hey, it inspires me to know people are anticipating my videos! Happy portaging! Cheers
Really enjoyed this video and making memories with your son to boot.I've paddled through Algonquin starting at Cedar Lake ending up on Opiongo twice 10 day stints. Great Brook trout fishing on several lakes and streams. I hope to return again one day with my son & his two boys when they get old enough. Cheers!.
Thanks for sharing the video, Mike. It felt like I was right in the boat with you. That had to have been the biggest brookie you've ever caught.
Glad you like it! Yes, that was definitely my biggest brook trout.
Great video! Wish we had as many brookies up in Northern Ontario!
But....you do!!!! Seriously. Doesn't really matter you live in northern Ontario either, there's great fishing for brook trout. :)
Great video Mike. Such great memories with your son. My spring trip is all booked and will likely be into your second back lake shown or perhaps one a little further west.
Thanks Shawn! Good luck in your travels.
Awesome job again guys. My trip was delayed from the late ice out. Heading out this friday.
Thanks! Best of luck on your trip. Fishing should be great, but be prepared for the bugs! Cheers
Epic thank you for sharing thumbs way up
Thanks Rob
Great video! We've had a lot of luck in the park too. It's nice to see good numbers and nice sized brookies are still there. Caught a 30 inch Laker in the interior last May, right after ice out, one of the best feelings in the world :)
Glad you liked it Bryan! There's still good fish, but lots of sweat equity needed to reach them! :) Cheers
Hi Mike,
I’m mesmerized by your Algonquin videos, even the food and tackle videos. I used to go to the middle of the park regularly with my uncle when I was young. We caught (and released) some really big brookies. As such your videos brings on some nostalgic memories.
I stopped doing big canoe trips with portages a while back after a series of accidents. I have two steel hips and 6 healed but fractured vertebra. I worked out over the winter to strengthen my back and tried a shorter trip with an ultra light canoe this summer and found I can do it again. After a long absence I’m planning a return to the deep interior next spring. Fingers crossed it goes well. It would be cool to cross paths as you’ve achieved rock star status in my mind.
I’m replacing all my old school equipment with light stuff. For example a lighter tent, a super light tarp and a new lighter attitude towards food. Over time I may start dehydrating my own food like you do.
This is slowly leading to my question, which is about your canoe. Ideally I would like a super light 16 footer that’s easy to solo in the mornings if my wife or friend sleeps in, but I suspect that’s too small for all the supplies needed on a longer trip. I think I’ll have to get a 17 footer.
To me it looks like your canoe is shorter than 17 feet. Is that true? Do you think 16 ft is big enough for the kind of trips you do? Your canoe doesn’t look super light. I’m guessing you need a stronger canoe (and thus a heavier one) to do river sections on your trip. Feather and Ultra lights might be too delicate when there’s a risk of hitting rocks. Can you comment on 16 ft vs 17 ft question, and also why you don’t use a super light Kevlar. I assume its not just a financial issue.
Hi Steve, thanks for the very lengthy comment! But..rock star status? LOL! It's great to hear you're getting back into the swing of things, it sounds as though you've been through a lot! It's usually far easier to answer lengthy questions like this either through a phone call or email. Contact info is on my website at www.canadafishingguide.net I'll attempt to answer here though :) My canoe actually is an ultra light kevlar, and yes, it's 17'. To be specific it's a Souris River Quetico 17. Personally a 16' canoe is a bit too small for my taste, min length would be 17. Some of the 18' ultra light kevlar boats are fantastic options as well. With a larger payload than a 16' boat they tend to be far more nimble and paddle better when fully loaded on an extended trip. The Souris River Q17 that I have is strictly a flatwater boat as are more ultra light kevlar canoes. They are simply not designed for moving water. If I'm paddling rivers I'm using another boat. The Souris River fwiw is in my estimation the finest flatwater tripping canoe on the market and I've paddled them all. Explaining why would require a phone call though I think :) In your case if it's you carrying the canoe you might be forced to paddle something smaller and even lighter because of your physical limitations. That said, in a perfect world if I was tripping with 3 people in a boat which you alluded to, there is zero question I would be using an 18' ultra light kevlar most likely with a third seat in the middle. Souris River makes a Quetico 18 that would be perfect for that. Hope that helps at least a bit! As mentioned feel free to call me direct anytime. Assuming I'm actually home and not away off the grid somewhere I'm always happy to chat. Cheers
Thanks Mike. I checked out your web site earlier today. I'm for sure going to sign up with as a "pro" member and pick your brain at a later date. First I'll read up on the Souris River canoe. I think I communicated poorly to the extent that it sounded like I wanted a canoe for 3 people. I typically canoe with EITHER my wife OR a friend. If both, then its two canoes. I'm not a big fan of 3 person canoes. Anyway - you're obviously a super nice guy. I'll contact you through you web site later. Thanks ... and you are fishing rock star whether you like it or not.
HAHA! Thanks Steve! Will look forward to hearing from you and thanks in advance for the support, I mean that sincerely. I think in your case then a 16' ultra light canoe would be best considering what you're dealing with physically. The lighter the better. The Q16 from Souris River would be my choice. Beyond stability, the biggest difference between the Souris River and say Swift canoes is construction. Swift are beautiful boats but the gel coat construction needs to be babied much more than the epoxy resin Souris River uses. You can beat the crap out of Souris River, scratch it to death, then if you wish it can be sanded down a refinished to look brand new quite easily.
very nice. Your son also respects the fish the way he handles them with wet hands and quick release:) Cheers
Thanks! I've always tried to teach him correctly, glad some of it is sinking in! :)
Great videos Mike
Thanks!
Great vid. Amazing fish. Been skunked on my BT search thus far in Algonquin. Maybe this year.
Thanks Darrell, best of luck to you!
Amazing !
I'm highly biased, but I agree! :) Cheers
This is what Heaven looks like!
I'm with you on that!
Love this with your son!? I do this as well. These are very. Special moments!!!
I hope you realize how lucky you are my friend. I envy you to say the least. Unreal. Beautiful. It gets no better.
I agree it doesn't get any better, but trust me there is zero luck involved, beyond simply having the ability to pursue what I love and having a son who's got a passion for it too. :)
@@CanadaFishingGuide Yeah maybe luck was the wrong word. Awesome none the less. Hope one day I can make the trip up there and experience that beautiful lake at least once. For now the Sierras here in Cali will have to suffice. Really dig the videos brother, thanks for sharing. ✌
I live in Maine and have done a lot of fishing over the years but I can't wrap my brain around trout fishing like what this video showed. Unbelievable. Honestly, if it wasn't on video I wouldn't believe it. In Maine that lake would have 100 fishermen a day on it. Nice!
I get it. But the irony is Algonquin Park is relatively close to the largest urban area in the entire country, and is in fact visited by thousands upon thousands of anglers every year. The true gems, the lakes that still have fishing like this are way off the beaten track and require arduous treks through dense bush to reach. This lake was over a mile to reach. Very, very few people are ever willing to go to that extreme, especially not really knowing for sure whether the lake even has fish at all. :)
@@CanadaFishingGuide Very nicely done. Some pretty large brookies there with your boy. You mentioned over a mile to reach that lake. Definitely not from the road, more like six or seven lake portage then the mile walk in im guessing.
It's been a few years, good to see you're still at it.
another good watch. cool paddles too, they look like custom/handmade deals. The portage in to this lake was worth it. I watched your food pack video too and ziploc love's you.
Although i like camp life footage as much as fishing, it likely gave the FOI type more to work with. :D
that monster at the end is amazing.
Oh I'm still at it!! Thanks for the comment, yes the portage lake was worth it. :) Cheers
Great video, I can't wait to start taking my son out, although it will be a few years before he can. I had to go by myself this spring as I couldn't get anyone else to come, and hence wasn't able to go deep in, so caught nothing. Looking forward to trying again though.
Good luck in the future. You have a lot to look forward to with your son!
awesome
For sure :)
Good job keeping those lake’s secret! It’s awesome seeing the hard work getting to those lakes.
Have you bushwhacked to very many lakes in Algonquin that didn’t have trout?
I’m heading to Algonquin for a week next August. What rod and reels should I bring and what lures are best for brookies during that time of year.
Thanks!
P.S recently started watching your videos and I’ve enjoyed them very much
Hey, love the videos and have learned a ton from them and your site. Would you mind sharing what the make/model of the seats are in your canoe and whether you prefer them over any other brand or make. Thank you.
Thanks for the kind words Joseph! I have two. A lightweight one made by Chinook for my son www.chinooktec.com/index.php/furniture/chairs/product/145-chinook-canoe-seat and a more heavy duty one made by GCI for myself www.gcioutdoor.com/canoe-seats/sitbacker-canoe-seat/ The GCI seat is by far the best, well worth the extra weight to haul it around if you're an older guy like me with a back that gets sore after hours in a canoe. :)
Hi mike- I know you’re not sharing information on the exact lakes you goto backwoods, I’m just curious as to how you found/heard about these initially? Trying to do some research myself to find my own honey hole for brookies and would appreciate any sort of advice you’d be willing to offer!
Nice video, especially taking your son along. My son and I have annual spring lake trout trips into Manitou every ice out. The odd time we catch a few beauties. One question, are some of the trout you’re catching not Lake Trout? Didn’t see square tails on a few? Splake perhaps?
Nope, most definitely not lake trout or splake. 100% wild brook trout. Best of luck if you go again this spring! :)
Another questions I've been wondering about - so you're bushwhacking to back lakes off of the main canoe circuits - are you allowed to camp on these lakes? I though you had to inform the park of the lakes you are staying at? Also, are you just using a handheld GPS to get tp them? Thanks!
Really curious about this as well
I’m interested in making the short trip north to do a canoe trip and some fly fishing for brookies. What kind of canoe are you using and where do you suggest going as far as an outfitter for advice on an Algonquin trip? Great videos!
Hi Paul, I use a Souris River Quetico 17 in ultra light kevlar. Fantastic boat. I've never used an outfitter frankly. I have no clue which ones are good or bad.
Looks like fun and good memories, BT are certainly fresh water jewels…. Surprised to see that perch so deep in the park. I was under the impression they cant coexist. Perch eat the forage and brook trout can’t eat perch because of their spines, which is why they stock splake into perch lakes, but maybe I’m wrong. Rainbows certainly can’t eat perch.
Another question regarding the yoke pads, where did you get yours? I’m having a hard time sourcing them in Canada.
Hi Steve, mine came standard with the canoe when I purchased it (Souris River) The best on the market by far imo are the sling pads made by Wenonah. They're super comfy, like shock absorbers on your shoulders. You might have to bite the bullet and order them from the States. wenonah.com/Items.aspx?id=61
Hey Mike, been looking at getting the portage pads you have on your yoke in this vid. Worthy upgrade?
Late reply sorry. Without a doubt, at least for me they've been life changing. Far more comfortable than a padded contoured yoke.
Awesome thanks for the reply. Look forward to your next Brook trout beat down this coming spring.
HI again Mike,
I’ve done many dozens of trips to Algonquin. Favourite times are May and the last week of Sept. Best fishing, no bugs, less people, but cold. I’m thinking of doing an early July trip to Quetico. I’ve never been to Quetico. Do you have any similar videos or articles about canoe fishing trips to Quetico?
You really don't follow me on my website or Facebook do you Steve? LOL! I was away for almost a month with my son in July and August recently. One of the trips we did was a 16 night canoe trip in Quetico, which I've been talking about/promoting for months. Yes, eventually there will be a lengthy write up on that trip published on my website and a large number of associated youtube videos. I'm intimately familiar with Quetico. Back in my serious paddling days I did a number of lengthy 1-2 month solo trips in Quetico over the course of several years. This years trip was the first time I've been back in a very long time and it was almost a religious experience for me, especially having my son along. I LOVE Quetico! There is no bad time to go to Quetico, but July would certainly be my least favorite month. Primarily because of bugs (mosquitos in early July, then stable flies the rest of the month). Also the heat. It can be stifling. Far prefer August or even better September. June is great primarily because the fishing is so spectacular, especially in the first couple weeks. I can provide you with a ton of info and intel on Quetico, but again that's better handled either through an email or phone call. Cheers
What rod lengths, action and weights do you like for this type of fishing?
In general terms light action rods in the 6-61/2' lengths rated for 4-8lb test are pretty standard. I've been using the St. Croix Trout Series rods recently and like them a lot
What are you using? For brookies here in Newfoundland, Tasmanian Devils are my go to lure.
Tasmanian Devils are something I've never tried for brook trout. They're an odd lure, very few people use them! I'm very partial to spoons. My top four would be the Weaver Grabber, the Thomas Cyclone, the E.G.B, and the Williams Ridgeback.
Dare devil is the number one for brook trout in the arostook county in Maine
A lot of panther martins are great also
What time of year is this? I'm heading up to algonquin for a 7 day trip with my family for the last week of August. Great video by the way so peaceful thanks for sharing.
Hi Tim, that was May 12, roughly 4-5 days after ice out. In general the first couple weeks after ice out is by far the best time to target trout in Algonquin. Last week of August it's quite frankly next to impossible to catch them unless you use very specialized tactics. Even then you're scratching hard for every fish you catch.
@@CanadaFishingGuide thanks for the reply. I usually go up May long weekend with my brother and do well catching small brookies but this year I'm taking my wife and two kids (9&11) so it's a little safer and easier to go up later when its warm.
@@timr3031 there's no "bad" time to go to Algonquin. :) Hope you guys have a blast! Cheers
What type of canoe?
According to my GPS software, and Jeff's Maps, there is at least a campsite on each lake. Did you see any that look OK. I realize you stayed out on the big lake and only did a day trip in. I was thinking of hauling my gear in on the nasty 1st portage, and maybe even into the second, as it's half as long. I was thinking this trip trip or the Ranger Lake Loop in Algoma this May. Depends on the weather window. This one is easier to escape in case of bad weather. Ranger Lake might take me 6-10 days.
What? LOL! A campsite on each lake? What lakes?? I'm not naming any lakes and it's impossible that you have any clue unless you're someone I know LOL!
@@CanadaFishingGuide Ah my friend, it took a few hours using geometry, cartography, deductive reasoning, and some confirmation bias. Sounds like a lot of gibberish, but I used it for fun in another Algonquin video a few years ago on the West side of the park where the guy gave only a few snippets about 2 lakes they were told about. It took about 1-1/2 hours to solve and confirm using a lot of deductive reasoning (though I never went to those lakes ... yet). Actually, I had your lakes on my "interesting" short list for a few years, but always ended up doing my usual 5-8 km of portaging. I might try in May. I go solo, use barbless, and rarely keep any. I also never handle the sensitive skin of these beauties. If you go this year, maybe I'll see you there. I'm going to take a chance and carry the gear in. If I can portage 5-8 k, I can handle a couple of k. Now I have to decide ... a tree tent or regular tent and hope the ground is flat.
You think its one of the back lakes around Opeongo? Baldwin or Nepawin are my guesses
@@mackhughson3722 Nope. But I think it's best to keep the name out of general circulation. It's not that difficult to get to. This Spring I may do the Ranger Lake loop in Algoma (as far as I can go) if the weather is half decent for most of 7 to 10 days. If the weather window is not that good, I'm going in to this lake for 3-4 days. Much less work.
@@canoeman1961 Totally agree that was my first base guess, would love to chat in private about the lake if youre willing. Its gotta be something around Opeongo
Hey, are you the guy from the CBC article that had someone try to use the 'freedom of information act' to try and get you to share the specifics on your trip? How did that work out? Hope they didn't get what they were looking for.
Yes, that was me. After 3 appeals the request was finally officially denied in December of 2018. Just a crazy amount of time and tax payers money wasted on something that should have been a quick and easy decision. There's a very large shortage of common sense among our politicians and beurocrats.
@@CanadaFishingGuide Seriously?
@@poochie49 yep :) www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/foi-request-fishing-spot-1.4232556
I made it to those lakes in one day ... not easy
I made it by noon on the second day, the river was allot better fishing than the lakes when we went, i’m thinking allot of people figured out the location
@@ivanod4888 100 % we went the year before this video and nobody had been there in years .this vidoe ruined those lakes ... not mr borgers fault at all ..good guy
Great video. Anyone ever gone for brookies in interior lakes with the intent of bringing some home for the freezer? Was wondering people do that. Do you just bring a big amount of ice and make it a short trip? Obviously there's a balance between the time needed to get in to an interior lake, and then time limit on bringing fish back on ice before your ice melts, lol.
Thanks for any tips
Jake,
Very few Algonquin anglers bring fish out of the park. It is definitely a faux pas.
Precisely why backcountry anglers keep their spots secret.
Nothing wrong with eating a few while your there though, you wouldn’t get them home fresh anyway.
The easily accessible lakes have been fished heavily and now support bass from people taking their limits home.
Try taking one home if you must, on ice maybe in a high quality cooler?
Tight lines my friend.
Are any of these lakes stocked? Or all wild fish?
Absolutely not stocked. Exceedingly remote, difficult to access and 100% wild fish.
@@CanadaFishingGuide I've hit so fairly remote Algonquin lakes - mid summer didn't see anyone so I'd say that is remote for Algonquin. But we didn't have this kind of "luck". You're clearly an amazing fisherman. I suppose I could use the excuse that we were there in midsummer and jt was warm to hot. I think May to early-mid June are the times to go...
I love this video.. and the Park.. but the older I get the harder it is to get out to these locations.. the portages are killer... anyone use a kayak and a cart to get into these remote lakes?
Kayak would be the worst thing to use, and unless you're on a groomed cart trail a cart wouldn't work. Only way is pack light and carry everything on your back.
CAn i join you guys this year. i love to go and fly fish.
That's some amazing fishing. I hope your son know how lucky he is!
I have a question that you might be able to awnswer. Would you recommend a medium/light power for 1/4 spoons or light power is good enough? I own a medium and UL but one is too heavy and the other too light. Thanks.
Thanks! My son loves the sport, including him is the best part of what I do. Without a doubt a med/light rod is the best choice imo. Something 61/2' with a med/fast action rated for 4-8lb test is perfect.
Thanks.
Can't really get better than this. I fish a lot in Papineau-Labelle and I know there are a fair share of big 5+ pounds brookies but I've yet to catch one over 2.5 pds. I've only really been interessed in fishing since 3 years so I'm confident that time will come. :) Algonquin park look amazing I'll have to go there someday.
I have a couples 1/4, 1/8 spoons but I've never really bothered to fish them with the trebble for brookies. Let's just say that's eye opening. I'm trying to figure out what size you were using? I'm guessing 1/8 or 1/4 but It's hard to tell.
Please continue making videos this is great stuff!
There are only 3 rivers large enough that can be like that river and have small mouth bass and brook trout Crowe river past laveille (but then you would be fishing for small mouth into bellow the falls unless they made it above the falls, or there is pettawawa river, or nippissing river. Considering one girl who has traveled most of the rivers doesn't know the spot I would go for the least traveled river crowe river.
Except there's no rivers or smallmouth bass in this video. :)
lol replied to your wrong video I meant the other one ;)
According to the Algonquin parks surveys that area around crow river is one of the best spots so you could be correct.
I know exactly where u caught that tank ..
30 years ago i used to canoe Algonquin and fish, often by myself. it's been many years as i live a few provinces away. it used to be an almost secretive fishery and brookie fishermen were a bit like steelheaders- don't blab about it, don't go into detail, don't flash it about. now, my angel is a centerfold- come to Algnoquin and slay trophy brookies! sometimes i hate the internet.
What's the name of the lake
Queer Lake...you'll fit right in if you go
@@MichealBacon what did you gain by making this comment to a 17 year old who just wants to go catch fish
@@gavingerrits5135 I brought it to your attention to teach him not to ask stupid questions..he's not a little boy so quit treating him like one
If you ever get tired of bringing your son into the bush because he complains about catching too many fish I’d be happy to be adopted by you. I’m 58 years old, love long portages and will happily carry the canoe, wash the dishes and clean the fish. Just let me know, okay Dad?
Mind sharing what lakes you like ?
I fish all over Canada Kyal, that's a hard question to answer! If you've never seen the website there's tons of detailed stories on a large number of my remote fishing trips. www.canadafishingguide.net If you have any specific questions feel free to reach out to me, my contact info is on the website. Cheers
Sorry. Specifically the northern Algonquin lakes for the brook trout in this video.
Kyal that's information that I don't share with anyone, sorry. The lakes in Algonquin are simply too sensitive. Maybe check out this link to see what I was forced to endure last year: www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/foi-request-fishing-spot-1.4232556
Canada Fishing Guide . Ice out 2019! Maybe see you on a portage next week? All the best.
That is North Bay right? Lol
Yep :)
What lake is this
Not a question that any self respecting angler would ever answer, let alone to a complete stranger on the internet.
@@CanadaFishingGuide fair enough just thought I would ask
@@JohnSmith-gm3qm click on the link, this is what I dealt with in recent years. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/foi-request-fishing-spot-1.4232556
The VR lens on your camera is horrendous to watch vids through. The colors of those fish are not really viewable because of it. Amazing otherwise
WHAT A BEAUTIFUL VIEW OF THE WHITE BELLY OF AN UNIDENTIFIED FISH.
Poor fish :( Why inflict pain on another creature for entertainment? Try taking photos instead.
Thank you, I was in need of a laugh today.
Perhaps if you tried practicing kindness toward other creatures, you'd find you laugh more often. Try teaching your son to be compassionate.
@@RockLakeMama my son is the most compassionate human being that I know and he was raised that way. Having spent a lifetime traveling and living in wild places I can assure you that my love, respect and compassion for other creatures is strong. I truly feel sorry for people like yourself as I believe your comments were made with sincerity but you are utterly clueless. My strong recommendation to you would be stop watching youtube videos that involve fishing. Also you really need to stop commenting when you are so clearly uninformed. It's a pointless exercise that doesn't reflect very well on you.
Thank you for taking the time to respond. You and I clearly see the world differently. C'mon, though … you're clearly the unenlightened one. How can you say you have compassion, love and respect for other creatures when you actually derive pleasure from an activity that terrifies and tortures them? While researching for an Algonquin trip, your video unfortunately happened to play. I certainly avoid images of cruelty and suffering whenever possible. I do, however, stick up for defenceless creatures whenever I can. Peace.
@@RockLakeMama Youll "stick up for defenceless creatures" but then chime in on how someone else should raise their children on you tube...a real humanitarian eh? Lmao
Hey is it possible to get your contact? I really need your help for fishing guide!